See discussions, stats, and author profiles for this publication at: https://www.researchgate.

net/publication/321302369

Investigation of Properties of Light-Weight Aggregate Concrete for Structural

Applications

Article · December 2017

CITATIONS READS

0 981

4 authors, including:

Liaqat Ali Qureshi Raja Muhammad Tasaddiq

Swedish College of Engineering & Technology, Wahcantt., Pakistan University of Engineering and Technology, Taxila
54 PUBLICATIONS   96 CITATIONS    3 PUBLICATIONS   1 CITATION   

SEE PROFILE SEE PROFILE

Some of the authors of this publication are also working on these related projects:

Effect of Quartz Content on Physical Parameters of Locally Developed Reactive Powder Concrete View project

Effect of Using Recycled Concrete as Coarse Aggregate on Tensile and Flexural Strength of Concrete View project

All content following this page was uploaded by Liaqat Ali Qureshi on 26 November 2017.

The user has requested enhancement of the downloaded file.

INVESTIGATION OF PROPERTIES OF LIGHT-WEIGHT AGGREGATE CONCRETE
FOR STRUCTURAL APPLICATIONS

Liaqat Ali Qureshi1, Muhammad Shahid Mehmood2, Raja Muhammad Tasaddiq3, Hajrah Nosheen4

ABSTRACT

The properties of concrete produced by using light-weight aggregates are presented in this paper.
These aggregates were in the form of slates were collected from three sources in Pakistan: Manki,
Attock and Zayarat Kaka Sahib. Aggregates were bloated, crushed and screened to different sizes.
Different tests were carried out to determine physical and chemical properties of aggregates. Light-
weight aggregate concrete specimens were cast using light-weight aggregates. Normal-weight
aggregate concrete (produced with normal-weight coarse aggregates) was used as control mix.
Different standard tests were performed on both types of concrete specimens. It was found that light-
weight aggregate concrete cast by using aggregates obtained from Manki source provided best
results for its application as structural concrete.

Keywords: slates; bloating; lightweight aggregates; concrete; slag; silica; hydration.

1. INTRODUCTION
Light-weight aggregates (LWAs) are used in the production of LWA concrete (LWAC) products
such as concrete blocks, structural concrete and pavements. Most LWAs are produced from materials
such as clay, shale or slate. Blast furnace slag, natural pumice, vermiculite and perlite can be used
as LWAs. The raw materials (except pumice) for LWAs are expanded at high temperatures to about
twice of their original volumes [1-3]. The expanded materials have nearly the same properties as
that of natural aggregates. Since these have lesser unit weight (compared to normal-weight aggregates),
they produce LWAC [4, 5-17]. The lower density and higher insulating capacity of LWAC distinguish
it from ordinary normal-weight aggregate concrete (NWAC). According to ASTM C330 [18], LWAC
should have unit weight 1440-1900 kg/m3 (90-115 lb/ft3) with compressive strength up to 21 MPa
(3000 psi) at 28 days. Structural LWAC has an in-place density 1440-1900 kg/m3 (90 to 120 lb/ ft3)
compared to NWAC density 2240-2400 kg/m3 (140-150 lb/ft3). The primary use of structural LWAC
is to reduce the dead load (in the form of self-weight) of a concrete structure, which allows the
designer to reduce the size of load bearing elements. LWAC has high water absorption due to porous
1 Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, University of Engineering and Technology, Taxila, Pakistan, Ph. +92(0)300-5146614,
Fax: +92(0)51-9047650, Email: liaqat.qureshi@uettaxila.edu.pk.
2 Research Scholar, Department of Civil Engineering, University of Engineering and Technology, Taxila, Pakistan, Ph. +92(0)331-4342233,
Fax: +92(0)51-9047797, Email: msmce171@yahoo.com.
3 Research Scholar, Department of Civil Engineering, University of Engineering and Technology, Taxila, Pakistan, Ph. +92(0)347-4361540,
Fax: +92(0)51-9047797, Email: rajatasaddiq2010@yahoo.com.
4 Research Scholar, Department of Civil Engineering, University of Engineering and Technology, Taxila, Pakistan, Ph. +92 (0)321-5519776,
Fax: +92(0)51-9047797, Email: hajrahnosheen@yahoo.com.
Manuscript received on 1st January 2017, reviewed and accepted on 13th October 2017 as per publication
policies of NED University Journal of Research. Pertinent discussion including authors’ closure will be
published in January 2019 issue of the Journal if the discussion is received by 30th June 2018.
NED UNIVERSITY JOURNAL OF RESEARCH - STRUCTURAL MECHANICS, VOL XIV, NO. 1, 2017 37
 L. A. Qureshi et al.
Liaqat Ali Qureshi is a Professor in the Department of Civil Engineering at University of
Engineering and Technology, Taxila, Pakistan. He received his PhD in 2010. He is a member
of American Concrete Institute and Pakistan Engineering Council. His area of interest is
cement and concrete materials.
Muhammad Shahid Mehmood is a PhD scholar in the Department of Civil Engineering at
University of Engineering and Technology, Taxila, Pakistan where he received his Bachelors
and Masters in Civil Engineering.
Raja Muhammad Tasaddiq is a Lecturer in COMSATS Institute of Information and
Technology, Pakistan. He received his Bachelors and Masters from University of Engineering
and Technology, Taxila, Pakistan.
Hajrah Nosheen is a Lecturer at Institute of Southern Punjab, Pakistan. She received her
Bachelors and Masters from Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, Pakistan and University
of Engineering and Technology, Taxila, Pakistan, respectively.
nature of aggregates. Available research [6-8] showed that a strong bond existed between hydrated
cement paste and LWAs. Internal curing occurs in LWAC which enhances the hydration process
of cement [9]. The effectiveness of pre-wetted, saturated LWAs as internal curing was evaluated
by Browning et al. [10]. LWAC has good isolating properties owing to greater porosity and lesser
quantity of solid material [11, 19]. Asamoto et al. [12] observed that shrinkage of LWAC is comparable
with that of NWAC [12]. LWAC structures have higher fire resistance compared to NWAC structures
due to lower heat conductivity of LWAC; these, therefore, provide better insulation to the reinforcing
bars [13]. Earlier investigations [14] revealed that extensive deposits of shale and slate found in
different parts of Pakistan can be bloated for LWAs. The presented paper is aimed at studying the
properties of LWAC using LWAs (slates and shale) which were collected from different sources in
Pakistan. The study was confined to LWAs collected from Attock, Manki and Zayarat Kaka Sahib
in the country.

