Physical and mechanical performance of magnesium-based construction boards: A comparative study

The use of sheeting materials within the construction industry is becoming increasingly common as building materials and the way they are used evolves. Recently, magnesium-based construction boards have received more attention as alternatives for traditional sheeting materials. This is due to some of their enhanced properties, particularly fire resistance and lower embodied carbon. However, the lack of standardised documentation has caused concern regarding their composition, performance and long-term behaviour. This paper evaluates some of the test methods commonly used when assessing the performance of construction boards. A comparison between relatively novel magnesium-based boards and traditional boards is also conducted. Physical, mechanical and durability properties are investigated. Magnesium-based boards can provide relatively good bending strength values and water absorption behaviour which is comparable with other board types. Findings also demonstrate good performance for magnesium-based boards when exposed to soak-dry and freeze-thaw cycles. They suffered relatively small changes in bending strength, similar to that of fibre cement boards and superior to that of gypsum plasterboards and wood-based boards.