2007/2 PAGES 35 43 RECEIVED 15. 1. 2007 ACCEPTED 15. 3.

2007

A. STRUHROV, I. ROUSEKOV

POROUS STRUCTURE OF CELLULAR CONCRETE AND ITS IMPACT ON SELECTED PHYSICAL-MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF CELLULAR CONCRETE
ABSTRACT
The properties of all building materials are to a large extent influenced by the structure of the solid itself. For cellular concrete the porosity of the material is especially typical. It is possible to influence this porosity during single production phases, and in this way, it is possible to ensure the optimal physical-mechanical properties of the end product. The article evaluates high-pressure mercury porosimetry, optic microscopy, volume weight, compression strength and the coefficient of thermal conduction. In the conclusion, following an extensive overview, of the knowledge from gained she literature, consultations and results achieved, the importance of porosity and its effect on the physical-mechanical properties of cellular concrete as a building material are underscored. The goal of the experimental work was to study the effect of the pore structure of cellular concrete which is made from various basic (primary) raw materials on its selected physico-mechanical properties, including its apparent density, compressive strength and thermal conductivity.

University teacher at the Department of Material Engineering Research fields: Structure of cellular concrete, physicalmechanical properties of cellular concrete, humidity problems of porous materials

Ing. Alena Struhrov, PhD.

Ildik Rousekov, PhD., Assoc. Prof.

Associate professor at the Department of Material Engineering Research fields: Cement composites cured at elevated temperatures, concrete admixtures, durability of concrete. Address: Slovak Technical University, Faculty of Civil Engineering, Radlinskho 11, 813 68 Bratislava, Slovak Republic

KEY WORDS
Cellular concrete Porous structure of cellular concrete High-pressure mercury porosimetry Volume weight Compression strength Coefficient of thermal conductivity

1. INTRODUCTION CONCERNING THE STRUCTURE OF CELLULAR CONCRETE

The properties of all building materials are to a decisive extent influenced, in addition to their chemical and mineralogical compositions, by the structure of the solid itself [1]. From this point of view, cellular concrete is characterized by porosity, which is, at the first approach, uniformly disposed throughout the volume of the material. According to [1], the porosity of cellular concrete is formed by minute, almost spherical and seemingly enclosed little cavities macro-pores, with a diameter of 0.32.0 mm. A certain portion of the total porosity is formed by micro-pores and microcapillaries and also by gel pores in the inter-porous solid itself, which forms screens between the little spherical cavities of the macro-pores [1].

The relationship between the structure and mechanical properties of autoclaved cellular concrete was studied by Alexanderson [2]. In his opinion the structure of the material is characterized by its solid phase and pores. The pores are of two kinds macro-pores, which result from the leavening of the solid (with a gassing addition) and micro-pores, which occur in the walls between the macro-pores. Micro-pores are residuals of space initially filled with water, which is then partially occupied by the reaction products in the course of autoclaving. It is possible to characterize the structure of the material by the type of reaction products and their quantity, porosity and distribution of the pores according to their size. In terms of the examination of cellular concretes structure, it is necessary to specify the classification of the pores. In accordance with varios authors [1,2,3], under the term macropores we can consider pores with a diameter from 0.1 mm up

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to a few mm (or the pores resulting from the effect of a gassing addition) and under the term micro-pores we can consider pores with a diameter under 0.1 mm up to a size in nm (or the pores resulting from the evaporation of free water). Quantitatively, we can determine porosity by the volume of the pores in a unit volume of cellular concrete. The indicator of the total porosity Pc is characterized by the full volume of the open and closed pores in the unit volume of the material. It is possible to calculate the value of Pc from the relation: Pc = (1 where: Pc - total porosity in %, v - volume weight of the cellular concrete in a dried state in kg/m3, - density of the cellular concrete in dried state in kg/m3. The volume weight of cellular concrete is directly related to the its total porosity and density, and the volume weight is at the same time decisive for all the other properties. Compression strength is the most important mechanical property of cellular concrete. In particular it depends on the value of the porosity, the size of the pores and their distribution and on the strength of the macro-pore walls. The simplest way to observe the effect of these factors is indirectly, as a dependence on the volume weight. It is possible to express this dependence, e.g., by the following relation according to Levin [4]: Rc = A . v2 [MPa] where: Rc - compression strength in the dried state of a cellular concrete cube with an edge of 100 mm (defined vertically as the direction of the mixtures leavening) in MPa, v - volume weight of the cellular concrete in a dried state in kg/m3, A - constructive empirical coefficient. (1.2) ) . 100 [%], (1.1)