2. MATERIALS
2.1 Cement
Type I ordinary Portland cement (OPC) was used. The chemical composition and physical properties
of OPC used have been given in Table 1.

2.2 Fine Aggregates

Lawrencepur sand (from Indus River) was used as fine aggregates. Sieve analysis was carried out
as per ASTM C136-14 [20]. Fineness modulus, specific gravity and water absorption values were
also determined per ASTM standards [21, 22] and were found to be 2.70, 2.18 and 1.25 percent,
respectively.

2.3 Normal-weight Coarse Aggregates

Good quality Margalla crushed stones (obtained from Margalla hills near Islamabad, Pakistan) were
used as normal-weight coarse aggregates (designated as NWA-M) in this study. These were used
to produce NWAC for casting of control samples. Grading of coarse aggregates was performed
according to ASTM C136-06 [20]. Other tests performed as per ASTM standards [23] revealed unit
weight, specific gravity and water absorption values as 1500.5 kg/m3 (93.7 lb/ft3), 2.66 and 0.8,
respectively.
Table 1. Chemical composition and physical properties of OPC
Chemical composition Physical properties
Compound Quantity (%) Parameter Value
SiO2 22.0 Specific surface, m2/kg (ft2/lb) 322 (66)
Al2O3 5.50 Consistency (%) 30
Fe2O3 3.50 Initial setting time (hr) 1.42
CaO 64.25 Final setting time (hr) 3.55
MgO 2.50 Soundness Nil
SO3 2.90 Compressive strength (28 days), MPa (psi) 40.68 (5900)
Na2O 0.20 - -
K2O 1.00 - -
LOI 0.64 - -
38 NED UNIVERSITY JOURNAL OF RESEARCH - STRUCTURAL MECHANICS, VOL XIV, NO. 1, 2017
2.4 Light-weight Coarse Aggregates
The raw materials used to produce LWAs were transported to the laboratory from the quarry sites
(Manki, Attock, Zayarat Kaka Sahib). LWAs from Manki, Attock and Zayarat Kaka Sahib are
designated as LWA-1, LWA-2 and LWA-3, respectively. The raw materials were crushed to a
maximum size of about 20 mm (0.8 in.) using jaw crushers and screened to different sizes. The
material was fed to a rotary kiln which was fired with natural gas at 1100-1150BC (2000-2100BF).
The material was expanded due to heat and its unit weight was decreased as compared to NACs.
This procedure is termed as bloating of aggregates. After bloating, the material was cooled, crushed
and screened to obtain standard size (12 mm (½ in.)). Different physical and chemical tests (sieve
analysis, water absorption, unit weight, specific gravity, alkali-silica reactivity and iron staining)
were conducted on the resulting material using the ASTM standards. Typical characteristics of LWAs
obtained are given in Tables 2 and 3.

