Abstract
Lightweight concrete has a history of more than two-thousand years and its technical development is still proceeding. This review starts with a retrospective that gives an idea of the wide range of applications covered by lightweight concrete during the last century. Although lightweight concrete is well known and has proven its technical potential in a wide range of applications over the past decades, there are still hesitations and uncertainties in practice. For that reason, lightweight aggregate properties and the various types of lightweight concrete are discussed in detail with a special focus on current standards. The review is based on a background of 25 years of practical and theoretical experience in this field. One of the main challenges in designing lightweight concrete is to adapt most of design, production and execution rules since they often deviate from normal weight concrete. Therefore, aspects are highlighted that often are the cause of misunderstandings, such as nomenclature or the informational value of certain tests. Frequently occurring problems regarding the mix design and production of lightweight concrete are addressed and the unintended consequences are described. A critical view is provided on some information given in existing European concrete standards regarding the mechanical properties of structural lightweight concrete. Finally, the latest stage of development of very light lightweight concretes is presented. Infra-lightweight concrete is introduced as an innovative approach for further extending the range of applications of lightweight concrete by providing background knowledge and experiences from case records.
Highlights
Lightweight concretes are not a modern achievement of concrete technology
This paper focuses on structural lightweight concrete (LC) based on mineral lightweight aggregate (LWA)
A new approach is needed since building physics requirements ask for thermal insulation properties, which cannot be accomplished within the limits defined in the standards for structural lightweight concrete
Summary
Lightweight concretes are not a modern achievement of concrete technology. They have been known since ancient times and are basically the predecessors of today’s concrete. In the middle of the 20th century, the use of lightweight concrete in structural engineering intensified It led to multi-story high-rise buildings such as the Prudential Plaza. Monolithic structures made of fair faced lightweight concretes in the lowest strength and density classes have gained popularity in Europe. These structures provide the construction of a finished wall in one operation and, prevent the use of multi-layer wall structures [6]. ILC offers possibilities for monolithic wall design, meeting current regulations for energy consumption in buildings without using additional insulation material. The aim of this publication is to consolidate the basic understanding of design criteria, to promote a better understanding in the practical application of lightweight concrete and to establish ILC in construction practice
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