Evaluation of the use of foamed concrete in the environmental sustainability of future cities

One of the main causes of global carbon pollution is cement manufacturing. Around ۸% of worldwide CO۲ emissions are caused by these materials, making them the third largest producer of greenhouse gases in the world. Pollution and negative environmental effects of cement manufacturing can be caused by particles released from raw material transportation, the grinding and crushing process, heating up, and cement manufacturing facilities. Lightweight concrete, such as foamed concrete, can be used to reduce cement usage in concrete manufacturing. Foamed concrete is a type of lightweight concrete that includes preformed air holes (foam) in cement paste and mortar. This study examines the influence of porosity caused by foam on the penetration parameters of foamed concrete. The study evaluated foamed concrete with a water-to-cement ratio (w/c) of ۰.۵ and foam content levels of ۲۰%, ۳۵%, and ۵۰%, and compared it to a base mix that didn't have foam and had an equal w/c ratio. Furthermore, the penetration parameters of concrete with a structural grade foamed ratio of ۰.۴ and ۲۰% foam were measured and compared to conventional concrete of the same strength level. According to the findings, increased foam porosity caused a decrease in volumetric and capillary absorption coefficients, while at the same time, chloride diffusion was increased. This discrepancy is caused by the presentation of absorption results that are based on the total volume of concrete. Absorption is determined by the paste volume, which is the penetrable phase, and the results are in line with the chloride diffusion trends. The increase in foam volumes resulted in air voids that were larger and more connected. Structural grade foamed concrete displayed performance similar to the base mix, showing lower penetration compared to conventional concrete with equivalent strength. According to the research, the use of foamed concrete in the construction process of cities, both in public and private structures, could lead to the reduction of harmful emissions caused by cement, making cities more environmentally friendly.

کلیدواژه ها:

foamed concrete ، cement ، Sustainable development ، environmentalpollutants ، future cities