Influence of Lightweight Aggregates and Supplementary Cementitious Materials on the Properties of Lightweight Aggregate Concretes

Low density, fire resistance and good thermal insulation properties of lightweight aggregate concrete (LWAC) have drawn the attention of engineers and researchers for its widespread application. However, the LWAC still found limited application in the construction industry. For conventional application of LWAC, knowledge of different attributes of its behaviour is needed, and thus the presented review investigates the comprehensive studies on LWACs incorporating lightweight aggregates (LWAs) i.e. oil palm shell, lightweight expanded clay aggregate (LECA), fly ash-sintered (FS) and pumice, along with supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs). Firstly, the physico-chemical, morphological and mineralogical characterization of different LWAs is presented, followed by critical review on fresh, hardened, durability and thermal properties of LWACs vis-a-vis normal weight concrete. Furthermore, research works conducted on the development of LWACs using LECA, fly ash and micro-fine slurry powder (MSP) are discussed. Research findings show that LWAC prepared with LECA as coarse and fine aggregate along with 25% fly ash +10% MSP as cement replacement exhibits good mechanical and thermal properties. Overall, it has been envisaged that LWACs, because of their techno-economic and environmental advantages, are supposed to capture a major share in the building industry in the twenty first century. Basically, the scientific contribution of the present work is to provide the knowledge base and scientific basis for further research in this area and lay the foundation for the development of the guidelines to use LWACs. [GRAPHICS] .