Document Archives

Durability Potential of Lightweight Aggregate Concrete

• ID:

  949

• ESCSI:

  4370.007

• Author:

  Dhir, R.K.

• Publication Name:

  Concrete

• Type of Publication:

  Journal

• Publisher:

  University of Dundee, Scotland

• Dated:

  1987

• Issue/Volume:

  April, Vol. 21, No. 4

• Other ID:

• Page(s):

  10

• Reference List:

  Y

• Abstract:

  The advantages that can be derived from using lightweight aggregates in structural concrete, such as increased strength/weight ratio, improved thermal and sound insulation and fire resistance, have long been recognized. However, these aggregates have continued to be considered as a special material and their use in structural concrete internationally has remained low. This low level utility is mainly due to the misconception of high construction cost and, because of the porous nature of lightweight aggregates, the engineer’s doubts about the performance of the resulting concrete. To address the question of performance, a research was initiated five years ago to evaluate the potential for use in structural concrete of two different lightweight aggregates, one produced from expanded clay/shale and the other from sintered pulverized fuel ash. This research program is now in its final stages of completion and the article deals with the various aspects of durability studies undertaken within the overall framework of the program.