Lightweight SCC with volcanic and other natural materials

Abstract

This paper presents the fresh, mechanical and durability properties of lightweight self-consolidating concrete (LWSCC) mixtures produced from pumice aggregates and supplementary cementing materials derived from various combinations of volcanic ash, pumice powder and metakaolin. The fresh state properties were determined from slump flow, V-funnel flow time, bleeding, air content, setting time and segregation tests. The mechanical properties and durability characteristics such as compressive strength, rapid chloride permeability, ultrasonic pulse velocity, freeze–thaw/frost resistance, resistance to salt scaling and drying shrinkage were evaluated. The use of volcanic ash, pumice and metakaolin as supplementary cementing materials improved resistance to chloride penetration, freeze–thaw and salt scaling. The developed LWSCC mixtures exhibited satisfactory durability and also satisfied the criteria for structural concrete. The application of developed LWSCCs can lead to low-cost sustainable construction in volcanic areas around the world.