Mechanical and Physical Properties of Hydrophobized Lightweight Aggregate Concrete with Sewage Sludge

Materials (Basel). 2016 Apr 27;9(5):317. doi: 10.3390/ma9050317.

Abstract

This article is focused on lightweight aggregate-concrete modified by municipal sewage sludge and lightweight aggregate-concrete obtained from light aggregates. The article presents laboratory examinations of material physical parameters. Water absorptivity of the examined material was decreased by the admixture of water emulsion of reactive polysiloxanes. Water transport properties were determined using Time Domain Reflectometry, an indirect technique for moisture detection in porous media. Together with basic physical parameters, the heat conductivity coefficient λ was determined for both types of lightweight aggregate-concrete. Analysis of moisture and heat properties of the examined materials confirmed the usefulness of light aggregates supplemented with sewage sludge for prospective production.

Keywords: hydrophobization; lightweight-concrete; sewage sludge.