Abstract:
This study was focused on making a locally available replacement of Fiber cement board (FCB) cladding in light gauge steel structure construction. The problems in using fiber cement board were high cost due to import and knocking effect in the panels. This study mainly focuses on investigating the properties of three materials namely Aerated Concrete, M40 mortar and Saw Dust mortar to check their viability as replacement of FCB. Upon studying the literature, we were able to determine the factors which determine the physical as well as the mechanical properties of the product. The most important factors were S/C ratio and W/C ratio of the mortar. In case of AAC, autoclaving temperature, pressure and time are also very important. In order to select the suitable alternative, we selected trial batches of M40 and saw dust mortar and changed different aspects of the mix design like W/C and S/C ratio in order to get the desired flow and density of the mix. After extensive testing and changes to the mix design, it was concluded that both M40 and Saw dust mortar can give the required strength (it actually lies in the range of strength of structural mortar) and both are fairly durable and prevent knocking. M40 is normal weight whereas Saw dust mortar is lightweight which is an added benefit. Finally, both M40 mortar and Saw dust mortar can be used to make panels to replace FCB
