Development of Ultra-Lightweight and High Strength Engineered Cementitious Composites

In this study, ultra-lightweight and high strength Engineered Cementitious Composites (ULHS-ECCs) are developed via lightweight filler incorporation and matrix composition tailoring. The mechanical, physical, and micromechanical properties of the resulting ULHS-ECCs are investigated and discussed. ULHS-ECCs with a density below 1300 kg/m3, a compressive strength beyond 60 MPa, a tensile strain capacity above 1%, and a thermal conductivity below 0.5 w/mK are developed. The inclusion of lightweight fillers and the variation in proportioning of the ternary binder can lead to a change in micromechanical properties, including the matrix fracture toughness and the fiber/matrix interface properties. As a result, the tensile strain-hardening performance of the ULHS-ECCs can be altered.

A Review on Utilization of Light Weight Fly Ash Cenosphere as Filler in both Polymer and Alloy-Based Composites

Fly Ash Cenospheres (FACs) are obtained from the coal power plants in the form of hollow spherical particles by burning the coal. FAC was started to use in early 1980-1985 as lightweight filler material in producing composites of cementitious and at present many researchers are focusing on use of FAC as filler in polymer and metals. In this paper, the systematic review on research activities and application of FAC in manufacturing light weight products are done. The FAC influence on the mechanical and physical properties of incorporated polymer and alloy based composites were summarized. Prospects of future for its use were also suggested and summarized in this paper.

Filler slab with partial replacement of cement by Eggshell powder

Currently India has taken a major initiative in developing the infrastructure to meet the requirements of globalization in the construction industry. Considering building element like slab, more concrete is wasted in the tension zone, since the tensile forces are taken by the steel reinforcement. To overcome this wastage of concrete in tension zone, a new cost effective method called as Filler slab technique is used. Low price and lightweight filler substance like Mangalore tiles, that will decrease the dead weight in addition to the total cost of this slab to some degree. Being environmentally accountable, the utilization of waste substances is a Vital step in creating a sustainable future. The Eggshell, which is usually disposed as a poultry waste can be used as an alternate of cement in powdered form, since the shell is made up of Calcium having a chemical composition same as limestone. Partial replacement of cement by eggshell powder is done in different proportions like 2.5%, 5%, 7.5% & 10%. In this paper, the filler slab has been created additional cost effective with the addition of eggshell powder because partial replacement of cement. Following a healing period of 28 days, there's a version in compression and flexural strength of concrete using eggshell powder compared to conventional concrete

Lightweight Cement Mortars with Granulated Foam Glass and Waste Perlite Addition

This article presents the influence of granulated foam glass (GFG) on thermal insulation and mechanical properties of lightweight cement mortars. The mortars were additionally modified with addition of ground perlite dust. Ground expanded perlite waste was introduced into the cement matrix in the amounts of 10%, 20%, and 30% of cement mass. The results show that application of this waste increases the strength of the mortars as well as decreases their thermal conductivity coefficient. A series of mortars were prepared with introduction of granulated foam glass with mass per unit filler/cement ratio equal to 0.6, 0.9, and 1.2. The aggregate composition of GFG was combined from different monofractions in the range 0–2 mm so that it filled the mortar volume to the maximum. Additionally, mortars were made, in which 20% of 0–0.25 mm GFG volume was replaced with quartz sand with the same granulation. Each mortar series was modified with addition of ground perlite waste in the amount of 20% of cement mass. The results indicate an improvement of thermal insulation properties along with greater participation of perlite in the mortars. The increase of the thermal conductivity coefficient was observed in the mortars, where the GFG was replaced with quartz sand. Greater amount of GFG results in decrease of compressive strength, but it can be improved by replacing part of the lightweight filler with sand or by introducing the addition of ground expanded perlite to the matrix. This also results in lower water absorption of mortars. Research proved that in most cases, the addition of ground expanded perlite decreased the capillary sorption of mortars, as well as the water absorption coefficient by capillary action, with growing proportion of the lightweight filler.

Properties of lightweight dry masonry mixtures for winter conditions

The construction of building envelopes using effective small-piece elements requires the use of lightweight masonry mortars, obtained, as a rule, from dry mixtures. One of the most effective ways to obtain such mortars is the introduction of hollow ceramic microspheres into their composition as a lightweight filler. For the climatic conditions of the Russian Federation, it is relevant to use dry masonry mixtures in the winter version, which gain strength at negative temperatures. The main purpose of this work was the development of optimal compositions of modified dry masonry mixes with hollow ceramic microspheres and antifreeze additives for use in winter conditions. Determination of the main properties of dry mixes and masonry mortars was carried out according to standard methods. X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy were used to research of the microstructure and phase composition of the materials. As a result of this research, the compositions of the lightweight dry masonry mixtures for winter conditions were developed. The main properties of the mortar mixtures and mortars were determined and structure and composition of new phases of cement stone were studied as well.