2.5 Mixing Water

Ordinary tap water was used for mixing of concrete. The water quality was fit for drinking as per
World Health Organisation (WHO) standards.

3. MIX PROPORTION AND CASTING SCHEDULE

To determine the properties of LWAC, most commonly used concrete mix ratio in Pakistan (1:1:2
by volume) and a water cement ratio (w/c) of 0.5 was selected [15]. Mix design used in the presented
study is given in Table 4. Four concrete mixes were employed using the aforementioned four types
of coarse aggregates (LWA-1, LWA-2, LWA-3 and NWA-M). The mixes were designated as NWAC-
M, LWAC-1, LWAC-2 and LWAC-3 having NWA-M, LWA-1, LWA-2 and LWA-3 aggregates,
respectively. For the determination of compressive, tensile and flexural strength of concrete, a total
of twelve cubes, six cylinders and three beams were cast for each mix of concrete and were be tested
at different ages as mentioned in Table 5. For permeability test, three cylinders were cast for each
sample of LWAs and NWAs and were tested at 28 days. All test specimens were demoulded after
24 hrs and were kept in temperature controlled water bath until the specified age of testing.

Table 2. Physical characteristics of light-weight and normal-weight aggregates

Parameter LWA-1 LWA-2 LWA-3 NWA-M
Specific gravity 0.61 0.68 0.68 2.66
Unit weight, Kg/m3 (lb/ft3) 794.14 (49.5) 808.05 (50.4) 643.23 (40.2) 1500.5 (93.7)
Water absorption (%) 3.42 6.31 8.06 0.8

Table 3. Chemical composition of light-weight aggregates

Parameter LWA-1 LWA-2 LWA-3
SiO2 (%) 67.82 64.76 67.68
Fe2O3 (%) 14.66 16.20 14.17
Al2O3 (%) 4.80 5.79 5.24
CaO (%) 2.61 1.4 1.30
MgO (%) 2.38 2.39 2.69
Na2O (%) 1.16 1.71 1.43
K2O (%) 1.91 2.99 2.87
Loss on ignition (%) 4.02 4.01 4.05

Table 4. Mix proportion of concrete mixes (mix ratio 1:1:2)

Mix code W/C Cement Sand Coarse aggregate Water Slump
m3/m3 3
Kg/m m3/m3 3
Kg/m m3/m3 Kg/m3 m3/m3 3
Kg/m mm
NWAC-M 0.50 0.385 550 0.385 570 0.77 1156 0.193 275 101
LWAC-1 0.50 0.385 550 0.385 570 0.77 612 0.193 275 110
LWAC-2 0.50 0.385 550 0.385 570 0.77 623 0.193 275 105
LWAC-3 0.50 0.385 550 0.385 570 0.77 496 0.193 275 107
3 3
Note: 1 lb/ft = 16 kg/m ; 1 in. 25.4 mm

NED UNIVERSITY JOURNAL OF RESEARCH - STRUCTURAL MECHANICS, VOL XIV, NO. 1, 2017 39
 L. A. Qureshi et al.
Table 5. Test details and casting schedule of specimens
Test details Specimen details Mix code Age (days) Total for all four mixes
3 7 28 56
Compressive strength Cubes NWAC-M 3 3 3 3 48
LWAC-1 3 3 3 3
LWAC-2 3 3 3 3
LWAC-3 3 3 3 3
Split tensile strength Cylinders NWAC-M - - 3 3 24
LWAC-1 - - 3 3
LWAC-2 - - 3 3
LWAC-3 - - 3 3
Flexural strength Beams NWAC-M - - 3 - 12
LWAC-1 - - 3 -
LWAC-2 - - 3 -
LWAC-3 - - 3 -
Water permeability Cylinders NWAC-M - - 3 - 12
LWAC-1 - - 3 -
LWAC-2 - - 3 -
LWAC-3 - 3 -

Figure 1. Percentage expansion of light-weight aggregates after bloating.