Matouek [1] considers the leavening of cellular concrete to be a very important phase, because over its course, the processes of leavening and initial solidification take place, i. e., when the basic macrostructure of cellular concrete is formed. Hrab and Korb [5] have an identical opinion, according to which this phase is determinative for the final macrostructure of the product and its properties, and a decisive role in this phase is played by the rheology of the casting. The solidification of cellular concrete represents a partial treatment process, on which the course of the production depends, and that is both from the point of view of the gassing process and the manipulation with the solid in the course of further production methods. But it is the quality of the products that mostly depends on the course of solidification. In the process of solidification different conditions rise during the treatment of the various joining materials of cellular concrete lime, cement, or lime and cement together. Different conditions also exist in the use of sand or flue ash as fillers in cellular concrete. After solidification and mechanical treatment, the cellular concrete mixture is submitted to hydrothermal hardening in an autoclave (in an environment of saturated water vapour with pressure of 1.3 MPa and a temperature of about 190 oC), in the course of which the hydration reactions of the mortars employed, the reactions between them, their hydration products and the silicic component of the filler accelerate. Much research work has been dedicated to hydration products in the CaO-SiO2-H2O, CaO-Al2O3-H2O, CaO-Al2O3-Fe2O3-H2O, CaO-Al2O3-SO3-H2O systems. The CaO-SiO2-H2O system has been studied with particular attention, since calciumsilicatehydrates are bearers of the final properties of cellular concrete. The course of the hydrothermal reactions depends on the: chemical nature of the starting substances, Cao : SiO2 proportion, specific surface of the starting components, quantity of blended water, autoclaving regime. The basic characteristics of the procedure of an autoclaving regime are pressure, temperature and time. Calciumsilicatehydrates of the CaO SiO2 H2O system are very complex bodies, which create quite a number of intermediate products during autoclaving. CSH II gel (1.5-2CaO.SiO2.2-4H2O) and -C2SH (2CaO.SiO2.1.01.5H2O) arise after one hour of the hydrothermal process. CSH I gel (0.8-1.5CaO.SiO2.1.0-2.5H2O) arises after three hours of the hydrothermal process. After has been the autoclaving ongoing, for about 4 5 hours, the tobermorite mineral 5CaO.6SiO2.5H2O arises, which is the main

1.1 Formation of cellular concretes structure

The creation of cellular concretes structure takes place in three time phases: leavening, solidification and hardening. Leavening and solidification take place at temperatures of about 40 90 oC over the course of several hours from casting it till taking it to an autoclave. The third phase is the hardening of the cellular concrete at a temperature of about 190 oC, which has a duration of 12 16 hours according to the autoclaving regime.

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bearer of the strength of autoclaved cellular concrete. Tobermorite is formed by crystals with a plate shape or fibres with a size of around 1 m. In hydrothermal conditions calciumsilicatehydrates can arise also, e.g., the gehlenite hydrate (2CaO.Al2O3.SiO2.nH2O).

2. MATERIALS
2.1 Cellular concrete
Fittings made of three kinds of cellular concrete were employed in the experimental part. They were obtained from a producer of cellular concrete the Probetn Sere factory, from which two kinds of fittings were made based flue ash and one kind of fitting was made based on sand. The basic components for the production of fittings based flue ash were dosed in the following quantities - (marking of A1, A2, B1, B2 cellular concrete): lime 96 kg/m3, flue ash 240 kg/m3, water 160 l/m3, aluminium powder 0.4 kg/m3, surface-active agent porn 0.2kg/m3, calcium sulfate 0.2 kg/m3, wetting oil - alpal 6.8 ml/m3. Within the framework of the dose of flue ash, employed the types of cellular concrete differed in reciprocally changing proportions and the type of flue ash employed that satisfy STN EN 450-1 [15]. The basic components for the production of fittings based on sand were dosed in the following quantities (marking of C1, C2 cellular concretes): sand sediment 230 kg/m3, intergrow slurry 95 kg/m3, blended water 56 l/m3, cement 69.4 kg/m3, lime 38.2 kg/m3, anhydrite 9.2 kg/m3, aluminium suspension 2.3 kg/m3, wetting oil - alpal 8 ml/m3. The character of the pore structure of the selected cellular concrete blocks is given in Fig. 2.1 to 2.3. The documentation of the frames was developed at the Department of Mineralogy and Petrology of the Science Faculty UK in Bratislava, using a Canon digital camera on an adapted Carl Zeiss Jena optical microscope for the observation of the macro-samples. The structure of the single types of cellular concrete is depicted in Fig. 2.1 to 2.3.

