Publication

Abstract : Foam concrete is an emerging construction material with reduced self-weight, high workability and improved thermal resistance. Deployment of this foam concrete for structural applications has not drawn keen attention of the research community. This study reports an investigation on the viability of using admixtures like, crumb rubber, silica fume and polypropylene fiber in foam concrete, reinforced with hexagonal wire mesh for enhanced strength and energy absorption. Taguchi's experiment design methodology was applied for assessment of the optimal mix of foam concrete with admixtures. Mixtures with three factors, namely silica fume, polypropylene fiber (PP fiber), and crumb rubber were developed in an L9 orthogonal array. Compressive and flexural strength parameters were used to establish the best possible mix proportions for maximum strength. Tests were conducted on hexagonal wire mesh (chicken mesh) kept in horizontal, vertical and horizontal with stirrup arrangements and the results were compared with control mix and the selected optimized mix. In all cases, percentage of steel reinforcement for the total volume of the concrete was kept as 1% by adjusting the layers of mesh provided. Based on the experimental results, crack and deflection patterns were analyzed and compared with the control specimen. The test results demonstrated enhanced strength and ductility of the foam concrete, buttressed by hexagonal wire steel mesh, as compared to control specimens. Besides, the reinforcement in the horizontal alignment with admixtures provided better strength and ductility with an enhancement of 130 % in flexural strength and a ductility index of 3.88 compared to control. Prognosis of the study advocated the propriety of using foam concrete as a structural member in construction.