MIX DESIGN OF LIGHTWEIGHT SELF-COMPACTING CONCRETE BASED ON PACKING DENSITY

In this paper a mix design methodology for Lightweight Aggregate Self-Compacting Concrete (LWASCC) is presented based on the packing density theory. The proposed methodology targets: (i) the minimization of the voids volume associated to the packing of the coarse aggregate fractions (4mm - 16 mm); (ii) the maximization of the packing density of the cementitious materials in the paste; (iii) the minimization of the water-to-cementitious materials volumetric ratio (V-w/V-cm) in the mortar; and (iv) the optimization of the measurable workability features of the produced LWASCC mixtures. Points (ii) and (iii) are achieved using the "wet packing method" in the cementitious paste and mortar phases, along with standard consistency tests (i.e. slump of the cementitious paste and slump and V-funnel of the mortar). The final mixture proportions are attained by determining the optimum mortar-to-aggregates packing voids ratio.