Surface Modification of Lightweight Aggregate and Properties of the Lightweight Aggregate Concrete

Abstract

Structural lightweight aggregate concrete (LWAC) offers design flexibility and substantial cost savings by providing less dead load [1]. Because of higher water absorption of lightweight aggregate (LWA), process of mixing LWAC is more complex than that of normal weight concrete (NWC). Generally 1-hour water absorption of structural LWA is 6~15%, but that of normal weight aggregate (NWA) is lower than 1% [2]. Therefore pre-wetting LWA is typical method for LWA treatment for producing qualified LWAC, though the process of pre-wetting LWA is inconvenient [3]. In this paper, three aspects of LWA study have been carried out, i.e. a) LWA surface modification, b) mechanical properties and durability of LWAC made with the modified LWAs and, c) the study of interfacial zone of the LWACs.