4. DISCUSSION ON TEST RESULTS
4.1 Percentage Expansion
Figure 1 represents percentage expansion of coarse aggregates. It is seen in Figure 1 that LWA-3
shows more expansion as compared to LWA-2 and LWA-1. Klinefelter [16] reported that bloatable
clays contain six percent or more iron oxide and about six percent alkalies. Chemical analysis of
LWAs manufactured from the three aforementioned sources is given in Table 3 which indicates that
LWA-3 has minimum iron content compared to the samples from the two other sources. As a result,
it exhibits higher expansion. On the other hand, LWA-2 has highest iron content which explains its
least expansion.

4.2 Water Absorption

Water absorption was determined according to ASTM C 127-15 [23] and the results are represented
in Figure 2. It is seen in Figure 2 that LWAs have high water absorption as compared to NWAs.
Of all LWAs, LWA-3 showed high water absorption owing to its higher of expansion during bloating
(Figure 1). Higher expansion results in porous material which absorbs more water.

4.3 Bulk Density and Specific Gravity

Specific gravity is defined as the ratio of density of any object to the density of water at standard
temperature. Bulk density and specific gravity were determined according to ASTM C 127-15 [23]
and the results are represented in Figures 3 and 4, respectively. It is seen in Figure 3 that all LWAs
have bulk density much less than that of NWAs whereas LWA-3 showed least value of bulk density.
40 NED UNIVERSITY JOURNAL OF RESEARCH - STRUCTURAL MECHANICS, VOL XIV, NO. 1, 2017
 Figure 2. Water absorption of aggregates.
3 3
Note: 1 lb/ft = 16 kg/m

Figure 3. Bulk density of aggregates.

Figure 4. Specific gravity of aggregates.

This is due to high expansion of LWA-3 during the bloating process which makes them lighter as
compared to LWA-1 and LWA-2. Further, LWA-3 also showed minimum specific gravity (Figure 4)
due to their least density.

4.4 Alkali Silica Reactivity Test

Alkalies present in OPC can react with silica contents of aggregates. These reactions may cause
undesirable expansion of concrete resulting in appearance of cracks. Since silica contents were
noted in all LWAs tested in the presented study, alkali-silica reactivity tests were performed according
to ASTM C289-07 [24]. For this purpose, three equal parts each of 25 g (0.88 oz) of the test sample
were made. These were placed into three reaction containers in 25 ml (1.5 in3) of sodium hydroxide
(NaOH) solution. The containers are placed in a liquid bath at 80oC (176oF). The containers were
removed from bath for 24 hrs and the solution from aggregate residues was filtered. The filtrate
(10 ml (0.6 in3)) was diluted with 200 ml (12.2 in3) of water and 100 ml (6.1 in3) of diluted solution
was transferred to evaporating dish. Hydrochloric acid (HCl) (10 ml (0.6 in3)) was added in the dish
and the solution was dried on a steam bath. Dissolved silica (SiO2) was calculated by Eq. (1)
Sc = 3330 × W (1)
where Sc is the concentration of SiO2 in the filtrate; and W is the grams of SiO2 found in 100 ml
(6.1 in3) of dilute solution. The diluted solution (20 ml (12.2 in3)) was transferred to a 125 ml (7.6 in3)
Erlenmeyer flask, two drops of phenolphthalein solution were added and titrated with 0.05-N HCl
NED UNIVERSITY JOURNAL OF RESEARCH - STRUCTURAL MECHANICS, VOL XIV, NO. 1, 2017 41
 L. A. Qureshi et al.
to the phenolphthalein end point. Reduction in alkalinity was calculated by Eq. (2)
Rc = (20N/V1)(V3-V2) × 1000 (2)
where Rc is the reduction in alkalinity; N is the normality of the HCl used for titration; V1 is the
quantity of dilute solution (ml) used; V2 is the quantity of HCl (ml) used to attain phenolphthalein
end point in the test sample; and V3 is the quantity of HCl (ml) used to attain phenolphthalein end
point in blank
A standard curve has been established in ASTM C289-07 [24] with Sc values on x-axis and Rc values
on y-axis. The material is considered deleterious if Sc and Rc points lie on deleterious side of curve.
On the other hand, the material is considered innocuous (harmless) if Sc and Rc points lie on innocuous
side of curve. Sc and Rc values for all LWAs were calculated and compared with the standard curve
given by ASTM C289-07 [24]. The results indicated that all LWAs employed in the presented study
were innocuous.

