Investigating the Physical Characteristics of Non-Structural Lightweight Aggregate Blocks of Built with Region Materials

Abstract

Given the importance of light construction in terms of better performance of structure, in case of earthquake, reduction of life and financial casualties, as well as shortage of studies in this field, the present research studied building non-structural lightweight blocks using lightweight aggregates of Scoria, Pumice and Leca. On the other hand, density, compressive strength, and water absorption volume of these blocks have been investigated in this research in order to replace traditional materials with them. The experiments’ results show that, due to hardness and strong texture, high mechanical resistance of their lightweight aggregate Scoria blocks have higher compressive strength and density but lower water absorption volume compared to Pumice and Leca lightweight aggregate blocks. Despite desirable compressive strength and lower density compared to the other two blocks, pumice blocks have higher water absorption volume, and they do not meet standards. This makes them less interesting. Among these Leca blocks with density of 1151.94 (kg/m3) below 2000 kg/m3 of Iran density standard of 7782 (28-day compressive strength of 2.57 MPa), higher than 2.5 MPa of Iran compressive strength standard of 7782 (and water absorption volume of 282.92 kg/m3) and below 288 kg/m3 of Iran water absorption volume standard of 7782 (as a non-load-bearing lightweight block), has been recognized desirable.

Keywords

• non-load-bearing lightweight blocks
• lightweight aggregates
• density
• compressive strength
• water absorption volume