Perlite Powder and Steel Fiber Effects o

International Journal of Civil Engineering and Technology (IJCIET)
Volume 9, Issue 1, January 2018, pp. 371–387, Article ID: IJCIET_09_01_036

Available online at http://http://www.iaeme.com/ijciet/issues.asp?JType=IJCIET&VType=9&IType=1
ISSN Print: 0976-6308 and ISSN Online: 0976-6316
© IAEME Publication Scopus Indexed
PERLITE POWDER AND STEEL FIBER

EFFECTS ON PROPERTIES OF LIGHT WEIGHT
CONCRETE
Dr. Ola Adel Qasim
Doctor, Lecturer, Civil Engineering Department,
AL-Mansour University College, Baghdad, Iraq
ABSTRACT
Lightweight concrete (LWC) highly beneficial as a construction material,
producing lower weight, improved durability, longer spans qualified, fewer piers, and
continuation of bridge structures. LWC can be identified as one of the numerous
compelling topics related of its benefits such as degraded in the size of concrete
segments, reinforcement ratios, moldings and scaffolding, foundation expenses as well
as the savings generated by the low cost of transport and constructing. Modifications
in the dimensions of columns and beams size lead to a voluminous space, and
reductions in self-weight can improve seismic resistance in building structures.
Moreover, high-grade fire resistance, thermal insulation, sound absorption, frost
resistance, and enhanced damping are other benefits of lightweight concrete.
The main purpose of the present study is to investigate the lightweight concrete
made from the lightweight material called (Perlite) as replacing part of coarse
aggregate with ratios (0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30%) and its effects on compressive
strengths and density. Besides the effect of perlite powder, steel fiber effect with the
content of (0, 1.0 and 2.0%) was studied. Twenty-one (cylinders and cubes) average
specimens according to ASTM for determining the compressive strength and density
tests are performed at age of 28 days. The results show good performance of
concretes containing expanded perlite powder and increasing steel fiber content
increasing the compressive strength.
Key words: Light weight concrete, Perlite powder, Steel fiber and Compressive
Strength.
Cite this Article: Dr. Ola Adel Qasim, Perlite Powder and Steel Fiber Effects on
Properties of Light Weight Concrete. International Journal of Civil Engineering and
Technology, 9(1), 2018, pp. 371-387.
http://www.iaeme.com/IJCIET/issues.asp?JType=IJCIET&VType=9&IType=1
1. INTRODUCTION
Using lightweight concrete extensively in numerous structural and structural determinations
for several years are related to its improved properties such as good operation (workability),
long-term and superior durability strength of concrete, less dead loading and resistance to
http://www.iaeme.com/IJCIET/index.asp 371 editor@iaeme.com

Dr. Ola Adel Qasim
thawing and freezing of lightweight concrete [S. Chandra and L. Berntsson, 2002]. There are
naturally different types of lightweight materials suitable for building purposes in the market,
which are different in composition, density, surface nature in terms of texture, porosity and
their ability to absorb water. [Lo T.Y., Cui H.Z., 2004], [Tommy, Y. Lo, et. al., 200]. Other
advantages of lightweight structural concrete where design flexibility provides significant cost
economies by contributing: less dead load, better seismic structural response, longer intervals,
better fire ratings, thinner sections, lower story height, smaller structural members, reduced
reinforcement, low foundation costs. ACI committee identified lightweight structural concrete
as a concrete with dried air density at 28-day in the range of 1120 and 1920 kg/m3 and a
compressive strength higher than 17.2 MPa. Figure (1) shows the unit weigh and
classification of lightweight concrete.
Advancement of technology leads to expand lightweight concrete uses. There are
numerous investigations on fundamental lightweight concrete, but presently some published
issued researches on the application of natural perlite powder in structural lightweight
concrete. Perlite is a mineral aggregate with glass structure (crystalline) that is made from the
process of rapid cooling of volcanic lava. About 2 to 6 percent of the chemical composition of
the material is water. The water in the chemical structure of perlite is vapor and gas is given
off with the increase of heat temperature from 900 to 1100 C°, and this will lead to the
formation of bubbles in the softened stone that will cause a bubbled structure. The production
of certain bubbles causes the expanded perlite about 15 to 20 times than its original size.
Figure (2) shows the types of Perlite materials. [Aşık, M., 2006], [Ibrahim T. and Abdulhamit
k., 2007], [Demirboga, R., et.al., 2001].
Perlite powder is used as loose fill insulation in buildings construction, as it enhances fire
levels and reduces noise transmission to buildings. There are many advantages interest in the
use of lightweight fine materials, because of their association with cement paste and the
compatibility among aggregates and cement paste seems not require to be carried into
consideration for the design of the mix [Erdem, T.K., et.al., 2007]. As composite materials,
this character of concrete will head to a further homogeneous and cohesive material with a
lesser of micro-cracks. In the mix design, the cement can be somewhat displaced by the
natural pozzolan substances. All those materials and properties affect the properties of fresh
and hardened concrete. [Bektasa, F., et. al., 2005], [L.H. Yu, et.al., 2003]
Figure 1 Unit weigh and classification of lightweight Figure 2 Types of Perlite.

