Performance assessment of fiber-reinforced coral aggregate-based lightweight foam concrete for sustainable marine construction

Abstract

Based on the storage of raw materials and the high energy consumption associated with marine transportation, using coral aggregates to produce cementitious composites is the most promising candidate to counter these challenges. This research evaluates the suitability of coral aggregate and polypropylene fibers (PPF) to produce lightweight foam concrete. Quartz aggregate was replaced with coral aggregate in percentages of 25, 50, and 100 % along with 0-3 % incorporation of PPF. The performance assessment (through physical, mechanical, and durability tests) and economic and ecological analysis were conducted on the concrete mixtures. Based on the properties assessed, the optimal percentages of coral aggregate in specimens containing 0 %, 1.5 %, and 3 % PPF are 50 %, 50 %, and 100 %, respectively. This research may serve as a guide for future studies, focusing on coral aggregates as an effective alternative to conventional aggregates in cementitious composite production, with the goal of promoting their commercial applications for resource conservation.