Evaluating the Performance of Buoyancy Fiber-Reinforced Floating Concrete with Recycled LECA

The growing issue of light expanded clay aggregate (LECA) disposal has become a pressing environmental concern globally, underscoring the need for swift and effective solutions. To mitigate this issue, the construction industry is increasingly adopting sustainable alternatives to traditional concrete. One such innovative approach involves incorporating these waste materials into construction materials, primarily concrete. This study aimed to create a novel, eco-friendly concrete material utilizing recycled LECA, engineered to float on water. The investigation employed a range of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) fiber volume fractions (0, 0.15, 0.25, 0.35, and 0.45%) to assess their impact on the strength properties of lightweight foamed concrete (LWFC). The combination of LECA and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) fibers resulted in compressive strengths ranging from 3.51 to 4.15 MPa, accompanied by densities between 600 and 750 kg/m3. Furthermore, ultra-lightweight foam floating concrete (ULWFFC)-P5 demonstrated enhanced load capacity, with a buoyancy force of 26.5 N. This innovation presents a groundbreaking opportunity for the construction sector, offering a sustainable and effective solution for complex projects in building and offshore marine environments.

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