Optimisation of the mechanical properties of Miscanthus lightweight concrete (Top 10 Journal)

In this paper, Miscanthus fibres are used to develop
lightweight concrete. The amount of Miscanthus and cement, as well as the
water/cement ratio, are varied to analyse the behaviour of the mixture
concerning the physical and mechanical properties. The Miscanthus was
pre-treated with a silicate sealant or a cement-based fluid. The current
paper analyses the impact of the pre-treatment of the Miscanthus fibres
on the compressive strength as well as on the long-term deformations. The
specimens with a pre-treatment based on a silicate sealant reached a
compressive strength of 19.3 MPa, which is higher than the compressive
strength of a conventional LC 16/18, a Young's Modulus above 9.9 GPa and
a shrinkage deformation of 2244 μm/m. Nevertheless, considering the
density the pre-treatment showed not to be beneficial.