4.5 Iron Staining Test

Chemical analysis results show that iron content was present in LWAs, which may produce stains
on the surface of LWAC. Therefore, iron straining tests were conducted all LWAs according to
ASTM C641-17 [25] and stains produced on filter papers were compared with the standard stained
indices. The tests were conducted using 100 g (3.5 oz) of sample of each LWAs type employed in
the presented study. The extent and intensity of stains was evaluated in accordance with the
photographic stain index given by ASTM C641-17 [25]. The test results indicated that the employed
LWAs had stain index = 0. Therefore, it can be inferred that these LWAs could be used to manufacture
LWAC mix.

4.6 Workability
The workability of both LWAC and NWAC was measured using the slump test in accordance with
ASTM C143-15 [26] and the results are presented in Figure 5. It is seen in Figure 5 that LWAC
mixes showed high workability compared to NWAC mixes for the same mix proportion. This
indicates that with the presence of LWAs in concrete helps in achieving better workability compared
to NWAs for the same w/c and mix proportions. This ability of LWAC could be attributed to the
use of lower unit weight aggregates (LWAs). It is noted in Figure 5 that LWC-1 showed highest
workability as it had greater percentage of large sized aggregates, as indicated by the sieve analysis
results (Table 4). The workability of concrete made with large sized aggregates increases as compared
to smaller sized aggregates as the former aggregates require more water for lubrication.

4.7 Unit Weight

Hardened concrete density was determined by weighing the samples and the results are illustrated
in Figure 6. It is seen in Figure 6 that the density of LWAC-1 (1826 kg/m3 (114 lb/ft3)) and LWAC-3
(1842 kg/m3 (115 lb/ft3)) is twenty-four and twenty-three percent less as compared to NWAC-M
(2403 kg/m3 (150 lb/ft3)). It be inferred that LWAC-1 and LWAC-3 mixes could be classified as
lightweight concrete according to ASTM C330 [18]. The higher value of density for LWAC-2 (2002
kg/m3 (125 lb/ft3)) can be attributed to its low expansion during bloating and its high bulk density.

4.8 Compressive Strength

Cubic specimens with size of 150×150×150 mm (6×6×6 in.) were used for determining compressive
strength of concrete in accordance with BS 1881-116 [27]. Specimens were removed from the

Figure 5. Slump values of concrete mixes.

42 NED UNIVERSITY JOURNAL OF RESEARCH - STRUCTURAL MECHANICS, VOL XIV, NO. 1, 2017
 Figure 6. Density of concrete mixes.

Figure 7. Compressive strength of concrete mixes.

moulds after 24 hrs of casting and were cured in water until their testing age. The results of
compressive strength are illustrated in Figure 7. It is seen in Figure 7 that the 28 days and 56 days
compressive strengths of LWAC-1 and LWAC-2 are comparable with those of NWAC-M. LWAC-
3 exhibits minimum compressive strength of all the specimens. This can be attributed to LWAs
which had low specific gravity and bulk density. For a given cement and water content, the strength
increased with increase of bulk density of aggregates. As a result, decrease in bulk density of LWAC-
3 caused reduction in strength. The results of compressive strength at 3 and 7 days are presented
in Figure 8. It is seen in Figure 8 that all three LWAC mixes (LWAC-1, LWAC-2 and LWAC-3)
has high early strength as compared to NWAC-M. This behaviour can be attributed to high water
absorption of LWAs. The hydration of cement lowers the relative humidity of capillary pores in the
hardened cement paste and the water in the aggregates migrates outwards into these capillaries
which increases the hydration process. Therefore, LWAC gained higher strength at early ages except
LWAC-3. Figure 9 illustrates the trend of rate of gain of strength. It is seen in Figure 9 that both
LWAC and NWAC mixes showed rapid increase in strength at early ages (3 and 7 days). The pattern
of strength gain became nearly constant for both the LWAC (LWAC-1, LWAC-2 and LWAC-3) and
NWAC-M mixes with increase of age. All LWAC and NWAC-M mixes achieves nearly 60-70
percent of their strength at early age (7 days). The rate of gain of strength was constant later, except
for LWAC-1 whose rate of gain of strength was comparatively slow with increase in age.

