Effect of garnet waste on the properties of foamed concrete

Abstract

The research is aimed to produce foamed concrete blocks viable for nonstructural applications. This paper reports the studied effect of garnet waste on the properties of foamed concrete. Garnet waste was used to replace fine aggregates (sand) at different percentages (20%, 40%, 60%, 80% and 100%). The various mixes were checked for fresh properties (workability and plastic density of mortar and foamed concrete) and consequent compressive strength test was carried out on cube and block specimens. The results have shown increment in workability with respect to increase in garnet content. The best replacement producing the best compressive strength is that containing 20% spent garnet waste replacing fine aggregates (sand). The mix has added up to 15 % in cube compressive strength and 12% in block compressive strength. However, replacing 100% fine aggregates (sand) with spent garnet waste for foamed concrete is not possible due to probable chemical reaction between synthetic foaming agent and garnet waste disallowing proper bond between cement and garnet waste.