Experimental Research on Properties of High-Strength Foamed Concrete

Abstract

The aim of this study is to develop structural foamed concretes by using silica fume, fly ash, and polypropylene fiber. The study presents the use of fly ash for fully replacing sand to produce foamed concrete. Fine silica fume and polypropylene (PP) fiber were used to improve properties of foamed concrete. Lightweight foamed concretes with a wide range of concrete densities ( 800–1,500 kg/m3 ) were studied mainly for compressive strength, splitting tensile strength, and drying shrinkage. The results indicate that foamed concrete with a density of 800–1,500 kg/m3 and compressive strength of 10–50 MPa can be made by using silica fume and PP fiber. Fine silica fume and PP fiber greatly improved the compressive strength of foamed concrete. In addition, adding PP fiber significantly improved the splitting tensile strength and drying shrinkage resistance.