Enhancing performance properties and expanding the application of cellular concrete through the incorporation of industrial by-products

Introduction. The article addresses the issues of reducing energy intensity in the production of non-autoclaved cellular concrete and enhancement its performance properties by developing new modified cements and utilizing industrial by-products and waste from energy and mining complexes. One promising approach for creating high-tech products and achieving highly functional cement systems – imparting special properties while reducing binder consumption – involves the use of modifying additives in cement compositions. These additives densify the microstructure and influence kinetics processes. In this case, industrial by-products and waste from energy and mining complexes can serve as such additives. By using industrial by-products and waste, it is possible to significantly alter the parameters of the raw material base of the Russian Federation, reduce the amount of natural traditional raw materials used, and mitigate environmental concerns. Methods and Materials. The study examined the influence of the type (diopside, diabase, wollastonite, and limestone), quantity, and dispersion (particle size distribution) of modifying additives. Quartz sand and acid fly ash from the Thermal Power Plant (TPP) were used as the silica components. Results. At the same time, a strength increase of up to 18% was observed, with the most significant enhancement achieved using diopside. When mineral additives were incorporated, the average density of aerated concrete decreases by up to 5%, while that of foam concrete decreased up to 20%. Additionally, the thermal conductivity of aerated concrete decreased from 0.14 to 0.12 W/(m•°C), and that of foam concrete decreased to 0.069–0.070 W/(m•°C). Frost resistance of modified aerated concrete increased from F50 to F75, and that of foam concrete increased from F20 to F25. The index of air noise reduction by single-layer aerated concrete enclosing structures reached 69.13 dB, exceeding the requirements set by regulatory standards. Discussion. The results of the studies indicate that the improved performance properties of non-autoclaved cellular concrete is associated with the changes in pore structure and the phase composition of new hydrated formations. Conclusion. The obtained non-autoclaved cellular concrete is structural thermal-insulating and thermalinsulating, which can be used as thermal-insulating and wall material for non-load-bearing walls and partitions or as the main wall material for low-rise construction. Reducing the time required to achieve strength significantly shortens construction timelines for projects using non-autoclaved cellular concrete, thereby lowering labor intensity and overall construction costs as a whole.