Fig. 2.1 View of the surface of cellular concrete type A using an optical microscope

Fig. 2.2 View of the surface of cellular concrete type B using an optical microscope

Fig. 2.3 View of the surface of cellular concrete type C using an optical microscope

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3. OPERATING METHODOLOGY
3.1 Preparation of samples
The samples for examination of the single properties of cellular concrete were prepared in conformity with the STN 73 1350 [11] norm. Withdrawal and creation of the test specimens The test specimens were obtained from the cellular concrete fittings based on the basis of flue ash with dimensions of 400 x 300 x 250 mm and from cellular concrete fittings based on sand with dimensions of 600 x 300 x 250 mm by drilling and crushing. The test specimens were: Fragments of samples. Cylinders with a diameter and height of 100 mm, Fittings with dimensions of 400 x 300 x 250 mm, or 600 x 300 x 250 mm. Marking of the test specimens In the withdrawal and creation of the test specimens the direction of growth of the cellular concrete solid during maturing was marked with an arrow. The test specimens were marked in such a way that the markings did not deteriorate during the basic test operations. The samples from selected types of cellular concrete were marked A, B, (flue ash types of cellular concrete) and C (sand cellular concrete). Properties examined on the test specimens The following properties were defined on the test specimens prepared in the way described above: fragments of samples mercury porosimetry and optic microscopy, cylinders volume weight and compression strength, fittings coefficient of thermal conduction.

3.2.2 Volume weight

The volume weight was determined in conformity with the STN 73 1351-1 [12] norm on cylinder samples with a diameter and height of 100 mm in a dried state. The samples were first dried in a drier with a forced circulation of air 24 hours at a temperature of 605 oC and then for 24 hours at a temperature of 105 (5) oC. The weight of the dried test specimen was determined immediately after removal from the drier. The results of the test were an arithmetic average of the detected values on a set of three test cylinders from every type of cellular concrete. The calculated value of the volume weight was indicated with an accuracy of 5 kg/m3.

3.2.3 Compression strength

The compression strength was determined in conformity with the STN 73 1352-2 [13] norm. The compression strength was investigated on cylinders with a diameter and height of 100 mm. The test set necessary for one test was formed by three cylinders from every type of cellular concrete. Only intact and unbroken bodies of the prescribed shape were used in the test. The results of the test were an arithmetic average of the detected values on a set of three test cylinders from every type of cellular concrete. The calculated value of the compression strength is indicated with an accuracy of 0.01 MPa.

3.2.4 Coefficient of thermal conduction

The coefficient of thermal conduction was determined in conformity with the STN 73 1353 [14] norm. For the proper determination of the coefficient of thermal conduction, was an ISOMET type 104 device, from the APPLIED PRECISION Bratislava company used. The coefficient of thermal conduction was measured on one fitting from every type of cellular concrete. Five measurements were taken on every fitting.

3.2 Testing methods for the properties examined 3.2.1 High-pressure mercury porosimetry
The difference in the microstructure of the selected types of cellular concrete was studied busing high-pressure mercury porosimetry. The porosimetry measurements were made on fragments of samples of the selected types of cellular concrete dried in conformity with the STN 73 1290 [10] norm. The measurements were made using a high-pressure porosimeter from the Erba Science Company, Type 1500, with apparent pressure of up to 150 MPa. The device is adapted in such a way, that it permits determining the size and distribution of the pores within limits from 5 to 47. 000 nm.

