Assessment of strength and deformation of lightweight concrete and its components under triaxial compression, taking into account the macrostructure of the material

Abstract

The paper presents the results of experimental studies on the strength and deformations of lightweight concrete, mortar matrix and hardened cement paste under triaxial compression. Tests on samples were carried out using short-term triaxial proportional σ1 > σ2 = σ3 loading (i.e. axial compression + lateral hydrostatic pressure). During the loading, the ratio of the main stresses (both axial and lateral) was kept constant up to the end of tests. The experimental studies were carried out for different low ratios of σ2/σ1. A theoretical estimation has been discussed to approximate experimental results and prediction of triaxial strength values for different types of lightweight concrete. An estimation of the confining pressure parameter K has been done for the used mode of loading.