![Sample our Built Environment journals, sign in here to start your access, Latest two full volumes FREE to you for 14 days]({"type":"image" , "src" : "/sda/5926/TOC-Subject-Sample-2021-Built-Environment.jpg"})
ABSTRACT
This study investigates the effect of super absorbent polymers (SAPs) and glass fiber (GF) additions on the properties of lightweight concrete. The SAPs act as a pore-forming agent, with the addition of various GF contents (0.1–1.0% by weight of dry ingredients). The results indicate that the use of SAPs at 7% by weight of OPC produces a product with similar properties to conventional lightweight concretes which meet the ASTM C332–17 standard. The addition of GF to the mixture tends to reduce the dry density and compressive strength, but increases the porosity and flexural strength. The results indicate that the use of SAPs at 7% by weight of OPC produces a product with similar properties to conventional lightweight concretes which meet the ASTM C332–17 standard. The 28-day compressive strengths decreased from 7.04 ± 0.07 for control sample to 4.59 ± 0.11 MPa, while the flexural strengths increased from 3.89 ± 0.04 for control sample to 6.72 ± 0.06 MPa. High-porosity lightweight concrete prepared from SAPs and GF shows reduced thermal conductivity and an increased sorption rate. The initial rate of water absorption gradually increases from 2.48 × 10−1 mm/sec0.5 in the sample without GF up to 5.45 × 10−1 mm/sec0.5 in the sample containing 1.0 wt.% GF. Comparison with the literature indicates that the use of SAPs as pore-forming agents in conjunction with GF has the potential to produce fiber-reinforced lightweight concrete with improved properties.
HIGHLIGHTS
High SAP content (7 wt. % of OPC) acts as a pore-forming agent.
SAPs show potential for the production of lightweight concrete.
The addition of GF directly influences the physical and mechanical properties.
The high porosity of mixtures containing SAPs and GF increases the sorptivity.
Acknowledgements
This research was supported by the National Science, Research and Innovation Fund (NSRF) and the Prince of Songkla University (Grant No ENG6601060S).
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).
Additional information
Funding
Notes on contributors
Kittipong Kunchariyakun
Kittipong Kunchariyakun is an associate professor in the School of Engineering and Technology, Walailak University, Nakhonsithammarat, Thailand. His main research field is the green and smart construction materials.
Suthatip Sinyoung
Suthatip Sinyoung is an assistant professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla, Thailand. Her main research field is wastes and hazardous wastes management.
Kenneth J. D. MacKenzie
Kenneth J.D. MacKenzie is a professor in the MacDiarmid Institute for Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology, School of Chemical and Physical Science, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand. His main research field is ceramic materials, including traditional clay-based ceramics, cements, glasses, electronic ceramics, engineering and aerospace ceramics, bioceramics, and environmentally friendly materials (inorganic polymers and materials with structures mimicking nature).
Wongsatorn Boonyung
Wongsatorn Boonyung is a bachelor's degree student in School of Engineering and Technology, Walailak University. His research interest is lightweight construction materials.
Chanchira Suwannaphong
Chanchira Suwannaphong is a bachelor's degree student in School of Engineering and Technology, Walailak University. Her research interest is lightweight construction materials.
Kraisorn Pantong
Kraisorn Pantong is a bachelor's degree student in School of Engineering and Technology, Walailak University. His research interest is lightweight construction materials.
Piyawan Dungsang
Piyawan Dungsang is a bachelor's degree student in School of Engineering and Technology, Walailak University. Her research interest is lightweight construction materials.