Comparison of workability and mechanical properties of self-compacting lightweight concrete and normal self-compacting concrete

Abstract

The workability and mechanical properties of self-compacting lightweight concrete and normal self-compacting concrete have been studied. Self-compacting lightweight concrete with a binder content of 500–650 kg m−3 and a density of 1650 kg m−3 was made using less superplasticizer and viscosity modifying agent and a lower water/binder ratio than normal self-compacting concrete. The bulk density was only 75% of normal self-compacting concrete but with a similar compressive strength. The elastic modulus was about 80% of that of normal self-compacting concrete. These results indicate that self-compacting lightweight concrete is excellent in workability and has a lower density, a higher compressive strength and a relatively high elastic modulus than normal self-compacting concrete using the same design principles.