concrete.
The brittleness nature features of lightweight concrete lead to the appearance of steel
fibers and needed to be attached to the concrete mixture. By using of these fibers has
increased in particular over the past decades. Therefore, a mixture of lightweight concrete
with fiber must be examined in terms of strength, density, and toughness. ACI Committee

Perlite Powder and Steel Fiber Effects on Properties of Light Weight Concrete
noted that concrete made of steel fibers had the potential for many other applications,
particularly in structural elements. Fiber parameters affecting mechanical response of concrete
mix composites are engineering geometry, arrangement, adjustment and the volumetric ratio
of fibers in the matrix. Adding fiber to the concrete makes it more homogeneous and isotropic
and transforms it from a brittle material to a more ductile one. The construction of steel fibers
enhances the design performance of structural concrete, including high-grade protection to
cracking and durability, as well as improved tensile strength, fatigue resistance, impact and
corrosion as previously reported by [21-26].
In this study, fiber lightweight concrete mixtures prepared by using perlite powder as a
supplementary cementing material with percentage of (0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30%) as
replacing part of coarse aggregate and its effects on compressive strengths and density, with
the effect of using steel fiber with the content of (0, 1.0 and 2.0%) was studied, all these
materials lead to provide a reducing total weight structure with conservative structural
lightweight concrete characteristics.
2. LITERATURE REVIEW
Several types of research have been arranged on the achievement of perlite as a replacement
part of the cement in the concrete, around the world. Such studies include evaluation of
thermal conductivity of non-structural concrete containing light aggregate perlite, evaluation
of the durability of concretes containing different amounts of expanded perlite under melting
and freezing cycles, applying these light aggregates in the constructing of self-compacting
concrete. However, little investigations have signified accomplished on the perlite pozzolanic
performance and use of this mineral as a replacement for aggregate. [Khandaker M. and
Hossain A., 2004] study the lightweight concrete by using of Volcanic Pumice as cement and
aggregate replacement material on workability, strength, shrinkage, absorption, and
permeability. They concluded that VPC has a good effect on strength and density, while the
lower effect on modulus of elasticity, increasing permeability and absorption. [Tommy, Y. e.
al., 2007] study the effect of different parameters on lightweight concrete, these parameters
include; aggregate, compressive strength, w/c and the porosities. They concluded that
increasing w/c ratio decreases the compressive strength and pores, No. increase. [Lo T.Y. and
Cui H.Z., 2004] study the influence of porous material to produced lightweight concrete and
its effect on concrete strength.
[Demirboga, R., et. al., 2001] investigates the expanded perlite and pumice aggregates
with the effect of silica fume and fly ash as a replacement to produce lightweight aggregate
concrete on compressive strength. SF and FA were found to decrease concrete unit weight and
increased compressive strength by (80, 84 and 108%) for 28-day curing due to (20, 40 and
60%) of EPA. [Erdem, T.K., et. al., 2007] This study presented the use of natural perlites with
the ratio of (20% or 30%). The study focuses on particle size distribution, consistency, setting
time, soundness and compressive strength.
[Kilic, A., et. al., 2003)] presented experimental results on HSLW concrete made with
mineral admixtures named basaltic-pumice (scoria) with using of fly ash and silica fume to
find compressive and flexural tensile strength. They found that these materials produce
lightweight concrete and using of additive produce high strength concrete.
[Rossignola J.A., et. al., 2003] study five mixes made with Brazilian lightweight
aggregates and its effect on high-performance LWAC for thinner structures members, and
effects of this materials on-air content, compressive strength, flexural strength, splitting,

