Properties of partition wall blocks prepared with fresh concrete wastes

The research was conducted to explore the feasible use of fresh concrete waste (FCW) for the manufacturing of partition wall blocks. The FCW sourced from a ready mix concrete plant was crushed into the size of fine aggregate (<5 mm), and used to replace natural sand at the proportions of 0%, 25%, 50%, 75% and 100% by weight with an aggregate/cement ratio of 12, for producing partition blocks. The properties of the blocks, such as density, water absorption, compressive and transverse strengths, and drying shrinkage as well as the loss of strength, mass and ultrasonic pulse velocity after exposure to elevated temperatures (300 degrees C, 500 degrees C and 800 degrees C) were determined. The results indicate that as FCW content increased in the blocks, the water absorption increased and density decreased due to the high porosity of FCW. But the incorporation of FCW aggregates improved the mechanical properties (compressive strength and transverse strength) of the partition blocks. However it weakened the fire endurance of the blocks. The results of the study have demonstrated that it is feasible to utilize the FCW in the production of non load-bearing concrete products, such as partition blocks. (C) 2011 Published by Elsevier Ltd.