Transport Properties of Lightweight Concrete Incorporated with Expanded Clay Aggregate in Marine Environment

Abstract

Employing porous material such as expanded clay lightweight aggregate (EC LWA) as an internal curing agent in the production of mass concrete proof to mitigate early age cracks in resulting concrete. However, introducing EC LWA could increase the porosity of concrete, leading to concrete degradation due to water penetration. Thus, this research aims to investigate the suitable natural aggregate replacement rate with EC LWA in the production of concrete with acceptable mechanical and transport properties. Three replacement rates of 0, 50, and 100% were applied. The water-per-cement ratio of 0.6 was used to produce concrete. The workability of fresh concrete and the compressive strength were tested. The transport properties of concrete were assessed by monitoring the capillary water uptake of concrete. To mimic the marine environment, the concrete sample was immersed in sodium chloride and sodium sulphate for seven days. The result shows that the workability, bulk density, and compressive strength of concrete with 50% EC LWA have a similar value to the reference sample. Moreover, samples with 50% EC LWA also have a slower capillary rate in a sodium chloride environment than in fresh water.