EVALUATION OF THE MECHANICAL PERFORMANCE OF FOAMED CONCRETE USING THE SPECIFIC COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH-TO-DRY DENSITY RATIO
Abstract
<p>Owing to its low density, self-compacting capability, and thermal insulation properties, foamed concrete is widely used in lightweight construction. However, achieving an optimal balance between mechanical strength and dry density remains a major challenge in mix design. This study experimentally evaluated 32 foamed concrete mixtures incorporating different foaming agent types, cement types, polypropylene fibers, supplementary cementitious materials, and superplasticizer. Mixture performance was assessed using compressive strength, dry density, and the Specific Compressive Strength-to-Dry Density Index, which reflects both load-bearing capacity and lightweight efficiency. The results showed that the investigated variables affected the performance index to different extents, with cement content, foaming agent type, and superplasticizer exhibiting the greatest influence. The optimum mixture achieved a compressive strength of 4.2 MPa, a dry density of 683 kg/m³, and the highest performance index of 6.1. These findings provide practical guidance for optimizing low-density foamed concrete with improved mechanical performance of foamed concrete.</p>