Research On The Properties Of Plasticizing Foamed Concrete

In order to solve the problem that Foamed Concrete (FC) may be easily dispersedunder water, the plasticizer admixture can be used to form Plasticizing FoamedConcrete (PFC). PFC is in plastic state and can enclose the foamed group in the bodyof slurry by thickening and flocculating. It is an effective solution to the hole andtunnel grouting without dispersible and segregation. As a kind of light weight andporous material, FC is widely used in building energy efficiency, reducing loads,foundation replacement and backfilling, etc. Because the foamed group is unstable, FCwould be dispersed when contacting with water. The foamed group is lighter than waterwhile the cement and sand are heavier, limiting the application of FC under water.This paper reports a study on the factors affecting the properties of PFC,especially water-cement ratio, cement-sand ratio, the dosage of water-reducingadmixture and plasticizer admixture, the type and dosage of biopolymers and mineraladmixtures, by designing the test apparatus and methods. The properties of PFCinclude work performance, anti-dispersion and mechanical capabilities. The singlefactor test is conducted on the basis of the orthogonal experiment results. Finally,theeffects of age and curing condition on PFC are researched by mixed tests.The results of the study show that:1、The work performance of PFC is characterized by the flow value λ, which issignificantly reduced by the influence of plasticizer admixture. The flow value λ canbe improved by changing water-cement ratio, cement-sand ratio and addingwater-reducing admixture, biopolymers and mineral admixtures.2、The anti-dispersion capability is measured by ψ, meaning the increasing ofmass after PFC casting in water. By the ψ, we can research the effects of factors. Theorthogonal test showed that the order of primary and secondary is water-cementratio�'plasticizer admixture�'cement-sand ratio�'water-reducing admixture. Addingbiopolymers and mineral admixtures can also develop the anti-dispersion capability.3、The mechanical capability of PFC is characterized by the compressive strengthf and studied by the influence of casting in air and water, different ages of7and28days, different curing conditions such as standard curing, nature curing and watercuring. The plasticizer admixture is bad for f when casting in air while it isindispensable when casting in water. The mechanical capability of PFC also can be enhanced by changing water-cement ratio, cement-sand ratio and addingwater-reducing admixture, biopolymers and mineral admixtures.4、PFC can significantly improve the resistance to dispersion and maintain acertain compressive strength. The work performance, anti-dispersion and mechanicalcapabilities are connected with each other. PFC can meet the requirements ofengineering by considering the actual situation and all of the properties.