<![CDATA[Foam mortar is a lightweight construction material widely used as embankment fill on low-bearing-capacity soil to minimize settlement. This study examines the effect of varying the Fineness Modulus (FM) of fine aggregates on the fresh properties and mechanical performance—specifically Unconfined Compressive Strength (UCS)—of foam mortar. The FM variations tested were FM-1 (2.022), FM-2 (2.431), FM-3 (2.858), and FM-4 (3.050). Tests on the fresh mixture yielded flow values ranging from 18.35 to 18.90 cm and wet densities between 0.740 and 0.752 g/cm³. Physical and mechanical testing at 28 days resulted in dry densities ranging from 0.766 to 0.805 g/cm³ and UCS values between 1,890.00 and 2,891.99 kPa. Quantitatively, the obtained flow values and dry densities demonstrate that the material meets the technical criteria for lightweight fill under specification SKh-2.7.21:2024. Increasing the fine aggregate FM value was shown to significantly enhance UCS due to the formation of a robust particle skeleton without compromising the stability of the foam voids. The study recommends using fine aggregates with a minimum FM of 2.43 to ensure the achievement of the target 28-day UCS of ≥ 2,000 kPa.]]>
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