Dr. Ola Adel Qasim
modulus of elasticity and deformation. They concluded that this material can produce thin
precast components using HPLWC.
[Chi, J. M., et.al., 2003] study the compressive strengths and modulus of elasticity of
cold-bonded pelletized lightweight aggregate concrete, by using 3 types of aggregates and
different fly ash ratio. Results show that lightweight aggregates and the w/b ratio are two
primary parts that forming the compression test and concrete elastic modulus.
[Bektasa, F., et. al., 2005] used expanded perlite and natural perlite as an admixture with
silica fume. They revealed that these materials possess the capacity to overcome the
deleterious alkali-silica development. Many researchers investigated the effect of additives
materials on lightweight concrete. [Demirboga, R. and Gul, R., 2003], [Erqul, Y., et. al.,
2004], [Yasar, E., et. al., 2003], Lo T.Y., et. al., 2004], [Mouli, M., and Khelafi, H. 2008],
[Aşık, M., 2006] presented a lightweight concrete to produce economical structure with
the application of natural perlite powder as a replacement of the cement, the produce 6 mixes
with different cement content and (0, 20 and 35%) of perlite powder ratios, and concluded
that Perlite powder was able to produce of structural lightweight concrete with strength of 20
to 40 MPa.
[Ibrahim T., and Abdulhamit K., 2007] study the compressive strength, porosity, and
coefficient of capillarity with the consequence of extended perlite and natural aggregate with
silica fume at various curing provisions. It was shown that EPA increases capillarity
coefficient and visible porosity of concrete and decrease the compressive strength.
[Shannag, M. J., 2011] Study the effect of additives like silica fume and fly ash with
perlite or lightweight materials. All acknowledge that structural lightweight concrete is
generated by the perlite powder or lightweight materials while mineral additives seem to be
mandatory for the production of high strength lightweight concrete.
Many researchers investigated the effect of fibers on lightweight concrete. [Balendran
R.V., et. al., 2002] presents the effect of fiber on the development of the mechanical
performance of concrete. They register that low quantity of fiber produces a limited effect on
compressive strength but develop exceptionally splitting tensile strength, flexural strength,
and toughness. [Kayall O., et. al., 2003] [Zhang M. H., et. al., 2004], [Mohammadi, Y., et. al.,
2009], [Chena B., and Liu J., 2005], [Libre N. A., et. al., 2011] presented the effect of steel
fibers on lightweight concrete. They found that steel fiber increase compression behavior,
tensile, flexural strength, toughness, shear, impact, and ductility but reduce the modulus of
elasticity.
3. MATERIALS
The following subject is divided into the types of materials used in the experimental program,
the method of preparation, the specimen's used, and method of preparation and test
procedures for research. The materials employed in this investigation are illustrated and
characterized as follows:
3.1. Cement
Cement handled in the present examination is of the ordinary Portland type applied to ASTM
1 specifications manufactured in Iraq factories, which was managed throughout this work
being displayed in Figure (3). Table (1) presents the physical properties of the cement used in
this research. The test results indicate that the cement approved conforms to the [ASTM
C150-04] and the Iraqi Standards Specifications [IQS No. 5/1984].

Table 1 Physical properties of cement.

Physical Properties Result Limits of IQS No.5/1984
Specific surface area Blain method, 372 ≥230
m2/kg
Setting time. Vicat's method:
Initial setting hrs: min. 03:18 ≥ 1.0 h
Final setting hrs: min. 04:40 ≤10h
Soundness 0.30% ≤0.8%
Compressive strength of mortar. N/mm2:
3 -day 16 ≥15N/mm2
7- day 28 ≥23 N/mm2
3.2. Fine Aggregate

In this research, the standard fine aggregate held with the maximum capacity of 4.75 mm as
shown in Figure (3). Figure (4) gives the grading curve of fine aggregates. The results
indicated that the designation of the specific grades and sulfates was within the requirements
of the Iraqi specifications. 45/1984] and [ASTM C136-05] as shown in the table (2). Table (3)
exposes the physical properties of fine aggregates.
Table 2 Grading of fine aggregate. Table 3 Physical properties of fine aggregate.
Sieve Size Passing (%) Limits of IQS Physical Result Limits of IQS
(mm) No.45/1984 for (Z. 3) properties No.45/1984 (Z.3)
4.75 100 90-100 Specific gravity 2.7 ---
2.36 91 85-100 Sulfate content 0.075% ≤0.5%
1.18 86 75-100 absorption 0.8% ---
0.6 69 60-79
0.3 23 12-40
0.15 8 0-10
3.3. Coarse Aggregate

The coarse aggregate adopted in this work is of a dry surface type with a maximum size of 10
mm as explained in Figure (3). The classification of grading for coarse aggregate is
conforming to Iraqi standards [No.45 / 1984] and [ASTM C33-03] is displayed in Table (4).
Table (5) presents the physical properties of coarse aggregate. Figure (5) shows the grading
curve for coarse aggregates.
Table 4 Grading of coarse aggregate. Table 5 Physical properties of coarse
aggregate.
Sieve Size Cumulative Limits of IQS Physical Test Limits of
(mm) Passing (%) No.45/1984. Properties results B.S.882/1992 spec.
12.5 100 100 Specific apparent
2.7 ---
gravity
9.5 95 85-100 Sulfate (SO3) 0.06 %  0.1%
4.75 21 10-30
2.36 4.0 0-10 Absorption 0.54% ---
1.18 0 0-5

Dr. Ola Adel Qasim
Figure 3 Cement, fine aggregate and coarse aggregate used.
Figure 4 Grading curve for fine aggregate. Figure 5 Grading curve for coarse aggregate.
3.4. Superplasticizer
With the increase in the percentage of perlite powder, the mixed efficiency decreases so the
need for the superplasticizer has appeared. The main superplasticizers benefits include easy
placement without the loss in the content of cement related to concrete great workability,
producing in high strength concrete with conventional workability except with lower water
content. The superplasticizer used was constructed and supplied by SIKA® under the
marketing name (Sika ViscoCrete-5930) as shown in Figure (6). It has three functions, i.e.
superplasticizer, viscosity modifying factor, and retarder [ASTM C109/C109M-05] and
[ASTM C1240-03]. Table (6) indicates the technological specification of the superplasticizer
used; it is clear of chlorides and connected with [ASTM C494 types A and F].
Table 6 Technical description of Sika® Viscocrete® Hi-Tech 5930.

