Performance properties of structural fibred-foamed concrete

Abstract

The demand for novel technology for manufacturing lightweight concrete has increased in the global construction industry. Therefore, studies that explore alternative lightweight concrete systems for structural applications are urgently needed. The objective of this study is to develop structural fibered foamed concrete by the addition of polypropylene fiber, fly ash, and silica fume. Foamed concrete was obtained by replacing sand with fly ash. The properties of the foamed concrete were enhanced with polypropylene fiber and fine silica fume. Structural fibered foamed concrete with dissimilar densities of foamed concrete (1000, 1300, 1600, and 1900 kg/m3) is essential for examining compressive, flexural and splitting tensile strengths, drying shrinkage and creep. The foamed concrete with a density of 1000–1900 kg/m3 and a hardened strength of 10–70 MPa have be made by the adding of polypropylene fiber and fine silica fume. Fine silica fume and polypropylene fiber considerably promoted the hardened strength of the foamed concrete. Besides, the addition of polypropylene fiber significantly enhanced the tensile strength and increased the creep resistance and drying shrinkage. Therefore, structural fibered foamed concrete can be used as a substitute lightweight concrete material for the production of structural concrete applications in the construction industries today.