Lightweight Masonry Blocks with Expanded Glass Aggregate for Fire Resistance

Abstract

This research study aims to develop masonry blocks using expanded glass aggregate with enhanced fire resistance characteristics. In recent years many research studies focused on developing lightweight construction materials in concrete and masonry for various specialised applications. However, very few studies have investigated their fire resistance characteristics. In this study, we investigate the possibility of using expanded glass aggregate in cement masonry blocks to enhance their fire resistance. Expanded glass is a recycled waste glass product, a lightweight and good thermal insulation material. Both commonly used cement-sand (i.e. control mix) and expanded glass aggregate-based blocks were developed and exposed to simulated fire conditions. Fire conditions included both building fire and bushfire time-temperature curves. The paper presents the results of physical properties of the expanded glass aggregate, mix design and compressive strength and fire test results of both cement-sand and cement-expanded glass aggregate blocks.