Properties Description Technical data
Superplasticizer,
Main Density at 25oC 1.08-1.09 g/cm3, (at +20°C)
Hardening accelerator,
action Viscosity 160 MPa, at 20°C
transparent color
Modified Solid Content 23-27%
Chemical
polycarboxylates based Total Chloride
Base Max. 0.1%
polymer co-polymers, Content
(Type) 3.8-4.5, Non–flammable
Aqueous solution PH Value
Stored in dry condition to 2.0 % by weight of binder
Storage
away from sunlight for Dosage it worked including all classes of
Condition
12 months at 5-35°C. Portland cement.
3.5. Steel Fiber

Higher tensile steel fibers class was employed with the volume fraction of (0, 1 and 2%).
Table (7) presents the properties of the utilized steel fibers. It constructed through (Hebei
Yusen MWM Company Ltd. Company, China), while revealed in Figure (7), followed by the
demands of [ASTM A820/A 820M-04] for (Type II of cut sheet fibers).

Table 7 Properties of steel fiber.

Description (Type of steel fiber) Straight
Length of fiber(L)mm 13
Diameter of Fiber (d) mm 0.2
Tensile strength (N/mm2) 2600 MPa
Modulus of Elasticity (Es) (GPa) 210 GPa
Density 7800 kg/m3
Cross section Round
Aspect ratio L/D 65
Figure 6 Superplasticizer used. Figure 7 Steel fiber used (13/0.2 with

aspect ratio of 65).
3.6. Perlit Powder

A lightweight material called (Perlite) which is a commercial name for natural materials in the
form of the glassy cell with high porosity. According to the manufacturing manual, the Perlite
produced by subjecting Perlite particles to high temperature (about 870Co), so the materials
despots any roots of water (combined water) and the materials expanded about 4-20 times the
original volume producing swelled Perlite with very high porosity. The Perlite is useful for
thermal, sound and noise isolation, also it is natural, an organic, fire resistance and energy
saving. In the research, perlite powder was employed for the composition of lightweight
concrete and will present an influence of degrading total weight of the construction and to
achieve a further inexpensive structural lightweight concrete through the application of
mineral components perlite powder as a exchanged of the coarse aggregate. The perlite
powder chemical and physical characteristics are presented in table (8). Perlite is a pozzolan
as specified by [ASTM C 618, ASTM, 2001, Erdem et al., 2007]. Figure (8) shows Perlite
powder used.
Table 8 Chemical and Physical properties of Perlite powder.

Chemical Composition (%)
SiO2 71
Al2O3 13.2
Fe2O3 1.2
MgO 0.3
CaO 1.7
Na2O 3.3
K2O 4.7
LOI 3.3
Physical properties
Specific gravity 2.4
Blaine finesses, cm2/g 4270
Passing 45 µm, % 80

Dr. Ola Adel Qasim
Figure 8 Perlite powder used.
4. EXPERIMANTAL WORK AND MIX PROPORTION

Mix design is the manner managed to decide the numerous proper constituents of concrete
and determining their relative volumes to perform the desired strength. To perform
lightweight concrete, the mixing proportion [cement: sand: aggregate] was [1:1.66:2.44] and
the water-cement ratio equaled to 0.35. An entirety of (21) average specimens was performed
to ascertain the compressive strength of every mix proportion. Three groups were divided.
 Group (1) shown in table (9) consisted of (0% fiber) with (0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30%) of
perlite powder as aggregate replacement.
The experimental test proved that the mixture employed creates high-grade workability,
distributed processing of concrete without discrimination and corresponds to density and
compressive strength specifications conditions of [ACI].
Table 9 Mix design for (Group 1, 2 and 3).

