Experimental investigation on the mechanical properties and microstructure behaviour of concrete using lightweight expanded clay aggregate (LECA) with admixture

The utilisation of mineral admixtures presents itself as a viable approach to mitigate the diminished mechanical characteristics of lightweight aggregate concrete. Lightweight aggregate concrete (LWAC) presents a diverse array of advantages when compared to traditional concrete. One notable advantage is its ability to decrease the dead load of structural components, making it particularly appealing for the construction of multi-storied buildings. This study aims to enhance the diminished mechanical properties and microstructural behaviour of lightweight aggregate concrete through the incorporation of mineral admixtures, specifically flash and Silica Fume at 30% and 40% of the cement weight, respectively, as suggested in existing literature. The study’s findings indicate that incorporating light weight aggregates (LECA) into concrete results in a reduction in the overall weight of the material. However, it is important to note that this decrease in weight is accompanied by a notable decline in the mechanical properties of the concrete. In order to achieve enhanced strength and decreased dead weight, the predominant influence was observed to be attributed to the incorporation of fly ash and silica fume.