Development of load bearing block from lightweight foamed concrete

Abstract

Development of lightweight concrete has been introduced to use in construction because lightweight concrete less density thus lighter than normal concrete. In this study, foam or bubbles resulting from the base oil used in lightweight concrete where the material plays an important role in improving the properties of concrete . The main purpose of this foam is inserted in the concrete to reduce the density of concrete to achieve the characteristics of lightweight concrete. Effect of foam is determined by substituting 20 %, 50 % and 75 % water content as a partial substitute in concrete in the concrete mix ratio of 1: 1: 2. Concrete samples are not mixed with the foam also made for control purposes. The size of the concrete block used is 600 x 200 x 150 mm for the full block and 300 x 200 x 150 mm for concrete block half. Based on the results obtained, the density of lightweight concrete for each different sample achieved from 1506 kg / m³ to 2341 kg / m³. For water absorption in concrete fluctuated from 2:59% to 12.67%. In addition, the strength of concrete at 28 days was from 18.71 MPa to 36.72 MPa. For the strength of the walls are load bearing strength from 1.67 MPa to 2.85 MPa. In conclusion, the optimum content of foam that can be used in the study was 20% as a partial replacement of water content in the concrete. These samples reached densities around 1908 kg / m³ to 1997 kg / m³ which can be categorized as light weight concrete and compressive strength of 35 54 MPa.