Steel
Cylinder Cube
Superplastic fiber Perlite % Densit
Mix Cemen Sand Compres Compres
Gro Aggregat izer (%) by (%) by weight y
desi t (kg/m3 W/c sive sive
up e (kg/m3) weight of by of (kg/m3
gn (kg/m3) ) Strength Strength
cement volum aggregate )
(MPa) (MPa)
e
1 410 680 1000 0.35 2.50% 0 35 41 0 2320
2 410 680 946.81 0.35 2.50% 0 35 41 5 2320
3 410 680 893.62 0.35 2.50% 0 27 31 10 2233
1 4 410 680 840.43 0.35 2.50% 0 24 28 15 2201
5 410 680 787.24 0.35 2.50% 0 20 23 20 2157
6 410 680 734.05 0.35 2.50% 0 16 18 25 2114
7 410 680 680.86 0.35 2.50% 0 10 11 30 2049
1 410 680 1000 0.35 2.50% 1 38 45 0 2390
2 410 680 946.81 0.35 2.50% 1 38 45 5 2390
3 410 680 893.62 0.35 2.50% 1 30 35 10 2314
2 4 410 680 840.43 0.35 2.50% 1 26 30 15 2276
5 410 680 787.24 0.35 2.50% 1 22 25 20 2238
6 410 680 734.05 0.35 2.50% 1 17 19 25 2191
7 410 680 680.86 0.35 2.50% 1 11 12 30 2134
1 410 680 1000 0.35 2.50% 2 44 52 0 2410
2 410 680 946.81 0.35 2.50% 2 44 52 5 2410
3 410 680 893.62 0.35 2.50% 2 33 39 10 2325
3 4 410 680 840.43 0.35 2.50% 2 30 35 15 2302
5 410 680 787.24 0.35 2.50% 2 25 29 20 2263
6 410 680 734.05 0.35 2.50% 2 20 23 25 2225
7 410 680 680.86 0.35 2.50% 2 12.5 14 30 2167

5. CONCRETE MIXING PROCEDURE, CASTING AND CURING

Significant of mixing process came from the need to obtain the commanded concrete
workability and homogeneity for the mixture. Mixing using (0.1m3) mechanical mixer was
performed. Figure (9) shows the preparation procedure, mixing, casting and curing procedure.
Dry materials (cement and perlite powder) were grouped in the blender and mixed for 2
minutes to ensure homogenization and separation of the cement particles. The sand is then
combined and processed for 3 minutes, and the aggregate is attached and mixed for 2 minutes.
The superplasticizer was suspended in water and was diluted. The water resolution and the
superplasticizer were continuously supplemented to the revolving mixer and the components
of the entire mix were mixed for a long time. The mixer, later turned off and any matter
adhering to blender blades was washed off in the container. Mix until the consistency of fresh
concrete is guaranteed. For mixtures containing steel fibers, the same scheme was used and
steel fibers were added at the end, and the mixing continued continuously the concrete
became homogenous in consistency. Before casting, the molds remained cleaned and
lubricated to avoid adhesion of hardened concrete to the inner faces of the molds. According
to [ASTM C192 / C192M-02], the composite material has been carefully poured into a mold
in two layers. First, about half of the material was arranged; then, the mixture was shaken for
about 1minutes on the vibrating table to ensure that the material was pressed well. After that,
the second half of the mold was filled with a compound in the same way. After the upper
layer has been pressed, the steel shovel is straightened and settled. After casting, the samples
were capped with plastic sheeting, to delay water evaporation from fresh concrete. Later next
24 hours they were displaced and deposited in the water bath for a period of 28 days to
guarantee that the moisturizing process was carried out entirely under the temperature of the
laboratory.

Dr. Ola Adel Qasim
Figure 9 Preparation, mixing, casting and curing procedure.
6. UNIT WEIGHT (DENSITY)

The fresh concrete unit weight of concrete was estimated with an average of three cubes
(100x100x100mm) to determine the compacted density according to specifications [ASTM
C29 / C29M-97] and [AST5 C567-85] and [ASTM C138] respectively. The experimental
results show that lightweight concrete including perlite powder has a lower density than those
without perlite mixes. Current density for total varieties of concrete mixtures is performed in
Table (10). The results determine that mixtures with fibers have a higher density of than the
mixes without fiber as displayed in Figure (10). When the steel fibers increase from (0, 1.0
and 2.0%) density by (0, 3.02 and 3.88%) will increase.
Figure 10 Effect of steel fiber content on Density with (0% perlite).
7. COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH TESTS RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

For various concrete mixes, the compressive strength (f'c) at the age of 28 days was prepared.
It was arranged associated to [B.S-1881; part 116] and with [ASTM C39-2005]. (100x200
mm cylindrical specimens and 100x100x100 cube were operated to define the compressive
strength of separate concrete mixes using a hydraulic compression apparatus (ELE-Digital)
with 2000 kN capability. Load rate for every test was established at (15MPa per minute),
According to [ASTMC109/C109M-05]. The compressive strength of three specimens was
reported by taking the average. Table (10) shows compressive strength decreasing and
increasing percentage due to perlite powder effect and steel fiber content effect. Figure (11)
shows compressive strength test. The results of using perlite powder in dosages of (0, 5, 10,
15 and 20, 25 and 30%) effect on compressive strength. When steel fiber progress from (0,
1.0 and 2.0%) there is an enhancement in the compressive strength of the concrete after
joining of steel fiber up to 2% is observed. From Figures, it may furthermore be achieved that
the addition of steel fibers developed and enhanced the compressive strength of lightweight
concrete associated to the reliable mechanical bond strength between the two materials (fibers
and the cement matrix) which holds the formation of micro-cracks.