4. THE RESULTS OBTAINED AND THEIR EVALUATION

4.1 Mercury porosimetry
Following the overall results developed in the charts 4.1 and 4.2 and in Fig. 4.1, it was possible to identify the differences in the median of the radius values of the pores in single types of cellular concrete, where cellular concrete based on the standard and a fluid flue ash mixture had the highest median value, and the cellular concrete based on sand had the lowest value. Homewer the total volume of the pores (macro-pores and micropores) expressed as the total porosity, as well as distribution of the

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pores according to their size, did not show any significant difference from the point of view of considering the effect of the porosity on the physical-mechanical features of the cellular concrete. Furthermore, the total volume of the pores determined with mercury porosimetry did not correspond with the data published in the literature, which indicated the division of the pores in macro-pores and micro-pores, including their volume occurrence. For the reasons stated, consequently as an evaluation of the results obtained of the dependence of the volume of the pores on the radius of the pores regarding the criteria in [6], several features of the porosity were reevaluated (Chart 4.2). The graphic representation of the dependence of the volume of the pores on their size, expressed as the logarithm of the radius of the pores, shows a division in two areas, which are possible to consider as follows: consider the first area of pores within the limits from 5 to 150 nm as the so-called proper porosity of the skeleton, forming the material of the walls between the macro-pores, consider the second area of the pores from 150 to 10000 nm as

micro-porosity, which characterizes the porosity of the material forming the walls between the macro-pores and consisting of micro-pores and micro-capillaries, which are generally filled with water. Following the calculation of the total porosity upon the volume weight and density and specification of the volume of the micropores (with a size up to 10000 nm), it was possible to calculate the volume occurrence of the macro-pores as a percentage of the volume. The so-called meso-pores or pores with a size from 104 nm to 105 nm (Chart 4.4) were excluded from the evaluation of the microporosity, because it is assumed that they are rather small air pores emerging as a consequence of the gassing reaction of the aluminium during the leavening of the casting as well as little cracks and apertures in the walls of the macro-pores. In accordance with the data in the literature [6], following such reevaluated results of the mercury porosimetry (chart 4.2), it is consequently possible to identify a significant difference between

sample A sample B sample C

10

100

1000

10000

100000 Radius of pores [nm]

Fig. 4.1 Cumulative curves of size division of the pores in the cellular concrete types A, B and C

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Chart 4.1 Results developed of the high-pressure porosimetry of the given types of cellular concrete Size division of the pores Median radius of the pores [nm] 104 - 105 nm [%] [m3.kg-1.10-3] [%] 41.7 39.8 40.8 42.0 42.4 42.2 39.4 40.8 40.2 71.1 63.4 67.3 109.2 117.3 113.3 61.6 64.6 63.1 0.8453 0.8594 475 0.8311 0.8977 0.9024 470 0.8930 0.7996 0.7813 510 0.8178 16.6 14.0 15.3 17.9 17.0 17.5 21.3 23.6 22.5 Volume weight in a dried state [kg/m3] Total volume of pores defined by mercury porosimetry

40
102 - 103 nm [%] 19.3 19.5 19.4 24.7 24.5 24.6 13.9 13.1 13.5 7.2 7.3 7.1 11.2 12.2 10.1 7.5 7.2 7.7 103 - 104 nm [%] Density of cellular concrete [kg/m3] 103 - 104 nm [%] 7.7 7.2 7.5 10.1 12.2 11.2 7.1 7.3 7.2 2230 475 2180 470 2363 510 [m3.kg-1.10-3] 0.6668 0.6660 0.6664 0.6521 0.6339 0.6430 0.6326 0.6215 0.6270 Volume weight in a dried state [kg/m3t] Volume of micro-pores defined by mercury porosimetry [%] 34.00 33.97 33.98 30.65 29.79 30.22 30.05 29.52 29.78 44.42 44.45 44.44 47.79 48.65 48.22 48.65 49.18 48.92 78.44 78.42 78.70 Volume of macro-pores [%] Total porosity [%] 102 - 103 nm [%] 19.3 19.5 19.4 24.7 24.5 24.6 13.9 13.1 13.5

Type of cellular concrete

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4,9 10 nm [%]

10 - 102 nm [%]

