A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF FOAM AGENT AND CLAM SHELL POWDER IMPACT ON CONCRETE COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH AND ABSORBENCY

Abstract

Concrete is a versatile construction material composed of Portland cement or other hydraulic cement, fine aggregate, coarse aggregate, and water, optionally with additives, that forms a solid mass. It is classified based on its strength (f'c) and density (c), with three categories each. Low-strength concrete possesses f'c < 20 MPa, medium-strength concrete with f'c = 21 MPa - 40 MPa, and high-strength concrete with f'c > 41 MPa. Similarly, concrete is categorized by density as lightweight (< 1,900 kg/m³), normal weight (2,200 kg/m³ - 2,500 kg/m³), and heavy weight (> 2,500 kg/m³). Various studies have explored lightweight concrete to achieve low density while maintaining sufficient strength.

Among the lightweight concrete types, foam concrete stands out due to its unique production process involving gas bubbles or air in cement mortar, forming numerous air pores within the concrete. Foam agents play a crucial role in this process, affecting the absorption rate of the concrete. These agents can be categorized into three types: polymer foam agent, protein foam agent, and surface-active agent.

Foam concrete typically exhibits lower compressive strength compared to normal concrete. To improve its physical and mechanical properties, researchers have explored the incorporation of materials containing pozzolanic properties. One such material is clam shell waste, abundant in coastal areas like North Aceh, where shellfish habitats contribute to clam shell waste production.

In this study, we investigate the utilization of clam shell waste as a natural pozzolan in foam concrete. Our research aims to understand the impact of clam shell waste on the density, strength, and absorption rate of foam concrete. By incorporating this waste material, we seek to enhance the overall performance of foam concrete, providing an eco-friendly alternative for construction applications.