PSI - Issue 70

C. Raghu Rami Reddy et al. / Procedia Structural Integrity 70 (2025) 263–270

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1. Introduction Comprising low density, exceptional thermal insulation qualities, and enhanced sustainability, Cellular Lightweight Concrete (CLC) is an innovative building material by Jones et al., (2005). According to Ramamurthy et al. (2009), a foaming agent, which is frequently produced from proteins, is used to incorporate stable air bubbles into a cement-based matrix, resulting in the creation of this material and a lightweight structure with exceptional performance features.The increasing demand for environmentally friendly and lightweight building materials has prompted research into alternative aggregates and reinforcing techniques (Ganta et al., 2024). River sand has historically been the primary fine aggregate utilized in concrete, but, concerns about its depletion and environmental impact have prompted the investigation of substitutes such copper slag and manufactured sand (M-sand) Made by crushing hard rocks, M-sand provides regulated gradation, improved packing density, and better durability over natural sand by Subramani et al., (2017). However, a by-product of the melting of copper, copper slag, has a high specific gravity and pozzolanic properties that improve strength and durability. Ramalingam et al., 2024; Al-Jabrietal, 2009). One significant problem connected to Cellular Lightweight Concrete (CLC) is its naturally lower tensile and flexural strength, ascribed to its porous structure. Fiber reinforcing has been used to offset this disadvantage. While polypropylene (PP) fibers raise the fracture resistance by Song et al (2004), Balasubramanian et al., (2024), glass fibers enhance the general durability of the material Bentz. D.P et al., (1999), Liu et al., (2024), steel fibers raise the flexural strength. CLC's mechanical properties have been shown to be significantly improved by using multi-fiber reinforcement, which blends multiple distinct types of fiber by Gupta.S et al., (2020). The density of Cellular Lightweight Concrete (CLC) has a major impact on its suitability for different applications. Though CLC with densities between 1000 and 1200 kg/m³ are more appropriate for load-bearing applications because of their enhanced compressive strength, insulation use are best served by CLC with a lower density of 800 kg/m³ by Jones.M. R et al. (2005). Careful monitoring of foam concentration, aggregate type, and fiber reinforcement determines the greatest CLC performance for a variety of technological applications Lei et al., (2024). Another key factor in CLC mix design is the water-cement ratio. Studies show that a water-cement ratio of 0.45 combined with polycarboxylate ether (PCE) superplasticizer improves strength, durability, hydration, and workability. Including chemical admixtures such as PCE, which enhance the flowability of the mix and lower segregation helps to produce a more consistent and long-lasting cellular structure.

1.1 Materials

• Ordinary Portland cement: Cement (OPC) 53grade. • Natural sand, M-sand, and coppers slag. • Protein-based foam. • Fibers: Glass, Steel, and polypropylene (eachat0.6%byvolume). • Super plasticizer: Polycarboxylate ether (PCE). • Water: Potable water as per IS456:2000.