Brief 

Researchers from Saudi Arabia, China, Pakistan, India and Australia explored the use of three machine learning algorithms to test foamed concrete. The study indicated a strong correlation between density and compressive strength in foam concrete, and researchers concluded the algorithms can accurately predict compressive strength.

 

Insight

An international team of scientists from Saudi Arabia, China, Pakistan, India, and Australia have collaborated on a new paper in Cement and Concrete Composites using machine learning to test foamed concrete.

 

What is Foamed Concrete?

Concrete has excellent mechanical and physical properties, especially when reinforced with steel rebars, which makes it an ideal construction material. However, concrete production comes with a huge environmental cost due to its carbon footprint and is a key source of climate change-inducing emissions. Moreover, concrete waste is a major source of environmental pollution.

Several sustainable types of concrete and cementitious additives have been researched in recent decades to partially or fully replace traditional ordinary Portland cement and improve the eco-friendliness of the construction industry, as well as enhance the mechanical, physical, and physiochemical properties of concrete. Foamed concrete is currently being explored by researchers.

This innovative material has a light cellular structure with varying density. Weight reduction in the binding mortar is caused by the inclusion of random air voids. Whilst not a new material, foamed concrete has become the focus of research due to its environmental and cost benefits compared to conventional concrete.

Other names for foamed concrete include low-density foamed concrete and lightweight cellular concrete. This material has been applied in fire-resistant and earthquake-resistant structures due to its excellent properties and is composed of cement, aggregate, foaming agents, and water. Several researchers have also investigated the inclusion of waste binders to improve the material.

The properties of foamed concrete can be influenced by material characteristics, such as cement mineralogy, type of foaming agent, and the granulometry of aggregates, as well as mixture proportions, the uniformity and nature of pores, and water quality. Additionally, curing methods can affect the final material properties and performance.

 

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