Nowadays, the application of nanotechnology has gained increased attention in the concrete technology field. Several applications of concrete require light weight; one such concrete used is foamed concrete (FC), which has more voids in the microstructure. In this study, nano-silica (NS) was utilized, which exhibits a pozzolanic nature, and it reacts with other pozzolanic compositions (like lime, alumina, etc.) to form hydrated compounds in concrete. Apart from these hydrated compounds, NS acts as a filler material and enhances properties of concrete such as the fresh and hardened properties. This research examines the fresh, hardened, and microstructural properties of FC blended with NS. The ratio of binder and filler used in this research is 1:1.5, with a water-to-binder ratio of 0.45 and a density of 880 kg/m3. A total of six different weight fractions of NS were added to FC mixes, namely 0%, 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, and 5%. Properties assessed for FC blended with NS were the slump, bulk density, strength parameters (flexural, splitting tensile, and compressive strengths), morphological analysis, water absorption, and porosity. It was concluded from this study that the optimum NS utilized to improve the properties was 3%. Apart from this, the relationship between the mechanical properties and NS dosages was developed. The correlations between the compressive strength and other properties were analyzed, and relationships were developed based on the best statistical approach. This study helps academicians, researchers, and industrialists enhance the properties of FC blended with NS and their relationships to predict concrete properties from other properties.
Improper waste management is causing global environmental problems. Waste glass may have adverse impacts on the ecosystem. While a substantial amount of soda-lime glass bottle (SGB) undergoes recycling to create new glass items, a significant volume still ends up in landfills. Therefore, the aim of this study was to explore the potential use of SGB in foamed concrete (FC) production as an aggregate replacement. SGB was substituted for sand in different weight fractions, ranging from 5 to 50%. The fresh state, mechanical, thermal, pore structure, and transport properties were examined. The findings showed a significant enhancement in the FC's mechanical properties when SGB replaced 20% of sand. The compressive, flexural, and splitting tensile strengths exhibited a rise of up to 17.7, 39.4, and 43.8%, respectively. The findings also demonstrated that the addition of SGB improved the thermal conductivity, sorptivity, water absorption, and porosity. The scanning electron microscopy analysis indicated that the inclusion of 20% SGB caused a substantial decrease in void diameter and enhanced its uniformity. A comparison was made between the experimental data and predictions of the mechanical properties using various models of international standards, such as IS 456, ACI 318, NZS-3101, EC-02, AS 3600, and CEB-FIB, along with several references in the literature. The findings implied a strong correlation between the strength properties. The outcomes of this research offer valuable insights into both the possible advantages and constraints of using SGB in FC. Furthermore, this extensive laboratory investigation may serve as a guideline for future study and aid in the advancement of greener and more environmentally friendly FC alternatives.