Experimental investigation on high volume fly ash based autoclaved aerated concrete reinforced with synthetic fibers

Abstract

Fly ash is being used as a cement replacement material in recent years. Studies on the recent past demonstrated that it can also be used as sand replacement material because of certain advantages like lower density, degree of permeability and manufacturing cost, better durability, Strength to Weight Ratio and Strength to Energy Ratio, than those of conventional river sand based cement concrete. An experimental study on mechanical properties of high volume fly ash based autoclaved aerated concrete (HVFAAC), reinforced with synthetic fibers was carried out in this research work. High volume fly ash was used instead of river sand with minimized cement content, in order to overcome environmental impact and cost related factors. Different types of fibers such as glass, nylon, polyester and polypropylene were incorporated to study their performance in HVFAAC. From the studies it was observed that the overall performance of 0.5% polyester and 1% polypropylene fibers in aerated concrete is found to be good when compared to that of glass and nylon fiber. High volume fly ash based fibrous autoclaved aerated concrete (HVFFAAC) reduces brittle fracture. It was also observed that the wastage of specimens, due to the formation of cracks arising during handling is also less when compared to that of conventional HVFAAC.