Effects of foam content and activator content on properties of alkali-activated slag foamed concrete and its prediction model

Abstract

Influence of foam content and activator content on the properties of alkali-activated slag (AAS) foamed concrete was studied. When the foam content increases from 3% to 12%, effective foam ratio (EFR) and water absorption increase, while compressive strength and dry density of AAS foamed concrete decrease. At the same foam content, when activator content increases from 4% to 6%, EFR and water absorption decrease and dry density increase. When activator content is 5%, AAS foamed concrete shows good performance. The property prediction model was established and it may provide the foundation for mix design of AAS foamed concrete. When the foam content increases, large pore and interconnected pore increase. Foam content affects little on average pore size and pore roundness. At the same foam content, when activator content increases from 4% to 6%, porosity and interconnected pore decrease. As foam content increases from 9% to 12%, the porosity increases much more, and the thermal conductivity decreases much more.