Table 10 Compressive strength with different percentage of perlite powder and steel fiber content.
Group Mix Steel Perlite % Compressi (%) Decreasing of (%) Increasing Density (%) decreasing of
desig fiber by weight ve Compressive of Compressive (kg/m3) Density (effect of
n (%) of Strength Strength (effect of Strength (effect perlite powder)
aggregate (MPa) perlite powder) of steel fiber)
1 0 0 35 0 0 2320 0
2 0 5 35 0 0 2320 0
3 0 10 27 -22.86 0 2233 -3.74384
1 4 0 15 24 -31.43 0 2201 -5.15
5 0 20 20 -42.86 0 2157 -7.02
6 0 25 16 -54.29 0 2114 -8.89
7 0 30 10 -71.43 0 2049 -11.70
1 1 0 38 0 8.57 2390 0.00
2 1 5 38 0 8.57 2390 0.00
3 1 10 30 -21.05 11.11 2314 -3.17
2 4 1 15 26 -31.58 8.33 2276 -4.76
5 1 20 22 -42.11 10.00 2238 -6.34
6 1 25 17 -55.26 6.25 2191 -8.32
7 1 30 11 -71.05 10.00 2134 -10.70
1 2 0 44 0 25.71 2410 0.00
2 2 5 44 0 25.71 2410 0.00
3 2 10 33 -25.00 22.22 2325 -3.53
3 4 2 15 30 -31.82 25.00 2302 -4.49
5 2 20 25 -43.18 25.00 2263 -6.09
6 2 25 20 -54.55 25.00 2225 -7.70
7 2 30 12.5 -71.59 25.00 2167 -10.10
Figure 11 Compressive strength test.
1-Group (1)
For group (1) consisted of (0% steel fiber) with (0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30%) of perlite
powder as aggregate replacement. The results of using perlite powder in varying dosages
affect decreasingly on compressive strength. When perlite powder dosages increase from (0,

Dr. Ola Adel Qasim
5, 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30%) a decrease in average compressive strength of (0, 0, 22.86, 31.43,
42.86, 54.29 and 71.43%) as shown in table (10) and Figure (12).
Figure 12 Varying of compressive strength with different perlite powder content and (0%) steel fiber
content.
2- Group (2)
For group (2) consisted of (1.0% steel fiber) with (0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30%) of perlite
Figure 13 Varying of compressive strength with different perlite powder content and (1.0%) steel
fiber content.
3- Group (3)
For group (3) consisted of (2.0% steel fiber) with (0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30%) of perlite
Figure from (15) to (23) show varying of compressive strength with different perlite
powder content and steel fiber content.

Figure 14 Varying of compressive strength with different perlite powder content and (1.0%) steel
fiber content.
Figure 15 Varying of compressive strength with different perlite powder content and (0, 1.0 and
2.0%)steel fiber content.
Figure 16 Effect of steel fiber on compressive strength with different perlite powder content
Figure 17 Varying of compressive strength with (0%) perlite powder content and (0, 1.0 and 2.0%) steel fiber
content.

Dr. Ola Adel Qasim
Figure 18 Varying of compressive strength with (5%) perlite powder content and (0, 1.0 and 2.0%)
steel fiber content.

8. CONCLUSIONS
Depending on the determinations of this work, the resulting conclusions are presented.
 Lightweight concrete manufactured from perlite powder is corresponding to the fundamentals
of structural lightweight concrete according to [ACI 213R] "Guide for Structural Lightweight-
Aggregate Concrete" classifications and [ASTM 330-05] "Standard Specification for
Lightweight Aggregates for Structural Concrete" with regard to concrete compressive
strength.
 Fiber lightweight concrete mixtures were provided by using perlite powder as a supplementary
cementing material as substituting part of coarse aggregate and its influences on compressive
strengths and density, with the influence of using steel fiber all these materials, leads to
produce a reducing total weight composition with conservative structural lightweight concrete
characteristics. The cylinder and cube compressive strength of lightweight concrete appears to
held in straight proportion to the density of concrete.
 Lightweight concrete with perlite powder reducing the concrete density considering to the
density of normal weight concrete which is approximately 2400 kg/m3. The conclusion of this
results leads to an advantage of the decreased total weight of the composition leads to reduce
the chance of earthquake disturbances to a construction because earthquake forces are
proportionate to the mass of the construction.
 Three concrete mixes groups were organizing with applying perlite powder in dosages of (0,
5, 10, 15 and 20, 25 and 30%) and steel fiber of (0, 1 and 2%) which influences on
compressive strength and density. The results show that the perlite powder reduces the
compressive strength and the density but the inclusion of steel fiber increases both the
compressive strength and density.
 Lightweight concrete with grade strength for a 28-day cylindrical compression test is between
10 MPa-35 MPa can be generated by the application of perlite powder.

