Mechanical characteristics of a classical concrete lightened by the addition of treated straws

This experimental work aims at developing and investigating a lightened concrete by the addition of treated straws. The used formulation is based on that of an ordinary concrete which is composed of sand and gravel as the main aggregates. The properties of the straws are improved by using one of two treatments before their use: the hot water and bitumen. Henceforth, the main objective of this study is to assess the mechanical characteristics of different formulations with different compositions and treatments on straws. The obtained results have shown that the addition of straws improves its lightness property. However, it decreases the compressive and flexural strengths as well as decreases the modulus of elasticity and increases the dimensional variations. Set into comparison to the concrete with untreated straws, the treatment of straws by hot water or by bitumen improves most of the characteristics.