4.9 Tensile Strength

The tensile strength of concrete (ft) was measured by split cylinder test in accordance with ASTM

Figure 8. Change in compressive strength.

NED UNIVERSITY JOURNAL OF RESEARCH - STRUCTURAL MECHANICS, VOL XIV, NO. 1, 2017 43
 L. A. Qureshi et al.

Figure 9. Rate of gain of compressive strength.

C496-11 [28]. Three cylinders 150 mm (6 in) diameter (D) and 300 mm (12 in) height (L) were
tested at 28 and 56 days. The cylinder was placed in compression testing machine such that its
longitudinal axis was perpendicular to the applied load. The load (P) at which the specimen fractured
along the diametrical plane was noted. The tensile strength was calculated with Eq. (3)
ft = 2P/pDL (3)
The results of ft for the mixes are plotted in Figures 10-12. It is seen in Figures 10-12 that LWAC-1,
LWAC-2, and LWAC-3 had higher and lower ft at 28 and 56 days, respectively, as compared to
NWAC-M. This behaviour of LWAC mixes confirms good bond of LWAs with hydrated cement
which can be explained based on different factors. Firstly, penetration of cement paste into the pores
of LWAs takes place due to porous surfaces of these aggregates which increases their bond with
hydrated cement. Secondly, the moduli of elasticity of LWAs and hardened cement paste are similar
which reduces the chances of differential stresses development between the two materials. Thirdly,
the water absorbed by LWAs during mixing remains available for hydration of cement. As a result,
additional hydration occurs which benefits the bond between aggregates and hydrated cement.

The decrease in tensile strength of LWAC mixes at 56 days can also be explained considering the
behaviour of cracks. Since the matrix is weaker than the aggregates at early ages, cracks do not
penetrate LWAs and followed a path around them. More energy is consumed in this process which
results in higher tensile strength. When the strength of matrix approaches that of aggregates, cracks
start penetrating aggregates which shortens their path resulting in less energy consumption. Further,

Figure 10. Split tensile strength of concrete.

Figure 11. Change in tensile strength of LWAC.

44 NED UNIVERSITY JOURNAL OF RESEARCH - STRUCTURAL MECHANICS, VOL XIV, NO. 1, 2017
 Figure 12. Rate of gain of tensile strength.
NWAC-M showed highest strength at 56 days (Figures 10-12) due to high strength of NWAs and
resulting better resistance to crack penetration. LWAC-2 showed a tensile strength comparable to
NWAC-M, as the difference was only of 0.17 MPa (25 psi). This was due to the presence of stronger
LWAs in LWC-2 as compared to LWC-1 and LWC-3.

4.10 Modulus of Rupture

Modulus of rupture was determined by testing three prismatic beams (100 mm (4 in.) square in
cross-section and 490 mm (19.5 in.) long) for each mix at 28 days. Three point load test was
conducted on the beams according to ASTM C78-16 [29]. The fracture was noted within the middle-
third of the span length which indicated creation of the tension surface in this region. The modulus
of rupture was calculated by Eq. (4)
R = PL/bd 2 (4)
where P is the maximum total load applied on the beam; L is the span length of the beam; b is the
width of beam; and d is the depth of beam

Figure 13 shows that modulus of rupture of LAWC mixes used in the presented study. It is seen
in Figure 13 that moduli of rupture of LAWC mixes are comparable with that of NWAC mix. LWC-2
showed higher value of modulus of rupture as compared to LWC-1 and LWC-3 which can be
attributed to better strength of LWAs employed in LWC-2. Nevertheless, the difference in moduli
of rupture of LWAC and NWAC mixes are insignificant and these lie between 4-6 MPa (580-870 psi).

3.11 Water Permeability

Permeability is defined as the property that governs the rate of flow of a fluid into a porous solid.
Water permeability of LWAC mixes was checked in accordance with CRD-C 163-92 [30] and the
results were compared with NWAC mix. A a total of 12 cylinders (90 mm (3.9 in.) diameter and
150 mm (6 in) long) were casted and cured using the method described above. Each specimen was
tested at 28 days in automatic concrete permeability apparatus CN790 machine. The sample was
placed in the machine and the water was injected with fixed pressure to the test chamber. The water
passed through concrete sample was collected in the cylinder placed below the chamber. The volume
of passed water was measured and recorded.

