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Course Description:

This course offers studies in lightweight concrete technologies, with a specific emphasis on thermal and acoustic features. Attendees will explore the utilization of various waste materials, including marble wastes, expanded perlite, expanded glass, crushed expanded polystyrene, and plant-based aggregates, in the production of lightweight concrete. The course will investigate the effects of these materials on the thermal conductivity, thermal storage, acoustic performance, energy efficiency, and thermal comfort. Additionally, attendees will study the impact of pre-soaking treatment methods and the incorporation of polypropylene twisted bundle fibers on the properties and performance of lightweight concrete.

Learning Objectives:

1. Attendees will understand the acoustic performance, such as sound absorption and transmission loss, of lightweight concrete mixtures using waste materials.

2. Attendees will understand  the various pre-soaking techniques, such as water absorption and chemical treatments, and their impact on workability, compressive strength, durability, and sustainability of lightweight concrete.

3. Attendees will learn about the benefits of incorporating polypropylene twisted bundle fibers in lightweight foamed concrete.

General Course Information

Course preview:

Abstract: A large amount of industrial solid waste is generated from industrial activities worldwide. One such waste is marble waste, a waste generated from quarries which is generated in larger amount which needs attention. It is proved that this waste has a significant impact both on the people health and on the environment. Hence, research works are directed towards addressing usage of waste marble power, the aim of this experimental investigation is to study the usability of sand obtained by crushing marble waste (MWS) on the mixing of lightweight concrete based on expanded perlite aggregate (EPA). First, the mechanical, chemical, and physical properties of marble waste sand and expanded perlite aggregate were determined after which different mixtures of concrete are prepared by varying the percentage of EPA (0, 20, 40, 60, 80, and 100%), in order to find the optimum mixture focussing on obtaining best hydraulic properties. Also, in this work, the thermal and acoustic properties (thermal conductivity, thermal diffusivity, specific heat capacity and sound reduction index at different frequencies) of the tested concrete samples were investigated. Results shows that it is possible to obtain thermal and acoustic insulation lightweight concrete by using sand obtained by crushing marble wastes. Also, addition of more than 20% of EPA aggregate in concrete, develops a thermal insulating lightweight concrete which possess capacity to store heat and produce better thermal performance. Concrete blend with a percentage of more than of 20% of EPA aggregate can be placed in the category of acoustic insulation lightweight concrete. In summary, cement based on MWs and EPA provides better workability and energy saving qualities, which are economical and environmentally beneficial and may result in decreased construction budget and improve a long-term raw materials sustainability