Publication

Abstract : The construction industry is in search of massive energy-saving structures that are light, durable, thermally insulating, economical, and environmentally sustainable. An alternative that can fulfill these requirements is foamed concrete which possesses low density, high workability, thermal and acoustical insulation, lightweight, etc. As the density of foam concrete plays a significant role in its thermal properties, incorporating lightweight aggregates can enhance the thermal insulating property, reduce the deadweight of concrete, and promote sustainability. In the current study, exfoliated vermiculite powder, a mica-type mineral generated through hydrothermal expansions, is used as a sand replacement material. When heated over 300°C, vermiculite expands up to 30 times its original volume and is added in foam concrete by 5 and 8 replacement percentages along with coir fiber as a reinforcement. The utilization of fibers in foam concrete improved the load transfer, enhanced durability and reduced shrinkage cracks. From the test results, 8% addition of vermiculite as a replacement to fine aggregate along with 0.3% by weight of cement of coir addition enhanced the thermal and acoustic properties along with strength.