Abstract
Aerated concrete is produced by introducing gas into a concrete, the amount dependent upon the requirements for strength. One method to achieve this is by using powdered aluminium which reacts with the calcium hydroxide produced upon hydration of the cement. The aim of the current study was to investigate the influence of the powder content on the mechanical properties of aerated concrete namely; compressive and flexural strengths, modulus of elasticity, density and porosity. The results indicated that an increase in aluminium content caused a decrease in the compressive and tensile strengths. It also produced a decrease in the modulus of elasticity. When the aluminium content increased, the density decreased and the porosity increased.
Highlights
Aerated concrete (AC) is produced by introducing gas bubbles into a conventional concrete which produces a material of lower density
Flexural strength was measured by using prisms with dimensions 40 mm cross section and 160 mm length according to the BS EN 1351 [16]
This study has shown that by adding Al powder: 1. The compressive strength of the AC specimens decreases with increasing the Al powder content
Summary
Aerated concrete (AC) is produced by introducing gas bubbles into a conventional concrete which produces a material of lower density. The introduction of powdered aluminium (a foaming agent) reacts with the calcium hydroxide formed on hydration of cement to produce hydrogen gas bubbles. Foundations become more economical and the building cost is decreased [5, 6]. This type of concrete has lower mechanical properties and additional cement is required for the same strength as a normal concrete [7]. Typical lightweight concrete has densities from 1000 to 2000 kg/m3 and compressive strengths from 1 to 100 N/mm2 [7]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
