Production of autoclaved lightweight concretes using pottery stone and bagasse ash

Abstract

This study investigated the influence of pottery stone and bagasse ash on the mechanical features of autoclaved lightweight concrete. Pottery stone is a natural resource of igneous rock weathering commonly exists with white clay, feldspar and limestone. This raw material is mainly composed of quartz and mica that has been used for the production of ceramic products. Bagasse ash is a waste product of the sugar refining process that causes serious environmental pollution. Pottery stone and bagasse ash waste were physically characterized and partially substituted by the weight of cement in lightweight concrete with the addition of aluminium powder at a certain amount. The use of aluminium powder showed a positive effect on the porosity of lightweight bodies. Compressive strength, density and thermal conductivity were determined. Pottery stone can be used as a natural pozzolan for the production of lightweight concrete. Lightweight concrete manufactured with 17.5% pottery stone and 17.5% bagasse ash showed low density and good compressive strength. Autoclaved lightweight concrete is considered an economy in the consumption of pottery stone and bagasse ash waste as cement replacement, therefore enhancing the possibility of its reuse in a sustainable way.