A1

6.3

50.1

A2

7.0

52.3

Average

6.7

51.2

B1

4.0

43.3

B2

4.1

42.2

average

4.0

42.8

C1

7.0

50.7

C2

6.8

49.2

Average

6.9

50.0

Chart 4.2 Size division of the pores, density, volume weight, volume of micro-pores and macro-pores, total porosity of the given types of cellular concrete

Type of cellular concrete

Size division of the pores

4,9 10 nm [%]

10 - 102 nm [%]

A1

6.3

50.1

A2

7.0

52.3

Average

6.7

51.2

B1

4.0

43.3

B2

4.1

42.2

POROUS STRUCTURE OF CELLULAR CONCRETE AND ITS IMPACT ON SELECTED ...

average

4.0

42.8

C1

7.0

50.7

C2

6.8

49.2

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Average

6.9

50.0

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the values of the so-called proper porosity of the skeleton, which is markedly lower in cellular concrete based on the standard and fluid flue ash compared to cellular concrete based on standard flue ash or based on sand. It is possible to characterize the proper porosity of the skeleton perceived in this way as a relative expression of the degree of crystallinity of the generated calciumsilicatehydrates, in particular, the C-S-H type and tobermorite. In the same way it is possible to identify a significant difference in the values of the micro-porosity, which characterizes the compactness of the walls between the macro-pores. The lower its value, the more compact the walls between the macro-pores, which has a positive effect on the cumulative compression strengths, but at the same time they characterize the transition capacity of the interconnected pore system in an appropriate manner, which is necessary to be perceived as an interconnected system of macro-pores and micro-pores mutually linked by apertures (cracks) in the inter-porous walls and capillary system, in particular, the micro-capillaries.

4.3 Compression strength

Effect of porosity on compression strength Compression strength is the most important mechanical property of cellular concrete [7]. Generally, it mainly depends on total porosity, on the distribution and size of the pores (macro-pores as well as micro-pores) and, last but not least, on the strength of the walls of the macro-pores, in which a significant role is played by the strength of the so-called skeleton, where a dominant role is played by calciumsilicatehydrates and the degree of their crystallinity. From the types of cellular concrete considered, the highest value of compression strength of 2.7 MPa was achieved by the cellular concrete based on sand (C). The lowest strength of 1.7 MPa was achieved by the cellular concrete based on standard and fluid flue ash mixture (B) (Chart 4.3). A comparison of the compression strengths in various types of cellular concrete can be biased with reference to the different volume weights. In this regard it is necessary to introduce a synthetic criterion in the evaluative method, which would permit comparison of the quality of the cellular concrete considering the values of volume weight and compression strength achieved. Such a criterion, which is widespread in manufacturing, is the so-called coefficient of constructional quality: Ka = Rreal / Rteor x 100 Rteor = A . (OH)2 Where: A - strength coefficient, the value of which is 10-5 [MPa.m6/kg2] OH - volume weight [kg/m3] (1.3) (1.4)

4.2 Volume weight

Effect of porosity on volume weight If we compare the values of total porosity (Chart 4.2) of the types of cellular concrete considered and their volume weights (Chart 4.3), it is possible to observe that there is no relation between them. The differences between the values of the total porosity are minimal, while the volume weights of the single types of cellular concrete are markedly different. It is possible to explain the given the differences by different densities of the fillers (Chart 4.2), which are significant in the calculation of the total porosity. It appears that at a lower volume weight, which is accompanied by a lower value of density, the values of total porosity will not be much different from the values obtained at a higher volume weight, accompanied by a higher density. The well-known postulate of the relation between the total porosity and the volume weight, which indicates that in a delimitated area, a decreasing in volume weight increases the total porosity of the material, is valid in the case of one type of cellular concrete, which is produced from the same raw materials. However, it is not generally applicable for a comparison of the various types of cellular concrete produced on the basis of different raw materials, where an important part is played by the fillers density. The statement in question is in line with the available knowledge about cellular concretes density [6], which depends upon the base of the filler, namely upon the density of the sand, of standard flue ash, which is mostly formed by glassy particles, and upon the density of fluid flue ash, which does not contain the glassy phase, and its particles are formed by partly metamorphosed, markedly defective, structures of the original minerals.

