Experimental Contribution to Study the Physico-Mechanical and Thermal Properties of Lightweight Cellular Concrete Prepared With Different Types of Sand and Waste Marble Powder

Algeria is currently undergoing an evolution in civil engineering, which has resulted in a higher use of aggregates, especially sand. This study contributes to the development of locally produced materials. Its goal is to explore how the type of sand and waste marble powder (WMP), which can be used as a partial replacement of cement and aluminum powder (Al) with different percentages as an expansive agent, can affect physico-mechanical properties such as the bulk density and mechanical strength at 28 and 90 days, as well as the thermal conductivity of lightweight cellular concrete. Non-autoclaved cellular concretes (CC) were investigated based on three types of sand, i.e., sea sand (SS), river sand (RS), and waste marble sand (WMS); a hydraulic binder (a mix of cement and waste marble powder), and aluminum powder. The experimental results indicate that the nature and particle size distribution of the sand used had an impact on the properties of the CCs. Furthermore, it can be seen that the increased aluminum contents decrease the density, mechanical strength, and thermal characteristics of the CCs. Using 10-15% WMP as a cement substitute improves the mechanical strength, offers better thermal conductivity values, and contributes to sustainable development by developing a new class of environmentally friendly cellular concrete.