Comparative analysis and performance of light weight concrete with varying water cement ratio using plain and blended cement

Abstract

Rapid infrastructure growth and industrialization have aided in driving growth, creating job opportunities, and reducing poverty; however, there are some challenges, such as meeting infrastructure needs, large extraction of natural aggregates required to make concrete, and disposal of waste generated by industrialization. Therefore, to promote resilient infrastructure and sustainable industrialization, the present study develops light weight concrete (LWC) from sintered fly ash aggregate (SFA) using plain and blended cement at various water-cement ratios. In the current investigation, binders such as ordinary Portland cement (OPC), Portland Pozzolana Cement (PPC), and Micro fibre cement (MF) were selected to produce LWC at water-cement ratios of 0.40, 0.44, and 0.48. The results show that LWC from OPC gives better results after 28 days, and as the curing days increase, the strength of LWC made from MF and PPC reaches closer to OPC values. LWC made from MF is the least permeable compared to OPC and PPC. Microstructure investigation reveals no distinct interfacial transition zone (ITZ) in LWC, as cement paste seals most of the pores of SFA and creates strong bonds. The findings will aid in the development of LWC with the appropriate binder for specific infrastructure project requirements.