Compressive Strength of Lightweight Porcelanite Aggregate Concrete -New Formulas

Abstract

From the various kinds of concrete, lightweight concrete (LWC) is one of the most interesting subjects for researchers because of its advantages such as the savings in concrete member size, reinforcement, formwork and scaffolding , foundation costs as well as the savings derived from the reduced cost of transport and erection. The reduction of dead load due to a lower density of concrete allows for smaller and lighterweight structural members. Reductions in the dimensions of columns and beams result in more available space, and reductions in their selfweight can improve the seismic resistance capacity of building structures. Furthermore, better fire resistance, heat insulation, sound absorption, frost resistance, and increased damping are other advantages of lightweight concrete. Lightweight aggregate concrete (LWAC) is not new in concrete technology; it has been used since ancient times. The fact that some of these structures are still in good condition validates the durability of concrete. The paper presents the results of testing 30 specimens (15 cylinders and 15 cubes) according to ASTM for determining the mechanical properties of sand lightweight aggregate concrete (SLWAC)made from Porcelanite (as a natural local material). The paper further presents new empirical predicted formulas for cylinder compressive strength, cube compressive strength; and relationship between them.

Keywords

• lightweight concrete
• porcelanite
• cylinder compressive strength
• cube compressive strength
• cylinder
• cube compressive strength relationship