Using the given formulas, the following values of Ka listed in chart 4.3 were calculated. Consequently, in the examination and evaluation of the results of determining the characteristics of micro-porosity and the values of the coefficient of constructional quality Ka listed in chart 4.3, it is possible to observe that the values of the so-called proper porosity of the skeleton are in line with the values of the compression strength and the Ka values. The higher the value of the proper porosity, the higher the value of Ka, and vice-versa. However, the present observation is valid in a given area and does not have a linear dependence, because an optimal degree of crystallinity exists at which the compression strengths achieved are the highest. It follows that in an available approximation to reality, an optimal proportion is achieved between the crystalline tobermorite and the so-called tobermorite gel. An equally good concordance was found

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Chart 4.3 Volume weight, compression strength and coefficient of constructional quality Sample marking A B C Filler standard flue ash standard: fluid flue ash 1.8:0.6 sand Volume weight [kg/m3] 510 470 475 Compression strength [MPa] actival 2.3 1.7 2.7 theoretical 2.60 2.21 2.26 Coefficient of constructional quality Ka [%] 88.5 76.9 119.5

Chart 4.4 Distribution of the pores in the area of micro-porosity and their effect on compression strength Cellular concrete A B C Area of micropores under 150 nm [%] 64 56.3 61.8 Area of micropores from 150 to 104 nm [%] 20.8 26.3 15.8 Compression strength [MPa] 2.3 1.7 2.7

Chart 4.5 Coefficient of thermal conductivity of cellular concrete Sample marking A B C Filler standard flue ash standard : fluid flue ash sand Coefficient of thermal conductivity [W/m.K] 0.099 0.096 0.112

between the values of micro-porosity and the values of compression strength, or the Ka values. The higher the value of the micro-porosity, the higher the compactness of the walls between the macro-pores and the lower the compression strengths, and vice-versa. The lowest value of micro-porosity of 20.7% is shown by the cellular concrete based on sand, which also achieved the highest compression strength of 2.7 Mpa. Cellular concrete based on standard flue ash follows, its value of micro-porosity of 26.9% corresponds with the lowest value of compression strength of 2.3 Mpa. Finally, cellular concrete based on standard and fluid flue ash mixture, which has shown the highest value of micro-porosity of 35.8 % and the lowest value of compression strength of 1.7 MPa [8]. Pursuant to the above it is also possible to observe that when comparing types of cellular concrete based on different fillers, at virtually equal values of total porosity, the effect of the volume occurrence of macro-porosity and the distribution of the macropores is considerably lower than the effect of micro-porosity and the so-called proper porosity of the skeleton, characterizing the effect of the degree of crystallinity and the state of the so-called skeleton, or the proper material, formed by partially untreated filler and the reaction products of the reactions between the joining material and filler.

It is well-Known that the thermal conductivity of porous materials decreases rather uniformly with a reduction in volume weight, but it is also necessary to consider the thermal conductivity of the material itself. In the types of cellular concrete examined this dependence was proved in the types of cellular concrete based on flue ashes. But the values of total porosity are equal, which means that the thermal conductivity of the material itself had a dominant influence on the decreasing values of the coefficient of thermal conductivity in connection with the decreasing volume weight, which proves true in the case of a higher value of the coefficient of the thermal conductivity of cellular concrete on the basis of sand. Higher thermal conductivity of the material skeleton, i.e., the sand and hydration products from the hydrated filler and the reaction products of the reactions between the joining material and filler, apparently asserted its influence at an almost equal total porosity and volume weight. Following the coefficients of thermal conductivity defined, it is possible to classify the types of cellular concrete examined as materials with a high thermal-insulating capacity.

5. CONCLUSION
Following an extensive overview of the knowledge gained from the literature, consultations and the results achieved it is evident that from the point of view of its structure, cellular concrete as a building material is markedly specific compared to standard building materials. Besides the very material forming the structures skeleton, the structure of the pores itself has a dominant influence

4.4 Coefficient of thermal conductivity

The coefficients of the thermal conductivity of single examined types of cellular concrete are listed in Chart 4.5

