Abstract:
This paper reports the feasibility of using bottom
ash which is a waste product of coal-fired power plants, for
producing cellular lightweight concrete blocks. Experimental
investigation was carried by varying the parameters; bottom
ash to cement (BA=C) ratio, water to cement (W=C) ratio,
the density of foam concrete mixes and particle size fraction
of bottom ash. The method of moisture curing was used to
produce bottom ash foam concrete blocks. The performance
of the produced bottom ash foam concrete was evaluated by
considering compressive strength, drying shrinkage, structure
and distribution of pores, wetting expansion and water absorption.
It was observed that with the increase of BA=C ratio,
the compressive strength of the foam concrete blocks increased
and reached the maximum value of 3:1 MPa with 1:2 BA=C
ratio, followed a drastic strength reduction. Experimental results
also showed very high values for drying shrinkage and water
absorption of the foam concrete produced with bottom ash.