The results of waster permeability of specimens are graphically presented in Figure 14. The results
in Figure 14 indicate more water penetration in LWAC mix specimens as compared to NWAC

Figure 13. Modulus of rupture test results at the age of 28 days.

NED UNIVERSITY JOURNAL OF RESEARCH - STRUCTURAL MECHANICS, VOL XIV, NO. 1, 2017 45
 L. A. Qureshi et al.

Figure 14. Water permeability test results.

specimen. This behaviour can be attributed to the porous nature of LWAs that caused more water
penetration in LWAC mixes. However, overall water penetration in LWAC mixes was low.

4. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

The slates from three sources in Pakistan (Manki, Attock and Zayarat Kaka Sahib) were bloated
at 1100oC (2010oF) to produce light-weight aggregates in the presented study. Physical and chemical
testing on bloated materials and concrete made of using these light-weight aggregates were carried
out. The findings from the presented study can be summarised as under

1) Light-weight aggregates employed in the presented study showed their suitability as coarse
aggregates for concrete. Although these have high water absorption as compared to normal-
weight aggregates, they provide high workability to concrete mix. Light-weight aggregate
concrete has high tensile strength at 28 days as compared to that of normal-weight concrete.
2) The unit weight of LWC-1 was found to be 1826.1 kg/m3 (114 lb/ft3) which makes it qualified
as light-weight aggregate concrete, based on relevant standards. It provided compressive strength
of 28.84 MPa (4182 psi) at 28 days which was comparable with that of NWC-M. Due to higher
unit weight of LWC-2 2002.31 kg/m3 (125 lb/ft3), it does not fulfil the condition for light-weight
aggregate concrete. Nevertheless, its unit weight was found to be sixteen percent less as compared
to NWC-M.
3) LWC-3 provided least compressive, flexural and tensile strengths as compared to LWC-1 and
LWC-2 with a unit weight of 1842.12 kg/m3 (115 lb/ft3). Therefore, it can be classified as light-
weight aggregate concrete. The compressive strength LWC-3 came out to be 20.7 MPa (3000 psi)
at 28 days. Based on permeability test results, it can be said that water permeability in light
weight aggregate concrete is higher than that of normal weight concrete.
4) Although the compressive, flexural and tensile strength of light-weight aggregate concrete
prepared for this study were lesser compared to conventional normal-weight concrete, these are
much lighter as compared to normal-weight concrete. The issues related to low strength of light-
weight aggregate concrete can be addressed with the help of admixtures or high strength cement.
5) Although all the employed Light weight aggregates LWA-1, LWA-2 and LWA-3 are suitable to
produce light-weight aggregate concrete, LWA-1 was found to be the best for the production
of light-weight aggregate concrete in terms of meeting the specifications of desired properties.

