Investigation of physical and mechanical properties of block element produced with lightweight aggregate Afyon and environment

ABSTRACT In this experimental study, physical and mechanical properties of block element produced with diatomite and pumice lightweight aggregate in Afyon and region were investigated. Effect of different aggregate granulometry and cement content on the physical and mechanical properties of block element were investigated. In the mixes, water/cement ratio was kept at 0.15 The specimens were produced with use of only diatomite and diatomite with pumice in two different type. With only diatomite in 4 different granulometry and 4 different cement content, 16 series were produced. With diatomite and pumice in same cement content, two different series were produced. The studies were done on total 18 series. On the produced specimens, compressive strength, schmidt hammer, thermal conductivity, ultrasonic velocity, capiller water absorption and high temperature effect tests were done. Then, bulk density, specific porosity and diffusion coefficient calculated. As the result of experimental studies, while dry unit mass of produced specimens varying between 1.07-1.2 kg/dm3, compressive strength of 7-56 days specimens varied between 2.5-8 N/mm2. In the series, the best compressive strenght of 28 and 56 days specimens were obtained on the serie which have ratio of %30 fine, %40 medium and %30 coarse size materials. Furthermore, thermal conductivity of the serie varied between 0.23-0.233 W/mK. Keywords: Diatomite, Lightweight Aggregate, Block Element