Utilization of natural zeolite and nano-cuttlefish bone powder as sustainable admixtures in foamed concrete

This study investigates the bleeding and water permeability characteristics in Foamed Concrete (FC) containing natural zeolite as cement substitute and Cuttle-Bone Powder (CBP) as nano-bio-filler. The aim of this study is to conduct a comparative analysis on pore structure modifications and engineering properties between conventional FC and admixture modified FC. First; four distinct FC mixes were obtained by adding CBP as an additive at 0%, 10%, 20% and 30%. Second; three mixes were produced; by replacing cement with calcinated natural zeolite at 5%, 10% and 15% of the mix containing 5%, 10% and 15% CBP; respectively. The foam volume was varied at 10%, 20%, 30% and 40% by volume of concrete in each mix. The test results indicate that substituting cement with natural zeolite in FC containing CBP affects the microstructural properties. In addition, isolated air void formation and reduced foam breakage was observed which restricts the bleeding, drying shrinkage and permeability.