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LIGHTWEIGHT CONCRETE
Definitions:
Lightweight concrete has a maximum density of 1900 kg/m3 and is achieved by using low-density aggregates. Intermediate-density concretes, where part or all the normaldensity coarse aggregates are replaced with structural-grade low-density aggregates, have densities of 1900-2200 kg/m3.
LWC TYPES
Lightweight concrete provides a more efficient strengthto-weight ratio in structural elements. The cost of lightweight concrete is offset by size reduction of structural elements, less reinforcing steel and reduced volume of concrete, resulting in lower overall cost.
Pioneering applications:
Building of ships and barges by the US, during the Second World War. High-rise construction (since 1929, in the US) Offshore structures (since 1908s)
TRENCH REINSTATEMENT
Is an ideal material for trench reinstatement (the filling of trenches dug in roads when pipes are laid or repairs are carried out). The traditional methods of filling trenches in the roads, i.e. The use of granular fill materials, result in settlement and damage to the road and potentially, to the pipes. With foamed concrete there is no settlement; and because the foamed concrete is very fluid, it will fill any voids and cavities in the trench sides
BRIDGE ABUTMENT
Is particularly suitable for bridge abutments because it does not impose the large lateral loads, which can be a problem when using traditional granular materials. With traditional abutments, there is a lot of sideways pressure against the bridge walls caused by the materials used and their compaction.
VOID FILLING
Is also very useful for void filling. As it is very fluid it will pour into even the most inaccessible places. It can be used for planned work, but also in emergencies to provide stability and support very quickly.
ROOFING INSULATION
Has been supplied for roofing insulating. A low density mix is chosen and the resulting air content gives the material excellent thermal insulation properties. The low density also has the advantage that it does not significantly add to the overall weight of the roof.
ROAD SUB-BASE
An be used to make road structures less heavy. This helps solve the problem where the traditionally heavy road structures cause severe settlement of the road, particularly in areas of soft ground. By constructing the road sub-base from a lightweight material, the overall weight of the structure can be greatly reduced
FLOOR CONSTRUCTION
Provides very good material for floor construction. It is ideal for building sub-floors quickly and cheaply and can be used for levelling terrain and raising floor levels as well as for insulation purposes
FIRE BREAKS
The excellent fire resistant properties makes it an ideal material for fire breaks in buildings where there are large undivided spaces. It is used to prevent flame penetration through the services void between floor and ceiling in modern construction, and also to protect timber floors in old houses
SOUND INSULATION
Reduces the passage of sound, both from background noise and due to impact. It is, therefore, an ideal material for internal walls and suspended floors in multi-storey buildings, especially ones with communal use
Muhammed Basheer
This gives better performance during pumping and lower slump loss during transportation.
LWC
Properties
LWC: DURABILITY
Performance record:
A ship, the USS Selma, was cast with low-density concrete in 1919. It is now in the Galveston Harbour.
The 12 to 30 mm cover was effective in preventing the corrosion of the steel reinforcement.
Original strength of the concrete was 28 MPa, and the density was 1760 kg/m3. Cores taken in 1980 gave compressive strengths of more than 55 MPa. Microscopy has revealed that the aggregate-mortar interface has not been penetrated by sea water.
Fractured surface of concrete from the USS Selma, showing aggregate on left and mortar on right (micrograph width = 550 microns)
ULTRA-LIGHTWEIGHT CONCRETES
Concretes with densities of less than 1100 kg/m3 and compressive strengths of less than about 7 MPa:
Concretes with expanded or other very low density aggregates, such as expanded polystyrene, perlite, blast-furnace slag and vermiculite and rubber particles. Aerated or cellular concrete made with large-diameter (0.1-1 mm) voids incorporating a foam in cement paste or mortar, or generating a foam by a chemical reaction (e.g., by using fine aluminium powder). Used for insulating fills, conduit linings, fire walls and non-structural panels.