Effects of Borıc Acid Additive to Pumice Aggregate Lightweight Concrete Properties

Abstract

Pumice aggregates are used in the production of lightweight concretes due to their low density, good thermal and sound insulation characteristics as well as their admirable resistance against elevated temperatures. In this study, the effects of boric acid addition to pumice aggregate lightweight concrete at different ratios (Ref: 0%, 2%, 4% and 6%) were investigated. For this purpose; physical (dry unit weight, water absorption and porosity) and mechanical (compressive strength, tensile splitting strength) tests on produced lightweight concrete samples by boric acid-doped pumice aggregates were performed. Furthermore, SEM images were employed in the clarification (plainly) of the microstructure of produced boric acid-doped lightweight concrete (microstructure properties). As a result of this study, it was observed that the physical properties such as porosity and water absorption values decreased while the dry unit weight increased. Moreover, an increase in compressive strength and tensile splitting strength values of produced lightweight concrete was observed. SEM images were examined and the best results were obtained from the addition of boric acid at 6% ratio. Therefore, it was determined that the use of boric acid as an additive in the production of lightweight concrete improved (significantly) the physical and mechanical properties of the produced lightweight concrete.

Keywords: Boric Acid, Pumice, Lightweight Concrete, Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM).

DOI: 10.7176/JSTR/6-09-01