Mechanical properties of cement foams in shear

Existing models indicate that the mechanical properties of brittle foams in shear depend on relative density, cell size, cell geometry and the modulus of rupture of solid cell walls. A series of mechanical testing on alumina cement foams with various relative densities were conducted to measure thei r shear modulus, shear strength and fracture toughness. Experimental data a re compared to the existing theoretical models. Results suggest that the ex isting models for closed-cell foams are applicable to describe the mechanic al properties of alumina cement foams in shear. Also, the microstructure co efficients included in the theoretical expressions for mechanical propertie s of alumina cement foams have been determined. (C) 2001 Kluwer Academic Pu blishers.