Utilization of Volcanic Tuffs as Construction Materials

Abstract

The current study examines the possibility of utilizing the Jordanian volcanic tuff aggregates as a source of many construction materials. Different mixtures were prepared by replacing the commonly used normal aggregate with volcanic tuffs aggregate to determine the best mixing proportion with similar size in different ratios as 0, 25, 50, 75 and 100%. The impacts of this replacement on brick’s compression strength, dry weight and water absorption, transverse strength, absorption and weight of terrazzo tiles, loss Anglos and CBR values have been examined and evaluated. The results revealed an improvement in compressive strength of bricks at a replacement ratio of 25%, with concomitant reduction at higher replacement ratios, while water absorption increased as the ratio of tuff increases. Transverse strength of terrazzo tiles was recorded as 6.08, 5.78, 5.78, 5.21 and 5.19 MPa at substitution ratios of 0, 25, 50, 75 and 100%, respectively. Utilization of volcanic tuffs resulted in a significant reduction in the dry weight of bricks and terrazzo provided lightweight material. CBR test indicated that this material can be used successfully in foundations and as a sub-base material. The obtained results buttressed the benefit of utilization of natural volcanic tuffs as construction materials