Shrinkage and Strength Properties of Coal Gangue Ceramsite Lightweight Aggregate Concrete

Abstract

It is a promising and effective method for waste treatment by using coal gangue to make lightweight aggregate concrete. However, lightweight aggregate concrete with low‐density coal gangue ceramsite is prone to cracking during volume shrinkage, which limits its application in the construction industry. In an attempt to resolve the problem of cracking in shrinkage, this study investigated the effect of prewetting time and shrinkage reducing agents on shrinkage volume and concrete strength through a series of concrete shrinkage and strength tests. The experimental results show that shrinkage volume reduced at a prewetting time of 12 hrs or with a 2% addition of D‐230 polyether amine reductant. With the optimal conditions of 12 hrs prewetting time and 2% addition of the reductant, the concrete shrinkage volume significantly decreased with a negligible impact on its strength. Appropriate amount of shrinkage reducing agent and adjustment of prewetting time of coal gangue ceramsite are necessary to reduce the shrinkage rate and improve the stability of the specimen. This is of great significance to wide application of lightweight aggregate concrete with coal gangue ceramsite.