Structural Foamed Concrete with Lightweight Aggregate and Polypropylene Fiber: Product Design through Orthogonal Tests

In order to optimize the mix ratio design for structural foamed concrete with lightweight aggregate (LWA) and polypropylene fiber, orthogonal test approach with an L ₃₂ (4 ⁹ ) orthogonal array have been carried out, with nine factors (fly ash, perlite, foam, water, waterproof agent, antifreeze, polypropylene fiber, water reducing agent and accelerating agent) and four levels for each factor. Seven responses (quality of sample molding, distribution of fibers, dry density, water absorption, compression strength, tensile splitting strength and the ratio of tensile splitting strength to compression strength) of each formula have been measured. According to the analysis of test results, an optimal mix ratio of foamed concrete with the desired engineering properties is obtained.