Strength of Lightweight Glass Aggregate Concrete

Abstract

Until recently, it was not possible to make structural concrete using expanded glass aggregate. This was because of the relatively low strength of the expanded glass aggregate, and also because the lightweight aggregates had a high water absorption that can make concrete placing difficult. Expanded glass aggregate with relatively high crushing resistance and low water absorption is now available from a manufacturing plant in Hungary. The new aggregate is similar to conventional lightweight aggregates, but the ratio of density of concrete to compressive strength is much more favorable to making structural concrete. This paper summarizes the results of experiments on the mechanical properties of concrete made of this new expanded glass aggregate.