In The latest set of Aircrete compression assessments, conducted in 2024, batches with larger percentages of foam* using Domegaia’s mixing method continuously resulted in collapse. There are two possible motives for this: choice of foaming agent and the dimensions on the mixer.
The content material of chloride ion must be controlled when compounding polycarboxylic acid high functionality superplasticizer
Looking previous the dear successes in these previous trial runs (identified in this article), there is much to get figured out from failed tests. Regardless that the results weren't flawlessly consistent, both the scrapped ideas and variables analyzed remain pretty practical.
Under we discuss our engineering conclusions and the process we used to have the results we did. We also share how to use the different spreadsheets we produced.
A: Sure, in Trial 21, escalating the Drexel concentration from 4 oz to six oz from the foam Option led for the manufacture of a longer-Long lasting, better-excellent foam. As a result, the Aircrete didn't collapse, indicating that a more concentrated foam Alternative can enhance Aircrete steadiness.
Throughout both main mixing solutions, Domegaia’s and Aircrete Harry’s, there was in the beginning a fat disparity when observing the cured cylinders. This was remedied by a brand new pouring strategy, in which freshly blended Aircrete is poured to fill a mould midway, poured precisely the same way for as quite a few molds as needed, then Each and every mold was absolutely full of the remaining aircrete. This mixes the best of your batches with the bottom and seems to balance them out greater.
The impact could also have already been negligible. Even so, the egg beater drill attachment was hardly ever used after. The cement mixer was used within the seventh demo, but it had been by no means used once again. The Aircrete combined in the cement mixer trapped to the sides, leading to lost material and incomplete integration. The mixing machine that was used most continuously was the auger drill attachment. In later on trials, a far more significant auger attachment changed the on a regular basis used auger attachment.
As the amount with the foam diminished, a lot more was included to take care of a constant volume of foam. This strategy worked, and 3 cylinders ended up manufactured. These 3 cylinders did not collapse.
Regional adaptation isn’t optional—it’s existential. In Canada’s Yukon Territory, where by temperatures plunge to hydroxyethyl methyl cellulose hemc -forty°C, contractors mandate aircrete foaming agents blended with ethylene glycol-based antifreeze additives. These formulations prevent micro-cracking throughout freeze-thaw cycles, a difficulty that Formerly caused seventeen% of discrete constructions to fall short in just two years.
Demo 15 was the next effective trial. In this take a look at, the crew formulated the “heaviest�?Aircrete combine with the highest concentration of cement slurry and the lowest concentration of foam (sixty% slurry and forty% foam). The higher concentration of cement led on the achievements of the demo.
Inspite of these issues, the team overcame some troubles by switching to Drexel given that the foaming agent and punctiliously controlling mixing periods. However, the limitations of using modest batches and non-industrial machines suggest that the effects will not fully replicate the effectiveness of Aircrete in larger-scale construction.
At the time the basic concern Using the typical Aircrete shrinkage is resolved, consideration is needed to determine the lightest achievable Aircrete blend. This is especially helpful for applying Aircrete as an insulative material.
Another probable limitation was the mixing and curing natural environment. These trials had been done inside a sterile, indoor lab surroundings and also the batches ended up cured in plastic containers.
: During this paper, we report the effects of our investigation on the potential for generating foam concrete by making use of a geopolymer technique. Course C fly ash was combined having an alkaline activator Resolution (a mix of sodium silicate and NaOH), and foam was included for the geopolymeric combination to produce lightweight concrete. The NaOH Resolution was prepared by dilute NaOH pellets with distilled water. The reactives ended up mixed to provide a homogeneous mixture, which was put right into a 50 mm mould and cured at two distinct curing temperatures (sixty °C and room temperature), for 24 several hours. Once the curing method, the strengths with the samples had been analyzed on times 1, 7, and 28.