International Concrete Abstracts Portal

Title: The Use of Foamcrete in Southern Africa

Author(s): E. P. Kearsley and H. F. Mostert

Publication: Special Publication

Volume: 172

Issue:

Appears on pages(s): 919-934

Keywords: Cellular concretes; fibers; fly ash; polypropylene fibers; reinforcing steels; shear properties

Date: 12/1/1999

Abstract:
Foamcrete, also known as foamed or cellular concrete is a lightweight material that can be used for the development of infrastructure to the benefit of disadvantaged communities. The objective of this paper is to discuss the tests conducted on foamcrete using South African materials. The cost of foamcrete can be reduced by replacing large percentages of the cement with ungraded ash. This replacement does not lead to noticeable reductions in compressive strength, but the shrinkage is markedly reduced. Reinforcing bars can be used in foamcrete but although no problems have been encountered with bond, the low shear strength of foamcrete can lead to premature failure. The use of chopped polypropylene fiber improves the shear behavior of small structural elements to the extend that the load-deflection behavior of foamcrete beams are similar to that of comparable normal concrete beams.