Microstructural investigations on aerated concrete

Aerated concrete is characterized by the presence of large voids deliberately included in its matrix to reduce the density. This study reports the investigations conducted on the structure of cement-based autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC) and non-AAC with sand or fly ash as the filler. The reasons for changes in compressive strength and drying shrinkage are explained with reference to the changes in the microstructure. Compositional analysis was carried out using XRD. It was observed that fly ash responds poorly to autoclaving. The process of pore refinement in fly ash mixes is discussed with reference to the formation of Hadley grains as well as fly ash hydration. The paste ‐ void interface in aerated concrete investigated in relation to the paste ‐ aggregate interface in normal concrete revealed the existence of an interfacial transition zone. D 2000 Elsevier Science Inc. All rights reserved.