Lightweight building blocks incorporating bottom ash aggregate under different curing conditions

In this study, the utilization of bottom ash as an aggregate in the production of lightweight building blocks was investigated. Pumice aggregate which was used in lightweight control mixture replaced by the bottom ash aggregate and on the other hand, cement replaced by high volume fly ash. Physical and mechanical properties of mixtures were determined after different curing regimes (standard water, in air, in oven, steam and autoclave curing) and in addition, water resistance of the mixtures was also determined. After that, microstructure of the specimens was investigated by using the scanning electron microscopy. Then, the thermal conductivity of the mixtures containing pumice and bottom ash was compared. Finally, in order to produce construction elements, prototypes of lightweight building blocks were manufactured. After these very procedures, it concludes that bottom ash is a good alternative for pumice aggregate in producing lightweight building blocks