REFERENCES
[1] Riley CM. Relation of Chemical Properties to the Bloating of Clays. J Am Ceram Soc 1950;
30(4):121-128.
[2] Boateng AA, Thoen ER, Orthlieb FL. Modelling the Pyroprocess Kinetics of Shale Expansion
in a Rotary Kiln. Trans IChemE 1997;75(Part A):278-83.
[3] Holm TA. Lightweight Concrete and Aggregates. Amer Soc Test Mat, Standard Technical
Publication (STP 169C), 1995. p. 522-532.
[4] Vijay P, Singh S. Physical and Mechanical Properties of Steel Fiber Reinforced Lightweight
Aggregate Concrete Using Fly Ash. Int J Emerg Tech Advan Eng 2014;4(10):596-601.
[5] Satish C, Berntsson L. Lightweight aggregate concrete: science, technology and applications.
USA: William Andrew Publishing, Norwich, New York, USA, 2002. p. 89-94.
[6] Neville AM. Properties of concrete. Longman Group Limited, England, 1995. p. 698-703.
[7] Mouli M, Khelafa H. Performance Characteristics of Lightweight Aggregates Concrete
Containing Natural Pozzolan. Build Environ 2008;43(1):31-36.
46 NED UNIVERSITY JOURNAL OF RESEARCH - STRUCTURAL MECHANICS, VOL XIV, NO. 1, 2017
[8] ACI committee 213, Guide for Structural Lightweight Aggregate Concrete (ACI 213R-14).
Farmington Hills, Michigan, USA, 2014.
[9] Kovler K, Jensen OM, Kovler K, Jensen OM, Jensen OM. Internal Curing of Concrete: State-
of-the-art Report of RILEM Technical Committee 196-ICC. RILEM Report. 2007. 41 p.
[10] Browning J, Darwin D, Reynolds D, Pendergrass B. Lightweight Aggregate as Internal Curing
Agent to Limit Concrete Shrinkage. ACI Mat J. 2011;108(6):638-44.
[11] Ennequin SLT. Reduction of the Environmental Impact of Concrete. Report TVBM-5075,
Division of Building Materials, Lund Institute of Technology, 2009.
[12] Asamoto S, Ishida T, Maekawa K. Investigations into Volumetric Stability of Aggregates and
Shrinkage of Concrete as a Composite. J Advan Conc Tech 2008;6(1):77-90.
[13] Lindgard J, Hammer AT. Fire Resistance of Structural Lightweight Aggregate Concrete a
Literature Survey with Focus on Spalling. Nordic Conc Res Pub 1998;21(1):64-77.
[14] Hussain A, Chaudhri MA, Siddiqui FA and Chugtai MF. Lightweight Aggregate: A Study
of Raw Material in Pakistan, Islamabad-Peshawar Region. Geolological Survey of Pakistan
Records, 66, 1983. p. 1-27.
[15] Alam B, Javed M, Ali Q, Ahmad N, Ibrahim M. Mechanical Properties of No-fines Bloated
Slate Aggregate Concrete for Construction Application, Experimental Study. Int J Civil Struc
Eng 2012;3(2):302-312.
[16] Klinifelter TA. Lightweight Aggregates, Industrial Minerals and Rocks (Nonmetallic other
than Fuels). American Institute of Mining Engineering (AIME), New York,1960.
[17] Bilqees R, Naeem P, Khan T, Junaid MM. Engineering Tests of Aggregate from Lightweight
Expanded Slate of Manki Formation. J Himalaya Earth Sci 2011;44(2):53-60.
[18] American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM). Standard Specification for Lightweight
Aggregates for Structural Concrete (ASTM C330/C330M-17a). West Conshohocken, USA, 2017.
[19] Lo TY, Tang WC, Cui HZ. The Effects of Aggregate Properties on Lightweight Concrete.
Build Environ 2007;42(8):3025-3029.
[20] American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM). Standard Test Method for Sieve Analysis
of Fine and Coarse Aggregates (ASTM C136/C136M-14). West Conshohocken, USA, 2014.
[21] American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM). Standard Specification for Concrete
Aggregates (ASTM C33/C33M-16). West Conshohocken, USA, 2016.
[22] American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM). Standard Test Method for Relative
Density (Specific Gravity) and Absorption of Fine Aggregate (ASTM C128-15). West
Conshohocken, USA, 2015.
[23] American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM). Standard Test Method for Density,
Relative Density (specific gravity), and Absorption of Coarse Aggregates (ASTM C127-15).
West Conshohocken, USA, 2015.
[24] American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM). Standard Test Method for Potential
Alkali-Silica Reactivity of Aggregates (Chemical Method) (ASTM C289-07). West Conshohocken,
USA, 2007.
[25] American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM). Standard Test Method for Iron Staining
Materials in Lightweight Concrete Aggregates (ASTM C641-17). West Conshohocken, USA, 2017.
[26] American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM). Standard Test Method for Slump of
Hydraulic-cement Concrete (ASTM C143/C143M-15a). West Conshohocken, USA, 2015.
[27] British Standards Institution (BSI). Testing Concrete: Method for Determination of Compressive
Strength of Concrete Cubes (BS 1881-116:1983). London, UK, 1983.
[28] American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM). Standard Test Method for Splitting
Tensile Strength of Cylindrical Concrete Specimens (ASTM C496/C496-11). West Conshohocken,
USA, 2011.
[29] American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM). Standard Test Method for Flexural
Strength of Concrete (Using Simple Beam with Third-Point Loading) (ASTM C78/C78M-16).
West Conshohocken, USA, 2016.
[30] US Army Corps of Engineers (Army-CoE). Test Method for Water Permeability of Concrete
Using Triaxial Cell (CRD-C163-92). Washington, DC, USA, 1992.

NED UNIVERSITY JOURNAL OF RESEARCH - STRUCTURAL MECHANICS, VOL XIV, NO. 1, 2017 47
 BLANK PAGE

48 NED UNIVERSITY JOURNAL OF RESEARCH - STRUCTURAL MECHANICS, VOL XIV, NO. 1, 2017

View publication stats