Use of quartet blends containing fly ash, scoria, perlitic pumice and cement to produce cellular hollow lightweight masonry blocks for non-load bearing walls

Cellular hollow lightweight masonry (CHLM) blocks produced by fly ash, scoria, perlitic pumice and cement could be used as for concrete hollow blocks in building industry. CHLM blocks are lightweight and being hollow, give thermal and sound insulation, fire resistant and high weathering resistance to the buildings. In this research study, CHLM blocks with 22 different mixture batches were cast into a mould with vibro-compacting, de-moulded immediately and transferred to a storage area for curing up to 96 days in normal air condition. CHLM blocks were produced suitable according to BS 1881 specifications. The ratio of solid area and solid volume of CHLM blocks are 53.57% and 61.46%, respectively. The web and shell thickness of the block are 35 mm and the block dimensions are 200 mm in height, 400 mm in length and 200 in width. For each mixture, three block samples were prepared and tested in the air dry condition for compressive strength and water absorption in accordance with BS 1881: Part 116 [BS 1881: Part 116, Testing concrete. Method for determination of compressive strength of concrete cubes, UK, 1983].This paper investigates the use of quartet blends containing fly ash, scoria, perlitic pumice and cement to produce CHLM blocks for walls and partitions. The compressive strength, water absorption and weight of CHLM blocks were determined. The suitability of these blocks in terms of loss in compressive strength with using fly ash is also presented in this paper. It is observed that CHLM blocks have adequate strength and more convenient water absorption for their use in general building industry.