Mechanical properties of lightweight aerated concrete with different aluminium powder content

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.