Dr. Ola Adel Qasim
 When steel fiber increases from (0, 1 and 2%) there is an enhancement in the compressive
strength of the concrete following the extension of steel fiber up to 2% is recognized. The
joining of steel fibers developed the compressive strength of lightweight concrete related to
the higher mechanical bond strength connecting the fibers and the cement matrix which
prevents micro-cracks formation.
 For mixes without steel fiber, concrete density is 2320 kg/m3 which is lesser than normal
weight concrete but when steel fiber is adding to the mix there is an improvement in the
density of concrete due to fiber effects.
REFERENCES
[1] Satish Chandra and Leif Berntsson, Lightweight Aggregate Concrete Science,
Technology, and Applications. Noyes Publications, 97,130,168,226, 2002, pp. 5-9.
[2] ACI Committee 213, Guide for Structural Lightweight-Aggregate Concrete (ACI 213R-
03),” American Concrete Institute, Farmington Hills, MI, United States, 2013, pp.38.
[3] Khandaker, M. and Hossain, A., Properties of Volcanic Pumice Based Cement and
Lightweight Concrete. Cement and Concrete Research, 34(2), 2004, pp. 283-291.
[4] Tommy, Y., Lo, Tang, W.C., Cui, H. Z., The effects of Aggregate Properties on
Lightweight Concrete. Building and Environment, 42 (8), 2007, pp. 3025-3029.
[5] Lo T.Y., Cui H.Z., Effect of Porous Lightweight Aggregate on Strength of Concrete.
Materials and Letters, 58(6), 2004, pp. 916-919.
[6] Kilic, A., Atis, C. D., Yasar, E. Ozcan, F., High Strength Lightweight Concrete Made with
Scoria Aggregate Containing Mineral Admixtures. Cement and Concrete Research,
33(10), 2003, pp.1595-1599.
[7] Rossignola J.A., Agnessi M.V.C. and Morais J.A., Properties of High Performance
LWAC for Precast Structures with Brazilian Lightweight Aggregate. Cement and
Concrete Composites, 25(1), 2003, pp. 77-82.
[8] Aşık, M., Structural Lightweight Concrete with Natural Perlite Aggregate and Perlite
Powder. MSc Thesis, Middle East Technical University, Department of Civil Engineering,
Ankara, 2006.
[9] Chi, J. M., Huang, R., Yang, C. C., and Chang, J. J., Effect of aggregate properties on the
strength and stiffness of lightweight concrete. Cement and Concrete Composites, 25(2),
2003, pp. 197-205.
[10] Ibrahim Turkmen, Abdulhamit Kantarc, Effects of expanded perlite aggregate and
different curing conditions on the physical and mechanical properties of self-compacting
concrete. Building and Environment, 42(6), 2007, pp. 2378-2383.
[11] Demirboga, R., Orung, I., and Gul, R., Effects of expanded perlite aggregate and mineral
admixtures on the compressive strength of low-density concretes. Cement Concrete Res.,
31(11), 2001, pp. 1627-1632.
[12] Erdem, T.K., Meral, C., Tokyay, M., and Erdogan, T.Y., Use of perlite as a pozzolanic
addition in producing blended cements. Cement Concrete Comp., 29(1), 2007, pp. 13-21.
[13] Bektasa, F., Turanlia, L., P.J.M. Monteiro, Use of perlite powder to suppress the alkali–
silica reaction. Cement and Concrete Research, 35(10), 2005, pp. 2014-2017.
[14] L.-H. Yu, H. Ou1, L.-L. Lee, Investigation on pozzolanic effect of perlite powder in
concrete. Cement and Concrete Research, 33(1), 2003, pp. 73-76.
[15] Demirboga, R. and Gul, R., The effects of expanded perlite aggregate, silica fume and fly
ash on the thermal conductivity of lightweight concrete. Cement Concrete Res., 33(5),
2003, pp. 723-727.

