Lightweight Cellular Hollow Concrete Blocks Containing Volcanic Tuff Powder, Expanded Clay and Diatomite for Non-Load Bearing Walls

Abstract

Lightweight cellular hollow concrete (LCHC) block is a type of masonry unit manufactured by precast technique. LCHC block is produced by the mixing of Portland cement, volcanic tuff powder, expanded clay aggregate and diatomite for building applications. LCHC blocks are lightweight and being frequent cellular hollow cleavages, give excellent thermal and acoustic performance, fire resistance and high weathering resistance to the buildings. In this research work, LCHC blocks with 28 different mixture batches were cast into a mould with vibro-compacting, de-moulded immediately and transferred to a storage area for curing up to 120 days in normal air condition. Totally 21 cellular space with 10 mm in width were placed in the block design. For each mixture, twenty four block samples were prepared and tested in the air dry condition for compressive strength and water absorption in accordance with BS 1881: Part 116. This paper initially examines how volcanic tuff powder affect the characteristics of lightweight concrete masonry mixtures and also investigates the use of quartet blends containing volcanic tuff powder, expanded clay aggregate, diatomite and cement to produce LCHC blocks for walls and partitions.