Usage Possibilities of Diatomite in the Concrete Production for Agricultural Buildings
Pages 31-38
Sedat Karaman, Bahattin Oztoprak and Can Burak Sisman

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.6000/1927-5129.2015.11.05

Published: 21 January 2015

Abstract: Construction materials evidently affect economy, strength, durability, safety and expediency of constructions. Selecting locally available material will bring a cost-advantage to structures built in rural parts. Such a case is especially valid for agricultural structures. In present study, effects of a natural pozzolan, diatomite admixture on concrete workability characteristics, setting duration and behavior under axial loading were investigated and possible use of diatomite-blended concrete as a light-weight construction material in agricultural structures was evaluated. This research was carried out in Tokat/Turkey in 2012. Concrete samples were prepared by using different admixture ratios of diatomite as a light-weight aggregate with standard sand and crashed sand aggregates. Water/cement ratios of mixtures were determined by taking a constant slump value into consideration. Unit weight, compressive strength and water absorption test were carried out over the samples. According to the results, unit weight, compressive strengths and water absorption in 150, 200 and 250 doses changed with increasing diatomite contents, respectively, from 1470 kg/m³ to 2210 kg/m³, from 20.45 MPa to 1.14 MPa, from 6.04% to 23.85%. Results revealed significant cost-savings by using diatomite aggregate to produce light-weight concrete blocks to be used in agricultural structures. It was also concluded that such blocks might provide significant insulative advantages for heat-balance of livestock barns..