Multiproperty characterization of non-structural concrete for block made with granulated cork with bark

Abstract

[EN] The increasing demand of natural aggregates for concrete in construction has degenerated the environment. This has given impetus to researches for sustainable development by using different bio-aggregates as lightweight aggregate for concrete. Cork which is a light, renewable and biodegradable material and cork industries generate a considerable amount of solid wastes, among them are granulated cork with bark (GCB) that is not suitable to produce cork agglomerated because of its grains high density lack the required qualities. In order to reduce its volume and to reutilize it in the productive chain, it is possible among applications, to use GCB as lightweight aggregates in the production of non-structural concrete for applications such as making blocks. The main characteristics of a fresh and hardened non-structural concrete made with GCB are presented here and compared with a non-structural concrete made exclusively with natural aggregate. The wide experimental investigation carried out in this study is addressed to maximize the use of GCB in a non structural concrete block manufacturing. Replacement of 10%, 20%, 30% and 40% of particle sizes 2-5 mm of natural aggregate by an equal volume of granulated cork with bark of particle size 3.2-5 mm in an industrial dosage were made. The results show that the volume of pores increases in concrete mixtures. The comparison of concrete mixtures manufactured with GCB with a reference non-structural concrete shows that GCB decreases consistence and fresh density but increases air content. The density of hardened concrete decreases and the volume of larger capillary pores is increased. Concrete mixes with GCB in its composition show a lower flexural and compression strength and modulus of elasticity. Durability properties such as water absorption and w ' ater penetration are increased but absorption by capillarity decreases. GCB contributes to reduce the thermal conductivity of concrete and despite an increase in the sound absorption value in the concrete with higher proportion of GCB, it might still be classified as class E