Abstract
The production and characteristic of lightweight bubble aggregates (LBA) are presented in this paper. The LBA are produced by mixing between the foam and ordinary Portland cement according to the composition which has been set. Then, the characteristics of LBA such as density, water absorption, specific gravity, compressive strength, aggregate impact value and microscopic analysis of the LBA are analyzed. Those characteristics are identified in order to ensure that the LBA are successfully categorized into lightweight aggregate. The loose bulk density is obtained at 812.5 kg/m3 which can be categorized under lightweight aggregate group. For water absorption the value obtained is 9.7 % which is slightly higher compared to normal aggregate. Meanwhile the average specific gravity obtained for the samples of LBAis 1.75. Compressive strength for the aggregates was 17.76 MPa. The highest compressive strength for LBA foamed concrete was obtained at 25% replacement with 7.83MPa. Thus, the LBA have a significant features and characteristics that can be used as coarse aggregates in concrete.
Highlights
Lightweight aggregate is one type of coarse aggregate that is normally used in the production of lightweight concrete elements such as concrete block, beams, and columns as well as in slabs for precast concrete
Since the lightweight bubble aggregates (LBA) have porous structure, the lightweight aggregates absorb more water than normal aggregate.After undergoing the test for 24 hours which is according to procedure in ASTM Test Method Specific Gravity and Absorption of Coarse Aggregate (C 127), lightweight aggregates will absorb from 5% to more than 25% by weight of dry aggregate while for normal aggregates, it generally absorbs less than 2% [10]
The strength of foamed concrete with 25% substitution of of LBA is higher compare to 50% substitution of LBA and control sample with 10.738 MPa but past research has confirmed that strength of foamed concrete can achieve up to 15 MPa
Summary
Lightweight aggregate is one type of coarse aggregate that is normally used in the production of lightweight concrete elements such as concrete block, beams, and columns as well as in slabs for precast concrete. Examples of artificial lightweight aggregates such as expanded clay and shale are made because they are most suitable for the production of structural quality lightweight concrete. Available, these types of lightweight aggregates are obtained through heat treatment which known as sintering process temperature 1000–1200 °C. Due to this high temperature process, overall production process will acquire higher fuel costs. As an alternative source for lightweight aggregate, artificial lightweight aggregate is used These artificial aggregates as alternative building material will definitely provide a significant saving in the overall cost of construction and preserve natural environment [2]
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