Miscanthus x giganteus as a building material - lightweight concrete

Vladimir Jankovic,Suncica Vjestica,Vladica Ristic,Ivana Sekler,Slobodan Stefanovic

doi:10.2298/hemind201116013s

Vladimir Jankovic, Suncica Vjestica + Show 3 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.2298/hemind201116013s

Copy DOI

Abstract

A perennial plant Miscanthus x giganteus has found its habitat and multiple applications in Europe, despite the fact that it originates from Asia. This study presents the potential use of this plant in new lightweight concrete materials so-called bio-concretes. The above-ground part of the plant was harvested, dried, crushed, and mixed with binders in different proportions. After casting and drying, the samples were characterized physical and mechanical properties. The results have shown that the sample with a higher content of binders while smaller miscanthus granulation and casted in molds under higher pressure exhibited the highest values of the compressive strength and density. In specific, the density was in the order of magnitude of that reported for other types of lightweight concrete with organic fillers, such as sawdust-based concrete ("Durisol"), which further justifies the use of miscanthus for these purposes.

Highlights

Miscanthus x giganteus, originally from Asia, has been grown in Europe since the 1930s
Mischantus x giganteus is a species which cultivation does not require significant financial costs, as it thrives on different types of land, adapts to environmental conditions, creates additional habitats for species, and significantly contributes to reducing CO2 emissions from the production of building materials of this type, The aim of this research was based on the use of this plant for production of lightweight concrete by substitution of conventional aggregates
This concept is in line with the principles of green low carbon economy and resource sustainability. This phase of research has shown that the characteristics of lightweight concrete of this type are significantly influenced by the amount of binder, quantity, and fragmentation of aggregates, and especially the method of placement in molds so that at higher compression, higher values of the compressive strength and density are obtained

Summary

Introduction

Miscanthus x giganteus, originally from Asia, has been grown in Europe since the 1930s It is planted in spring when the soil temperature rises above 10 °C, it grows during the summer, and it is harvested in the late autumn. Harvesting is recommended after the third vegetative season due to low yields in the first and second year after planting [1]. Miscanthus reaches the height of about 3 m, so that the aboveground biomass is collected, dried, and further treated depending on the purpose. This type of miscanthus shows the properties of a good soil remediator, so its application is widespread to phytoremediate contaminated sites [3].

Objectives

Results

Conclusion