Study on Mechanical and Durability Properties of Aerated Concrete Block Containing Construction and Demolition Waste with Aluminium Stearate Powder Along with Alkaline Solution and Considering Accelerated Curing Tank

This study presents a comprehensive analysis of the development of aerated concrete (AC) blocks with a focus on the effect of various binders and additives on their mechanical and durability properties. The binders are flyash (FA), glass powder (GLP), and ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS). Further, cement, lime, gypsum powder, FA, GLP and GGBS were used as the individual binders in the absence of aluminium powder. Alternately, Na2SiO3and NaOH were combined in a ratio of (Na2SiO3/NaOH = 1.5) to produce the alkaline solution utilised in the design of AC blocks. Using an accelerated curing tank, heat curing was performed. Further substitution of FA or GLP and GGBS with 50% construction & demolition waste (C&D) waste was conducted in distinct batches. Later, 4% aluminium stearate powder (ASP) and 5% chopped steel wool fibres (CSWF) by weight were added to the various batches to create AC blocks and evaluate the effect on aeration and strength enhancement. Moreover, the mechanical and durability characteristics of each batch were analysed and compared. It was discovered that the mechanical and durability properties of GGBS-based mixtures were superior. ASP was also found to increase mechanical strength and resistance to chemical attack, while decreasing block density, water absorption, and drying shrinkage. The mechanical strength increased significantly as a result of CSWF influence on the batches. Eventually, a microstructural investigation of FA and GGBS-based AC blocks with and without ASP was conducted in order to interpret the differences that aluminium stearate causes in the morphology of aerated blocks.