Abstract

The main objective of this research was to investigate the potential of utilizing Pulverised Fual Ash (PFA), an industrial by-products, waste aluminium and waste gypsum from plasterboard, with blended binders Lime-GGBS (Ground Granulated Blastfurnace Slag) or PC (Portland Cement)–GGBS, into the development of lightweight building components. Powder aluminium was used to produce hydrogen for lightweight effects. The engineering properties of unconfined compressive strength (UCS) was investigated. Concrete cubes of control systems (PFA+binders), unfoamed systems (PFA+ binders+gypsum), foamed systems (PFA+binders+Aluminium) and combined systems (PFA+binders+Aluminium and Gypsum) were made under controlled laboratory conditions and cured for 7 and 28 days before testing for UCS. The results obtained showed that the control and unfoamed systems recorded higher strength values than the foamed and combined systems. Strength values are linearly related to density of foamed concrete. There are technological, economic as well as environmental advantages of utilizing PFA and similar industrial by-products, in the development of foamed lightweight building components.

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