Assessment of foamed concrete : the mechanical characteristics and environmental performance of foamed concrete produced using waste material and its application in buildings

Abstract

Foamed concrete may be favourably considered over traditionally used building materials for specific applications due to its insulation properties and characteristic lower density, resulting in a less imposed load on the structure. This study explores the great potential for the use of foamed concrete as an effective means of insulation in new buildings and also in the retrofit of existing building envelopes. The performance of foamed concrete elements varies depending on its use, material constituents and material properties including density, porosity and transport properties. Furthermore the thermal performance of the material depends on the mix constituents, particularly its density and moisture content. The objective of the study was to analyse different mechanical characteristics of foamed concrete and their effect on its thermal performance in wall systems. The aim of this study is to investigate the use of foamed concrete in wall system assemblies. Mix designs incorporating globigerina limestone dust as a construction waste product were assessed with reference to their mechanical characteristics and their thermal performance. The transport mechanisms in foamed concrete and its environmental properties have been assessed through different testing setups.