Modeling of lightweight concrete elements using nonlinear finite element analysis

Abstract

Researchers and industrialists' interest in lightweight concrete(LWC) to be used in structural applications is steadily increasing.It is currently believed to have a promising future. It was restricted to use as partition wall, thermal insulationand rehabilitation work in the past. In the last few decades with the understanding of the phenomenon underlying LWC,efforts have been made to use foamed concrete in structural application. The main objective of the research was to investigate the mechanical and structural properties of foam balls lightweight concrete. Foam balls lightweight concrete FBLWCis a type of concrete with cementations' paste, fines, water, coarse aggregate and foam balls. The use of admixtures such as fly ash and silica fume, the foam concrete provides more strength. Foam balls lightweight concrete is a concrete weighing substantially less than that is made using gravel or crushed stone aggregates. FBLWCis usually chosen for structural purposes, which its use will lead to a lower overall cost of structure than will be expected with normal weight concrete.The general high unit cost of lightweight structural concrete is offset by reducing dead loads and lower foundation costs. A new kind of LWC(foamed balls lightweight concrete)was developed for foam balls lightweight concrete, in which conventionally aggregate is partially replaced by polystyrene foam particles,which combined the advantages of normal density concrete, cellular concrete and high workability.