LIGHTWEIGHT CONCRETE BASED ON DIATOMITE

Abstract

his research work involves the use of diatomite from the Aktobe region for the modern production of building materials necessary for solving the economic problem of reducing energy consumption in the life support of buildings and structures, the key parameter of which is the thermal conductivity coefficient of building materials in terms of thermal insulation of buildings and structures. The aim of the research work is to develop a technology for the production of concrete products and structures based on diatomite for modern civil and industrial construction. Diatomite was studied as an independent material and as a raw material for the production of thermolite, obtained by high-temperature calcination of diatomite at a temperature of 1150⁰С, used as a filler for the production of concrete products such as thermite, teplo-porite, aerated concrete, and thermolite concrete. The average density, compressive strength, water absorption, abrasion resistance, and thermal conductivity coefficient of laboratory concrete samples based on diatomite and thermolite were determined using methods compliant with relevant construction standards. To improve the physical and mechanical properties of the heat-resistant material, a modifying additive MasterCast 727 was used in an amount of 2.0% (7 kg) of the 350 kg mass of cement in the heat-resistant concrete composition. As a result, water absorption decreased from 34.8 to 27.4% (by 21.3%), strength increased from grade M25 (B1,5) to grade M35 (B2.5), and abrasion resistance increased from G3 to G2. The article presents the results of scientific research on the main physical and mechanical properties of thermite, heat-resistant concrete, aerated concrete, and thermolite concrete. The results presented in the article will be used in further scientific research to develop a technology for the production of concrete products using MasterCast 727 and other additives.