DESIGN OF LIGHTWEIGHT AGGREGATE CONCRETE AND ITS QUALITY CONTROL

Abstract

There are number of reasons that deter application of mix design methods (as applied to normal weight concrete) in case of light weight aggregate concrete. The lack of accurate value of absorption, specific gravity and the free moisture content in the aggregate make it difficult to apply the water/cement ratio accurately for mix proportioning. Light-weight concrete mix design is usually established by trial mixes. The proportions of fine to coarse aggregate and cement and water requirement are estimated based on the previous experiences with particular aggregate. Various degree of water absorption by different light-weight aggregates is one of the serious difficulties in the design of light weight concrete. Reliable information of saturated, surface-dry bulk specific gravity is not always available. Sometimes the aggregate is saturated before mixing so that it does not take up the water used for mixing. The quality of concrete does not get altered on account of absorption by aggregate. It has been seen that the strength of the resulting concrete is about 5 to 10% lower than when dry aggregate is used for the same content and workability. This is due to the fact that in the latter case some of the mixing water is absorbed prior to setting. This water having contributed to the workability at the time of placing gets absorbed later. This reduces the bad effect of excess of water. Moreover, the density of concrete made with saturated aggregate is higher and the durability of such concrete, especially its resistance to frost is lower. On the other hand, when aggregate with high absorption is used, it is difficult to obtain a sufficiently workable and yet cohesive mix and generally aggregates with absorption of over 10% are presoaked.