Pyhsical and mechanical properties of foamed concrete produced by using expanded vermiculite

This thesis concerns the investigations of physical and mechanical properties of foamed concrete produced by using expanded vermiculite powder. In the experimantal study, 3 different dosages for each ingredients of cement, expanded vermiculite powder and foam were taken as independent parameters and totally 27 series of foamed concrete were produced. After specimens were cured on laboratory condition until 28 days, tests such as unit weight, water absorption, porosity, capillary absorpion, ultrasound velocity and thermal conductivity for physical properties, and axial compression strength test for mechanical property were carried on foam concrete specimens. As a result of experimental study, a significant decrease on dry unit weight, and a significant increases in water absorption and porosity were obatined by increasing of expanded vermiculite powder and/or foam. On the other hand, compressive strength was decreased by increasing of expanded vermiculite powder and/or foam. Similarly, thermal conductivity was decreased due to the increases in expanded vermiculite powder and/or foam. The lower dry density to be obtained was 405 kg/m3, higher water absorption and porosity were %75,2 ve %40,3 respectively. Minimum thermal conductivity coefficient was obtained as 0,063 W/m.K. Compression strengths of foamed concrete specimens changed between 0,47-3,49 MPa.