Characterisation of lightweight concrete blocks made from dune sand and wood chips

Abstract

Lightweight concrete blocks are often used in house construction. Over two millennia have passed since lightweight concrete was first developed, and advancements in technology are continuously being made. Because lightweight concrete has a lower density than regular concrete, using it helps reduce the weight of the components it is used to build and, in turn, the dimensions of the load-bearing components. This lowers the forces that the foundations transmit to the ground and, in turn, the dimensions of the latter, allowing construction on low-bearing soils. This paper presents the results of an examination into the composition and properties of lightweight concrete made with dune sand and wood chips. The studied composite is a sand concrete lightened by adding wood ships. Following this composition, we made several samples of lightweight concrete. Using laboratory tests, we have determined some of the physical and mechanical characteristics of these lightweight concrete samples. The results showed that the characteristics of this new wood concrete composite are close to French recommendations in terms of compressive strength. Thermal insulation is significantly improved, but sound insulation is not yet competitive in terms of attenuation.On the basis of the results obtained, these agglomerates can be used to build light, load-bearing, insulating walls. The results of the characterization provide valuable insights into the potential applications and performance of lightweight concrete blocks made from dune sand and wood chips.  The findings contribute to sustainable construction practices by exploring eco-friendly alternatives and expanding the knowledge base in the field of lightweight concrete block production.