Abstract
This study focuses on the development of durable structural lightweight concrete (LWC) by incorporating expanded perlite aggregate (EPA) in the range of 0 to 20% by weight. In order to ensure its durability when exposed to chloride environment, concrete was produced with low water-to-cement ratio and ordinary Portland cement (OPC) was replaced with 50% and 7% ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBFS) and silica fume (SF), respectively. The mechanical properties and durability of concrete were assessed by determining the unit weight, compressive strength, flexural strength, drying shrinkage, chloride permeability and migration, as well as resistance of concrete to corrosion of reinforcing steel. Very importantly, thermal insulation properties were determined using a hot guarded plate. In addition, a finite element model (FEM) was prepared to study the behavior of EPA-modified concrete under seismic loading. The results showed that the unit weight of concrete was reduced by 20% to 30% when compared with the normal weight concrete (NWC). The compressive strength of the developed LWC was sufficient to be used as structural concrete, particularly of those mixtures containing 10% and 15% perlite aggregate. The durability of LWC was comparable to NWC in terms of chloride diffusion and resistance of concrete to corrosion of reinforcing steel. The tangible outcomes also include the superior thermal insulation properties of LWC compared to NWC. The greater incorporation of EPA in the concrete resulted in better behavior under seismic loading.
Highlights
To conserve energy and mitigate greenhouse gas emissions, which is believed to be the primary cause of global warming, there has been increase in research in the area of developing lightweight concrete (LWC) due to its notable benefits such as exceptional heat and sound insulation characteristics
3.1 Unit Weight and Compressive Strength A key factor which influences the unit weight of concrete is the specific gravity of aggregate used in the production of concrete as it is the major proportion in the entire concrete mixture
According to the ACI 318 (ACI 318–10 2010) classification, the concrete produced with 15% and 20% expanded perlite aggregate (EPA) may well be classified as lightweight concrete
Summary
To conserve energy and mitigate greenhouse gas emissions, which is believed to be the primary cause of global warming, there has been increase in research in the area of developing lightweight concrete (LWC) due to its notable benefits such as exceptional heat and sound insulation characteristics. When the unit weight of concrete is reduced by incorporating lightweight aggregates, it is believed that the mechanical properties and. Utilization of good quality lightweight aggregate in the concrete mix may well reduce the unit weight of concrete without compromising the mechanical properties and durability. It is very difficult to obtain a concrete mix design having lesser unit weight yet possessing superior mechanical properties and durability
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: International Journal of Concrete Structures and Materials
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