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on its properties. Its influence is still more complex because it consists of pores sized from 5 nm up to pores sized about 3-4 mm, which is a huge range of pore sizes. It is not possible to also exclude the influence of the shape of the pores, as they generally do not have an ideal spherical shape. The comparison of the different types of cellular concrete showed that the range of total porosity is narrow, the changes in the values of total porosity are small and do not show a significant dependence not only on the compression strength achieved, but also not even on the characteristics of the processes, that are connected, e.g., with the capillarity and wetting of the surface, or with the absorbability of the cellular concrete. The volume occurrence of the macro-pores similarly did not show a significant influence on the characteristics monitored. Results interpretation of the study of the pores with

the diameter from 0,1 mm below permitted to determine a marked influence of the defectiveness of inter-porous walls (walls between macro-pores) on compression strength. Within the limited area of volume occurrence of the pores sized under 0,1 mm and mutual relations of defined categories of pores it turned up significant to reach the lowest possible volume occurrence of meso-pores and micro-pores and the highest possible volume occurrence of micropores in the area of the so-called micro-porosity proper, which is proportional to the reduction of their median radius. Finally, we can conclude that the research field concerned with the structure of cellular concrete is very complex. The structure of cellular concrete is affected by numerous factors, and we shall also study these relationships in the future.

REFERENCES

[1]

[2]

[3]

[4] [5]

[6]

[7] [8]

Matouek, M.: Lehk stavebn hmoty, Dl III - Technologie vroby plynobetonu a plynosiliktu, Lightweight Building Materials, Vol. III Production Technology of Cellular Concrete. Praque: STNL, 1965, 120 pp. (in Czech) Alexanderson, J.: Relations between the structure and mechanical properties of cellular concrete. In: Cement Concrete Research, Vol. 9, 1979, 507-514 pp. Pospil, J.: Vliv porznho systmu probetnu na jeho vlastnosti, The Effect of the Porous System of Cellular Concrete on Its Properties. Praque: VUT, 1980, 168 pp. (in Czech) Levin, N.I.: Cellular conrete, In: Building Materials, No. 7, 1967, 22-27 pp. Hrab, Z., Korb, O.: tdium iastkovch problmov truktry probetnu, The Study of Partial Problems of The Structure of Cellular Concrete. Bratislava: CHTF SVT, Katedra siliktov, 1971, 153 pp. (in Slovak) Zajek, M.: Vplyv spojv na vlastnosti ahkch betnov, Effect of Binders on the Properties of Lightweight Concrete. Bratislava: SAV, 1985, 152 pp. (in Slovak) Drochytka, R., Vborn, J.: Probetn, Cellular Concrete. Brno: Vutium, 1999, 156pp. (in Czech) Struhrov, A.: Ovplyvovanie vybranch vlastnost probetnu materilmi na bze siliknov, Affecting Selected Properties of Cellular Concrete by Silicon Based Materials. Bratislava: STU SvF, 2005, 158 pp. (in Slovak)

[9]

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[12]

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[14]

[15]

Struhrov, A.: Ovplyvovanie vybranch vlastnost probetnu materilmi na bze siliknov, Affecting Selected Properties of Cellular Concrete by Silicon Based Materials. Bratislava: STU SvF, 2004, 42 pp. (in Slovak) STN 73 1290 Fyziklne vlastnosti probetnu, Physical properties of cellular concrete (01.92) (in Slovak) STN 73 1350-2 Skanie probetnu. Odber a prprava skobnch telies, Examination of aerated concrete. Withdrawal and preparation of test specimen. ( 03.92) (in Slovak) STN 73 1351-1 Stanovenie objemovej hmotnosti probetnu. Veobecn ustanovenia, Determination of volume weight of cellular concrete. General dispositions. (12.91) (in Slovak) STN 73 1352-2 Stanovenie mechanickch vlastnost probetnu. Pevnos v tlaku, Determination of mechanical properties of cellular concrete. Compression strength. (12.91) (in Slovak) STN 73 1353-2 Stanovenie koeficientu tepelnej vodivosti probetnu. Metdy ustlenho tepelnho stavu, Determination of coefficient of thermal conductivity of cellular concrete. Methods of stabilized thermal state. (01.92) (in Slovak) STN EN 450-1 Popolek do betnu. as 1: defincie, poadavky a kritria zhody, Fly ash for concrete Part 1: Definitions, specifications and conformity criteria. (12.97) (in Slovak)

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