Evaluating the mechanical and durability properties of sustainable lightweight concrete incorporating the various proportions of waste pumice aggregate

Abstract

Traditional waste management faces significant environmental, social, and economic challenges, while concrete's high resource consumption highlights the need for improved, low-density alternatives. Consequently, lightweight concrete (LWC) has emerged as a favored solution. Recent interest in using pumice aggregate in concrete arises from its advantageous properties, such as low unit weight, which enables the construction of lighter buildings and reduces the load on structural elements. This study aimed to create lightweight, sustainable concrete using underutilized waste pumice aggregate (WPA). Concrete specimens with waste pumice aggregate ratios of 20 %, 40 %, 60 %, 80 %, and 100 % were analyzed at 7 and 28 days, with results contrasted against the virgin sample. The testing protocol encompassed detailed laboratory evaluations of concrete properties, including workability, density, strength, impact energy, ultrasonic velocity, water absorption, and cost analysis. Experimental results indicated that the inclusion of Waste pumice aggregate as a lightweight aggregate in concrete, in contrast to conventional aggregates, results in reduced workability, density, and strength metrics, as well as heightened water absorption, diminished impact energy, and lower ultrasonic pulse velocity. Sustainable or green concrete from M-20 to M-60 along strength ≥17 MPa is for load-bearing applications, while M-80 and M-100 whose strength is <17 MPa are for non-load-bearing uses.