[16] Erqul, Y., Alaettin, C. D. and Kilig, A., High Strength Lightweight Concrete Mode with
Ternary Mixtures of Cement–Fly Ash–Silica Fume and Scoria as Aggregate. Turkish
Journal, Engineering Environmental Science, 28 (1), 2004, pp. 95-100.
[17] Yasar, E., Atis, C. D., Kilic, A., Gulsen, H., Strength Properties of Lightweight Concrete
Made with Basaltic Pumice and Fly Ash. Materials Letters, 57(15), 2003, pp.2267-2270.
[18] Lo T.Y., Cui H.Z, Li Z.G., Influence of Aggregate Pre-wetting and Fly Ash on
Mechanical Properties of Lightweight Concrete. Waste Management, 24(4), 2004, pp.
333-338.
[19] Mouli, M., and Khelafi, H., Performance characteristics of lightweight aggregate concrete
containing natural pozzolan. Building and Environment, 43(1), 2008, pp. 31-36.
[20] Shannag, M. J., Characteristics of lightweight concrete containing mineral admixtures.
Construction and Building Materials, 25(2), 2011, pp.658-662.
[21] Balendran R.V., Zhou F.P., Nadeem A., and Leung A.Y.T., Influence of steel fibers on
strength and ductility of normal and lightweight high strength concrete. Building and
Environment, 37(12), 2002, pp.361-1367.
[22] Kayall O., Haque M. N. and Zhu B., Some characteristics of high strength fiber reinforced
lightweight aggregate concrete. Cement and Concrete Composites, 25(2), 2003, pp. 207-
213.
[23] Zhang M. H., Li L. and Paramasivam P., Flexural toughness and impact resistance of
steel-fiber-reinforced lightweight concrete. Magazine of Concrete Research, 56(5), 2004,
pp.251-262.
[24] Mohammadi, Y., Carkon-Azad, R., Singh, S.P., Kaushik, S.K., Impact Resistance Steel
Fibrous Concrete Containing Fibers of Mixed Aspect Ratio. Construction and Building
Materials Journal, 23(1), 2009, pp.183-189.
[25] Chena B., and Liu J., Contribution of hybrid fibers on the properties of the high-strength
lightweight concrete having good workability”, Cem. Concr. Res., 35(5), 2005, pp.913-
917.
[26] Libre Nicolas, A., Shekarchi, M., Mahoutian M., and Soroushian P., Mechanical
properties of hybrid fiber reinforced lightweight aggregate concrete made with natural
pumice. Construction and Building Materials; 25(5), 2011, pp. 2458-2464.
[27] Sugandh Gupta, Vipin Kumar and Akash Jaisawal Investigation of Incompressible Flow
Past Two Circular Cylinders of Different Diameters. International Journal of Mechanical
Engineering and Technology, 8(7), 2017, pp. 1508–1515.

Perlite Powder and Steel Fiber Effects o

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Perlite Powder and Steel Fiber Effects o

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

International Journal of Civil Engineering and Technology (IJCIET)

Volume 9, Issue 1, January 2018, pp. 371–387, Article ID: IJCIET_09_01_036

© IAEME Publication Scopus Indexed

PERLITE POWDER AND STEEL FIBER

http://www.iaeme.com/IJCIET/index.asp 371 editor@iaeme.com

Figure 1 Unit weigh and classification of lightweight Figure 2 Types of Perlite.

http://www.iaeme.com/IJCIET/index.asp 372 editor@iaeme.com

http://www.iaeme.com/IJCIET/index.asp 373 editor@iaeme.com

http://www.iaeme.com/IJCIET/index.asp 374 editor@iaeme.com

Table 1 Physical properties of cement.

3.2. Fine Aggregate

3.3. Coarse Aggregate

http://www.iaeme.com/IJCIET/index.asp 375 editor@iaeme.com

Figure 3 Cement, fine aggregate and coarse aggregate used.

Table 6 Technical description of Sika® Viscocrete® Hi-Tech 5930.

3.5. Steel Fiber

http://www.iaeme.com/IJCIET/index.asp 376 editor@iaeme.com

Table 7 Properties of steel fiber.

Figure 6 Superplasticizer used. Figure 7 Steel fiber used (13/0.2 with

3.6. Perlit Powder

Table 8 Chemical and Physical properties of Perlite powder.

http://www.iaeme.com/IJCIET/index.asp 377 editor@iaeme.com

Figure 8 Perlite powder used.

4. EXPERIMANTAL WORK AND MIX PROPORTION

Table 9 Mix design for (Group 1, 2 and 3).

http://www.iaeme.com/IJCIET/index.asp 378 editor@iaeme.com

5. CONCRETE MIXING PROCEDURE, CASTING AND CURING

http://www.iaeme.com/IJCIET/index.asp 379 editor@iaeme.com

Figure 9 Preparation, mixing, casting and curing procedure.

6. UNIT WEIGHT (DENSITY)

Figure 10 Effect of steel fiber content on Density with (0% perlite).

7. COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH TESTS RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

http://www.iaeme.com/IJCIET/index.asp 380 editor@iaeme.com

Figure 11 Compressive strength test.

http://www.iaeme.com/IJCIET/index.asp 381 editor@iaeme.com

http://www.iaeme.com/IJCIET/index.asp 382 editor@iaeme.com

http://www.iaeme.com/IJCIET/index.asp 383 editor@iaeme.com

http://www.iaeme.com/IJCIET/index.asp 384 editor@iaeme.com

http://www.iaeme.com/IJCIET/index.asp 385 editor@iaeme.com

http://www.iaeme.com/IJCIET/index.asp 386 editor@iaeme.com

http://www.iaeme.com/IJCIET/index.asp 387 editor@iaeme.com

You might also like