Enhancing the performance of aerated concrete through accelerated curing and waste material integration

Abstract

In this paper, the mechanical and durability properties of aerated blocks are discussed. Aerated blocks are prepared using different cementitious materials with an alkaline solution in the absence of aluminium powder. The proportions of raw materials are chosen after performing two mix trials P1 and P2, keeping the density of the blocks constant at 800 kg/m3. Each mix is further tested under six curing mechanisms, namely, normal water curing, humidity chamber curing (at 50°C and 70% relative humidity) for 6 h and 10 h, curing by oven drying at 180°C for 6 h and at 80°C for 24 h and using an accelerated curing tank (ACT) at 65°C ± 5°C for 10 ± 2 h; this is termed trial 1. In trial 2, the best curing mechanism is taken and construction and demolition wastes (CDW) are substituted at different proportions in place of fly ash in both the mix proportions. In addition, trial 3 investigates the best mix proportions by substituting glass powder at 50% and 100% with fly ash and CDW, respectively. It is observed from experiments that aerated blocks manufactured with 50% CDW and heat curing by ACT showed high mechanical and durability properties after 7 days of hardening.