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.
