Identification of set-accelerator for enhancing the productivity of foam concrete block manufacture

Foam concrete is suitable for producing lightweight blocks. This paper deals with identification of suitable set accelerator for foam concrete made using sodium lauryl sulphate as foaming agent, i.e. facilitating demoulding within 2 h and also economical. As conventional accelerators, viz., calcium chloride, calcium nitrate, triethanol amine were not-effective in foam concrete, alum and Class-C fly ash were tried. Demoulding test was performed to the mixes having optimum density (1200–1300 kg/m3). Class-C fly ash was observed as a potential set-accelerator, facilitating demoulding at 90 min.

► Study aims to identify an accelerator for foam concrete for early demoulding. ► Conventional accelerators did not reduce demoulding time. ► Though alum reduced demoulding time, higher dosage makes it uneconomical. ► Class-C fly ash is an appropriate accelerator for foam concrete made with SLS.