Experimental Analysis of Light Weight Concrete

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Lightweight concrete is widely accepted due to its low density. LECA is an artificial lightweight aggregate made of clay having very low specific gravity. It is possible to develop lightweight concrete using LECA with a dry density of 1200 kg/m3 up to 1450 kg/m3. The significance of lightweight concrete is reduced mass and improved thermal and sound insulation properties hile maintaining adequate strength. These properties of lightweight concrete depend on the properties of lightweight aggregate (LECA). For developing lightweight concrete of required strength and properties the different engineering properties of LECA has to be studied. Methods/Statistical analysis: The different special properties mentioned for LECA lightweight concrete opens a wide applicability in the concrete industry and in structural members. For acceptance of concrete as structural concrete, it must possess sufficient resistance to repeated loading (cycling loading) which is predominant during the earthquake. The concrete cubes are casted with the nominal mix, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40% and 50% replacement of coarse aggregate by LECA and the acceptable characteristic strength attaining for the mix is calculated and the slabs are casted with the respective mix. Findings: The cyclic loading can be stimulated in the laboratory using a loading frame and hydraulic jack with sufficient setup. Using such a setup the cyclic behavior of lightweight concrete slabs as well as control composite slabs can be studied. These test results can be used to suggest methods to develop structural lightweight concrete with desirable properties.