Mechanical Properties of Wood Shavings-Cement Lightweight Composites

Abstract

The use of wood shavings, as a recycled waste product from the wood furniture industries is an interesting technique to produce lightweight cement composites. This study aims at examining the mechanical properties of wood shavings-cement lightweight composites. First, the wood shavings were pre-treated with water or superplasticizer or Cement Based Bitumen Emulsion (CBBE). Then, the compressive strength and tensile strength of the wood-cement matrix were experimentally evaluated. Finally, it is shown that the addition of wood shavings to cement paste gives a composite with satisfactory mechanical strengths with respect to its weight and higher toughness in addition to environmental and economic benefits.