Title: Recent Research Projects to Investigate Mechanical Properties of High-Performance Lightweight Concrete

Author(s): K.S. Harmon

Publication: Symposium Paper

Volume: 228

Issue:

Appears on pages(s): 991-1008

Keywords: aggregate; air content; compressive strength; concrete; creep; density; lightweight aggregate; lightweight concrete; mixture proportion; modulus of elasticity; modulus of rupture; Poisson’s ratio; shrinkage

DOI: 10.14359/14517

Date: 6/1/2005

Abstract:
In recent years, a number of research projects have been conducted to investigate physical characteristics of rotary kiln expanded lightweight aggregates and engineering properties of high performance lightweight concrete. These research projects include academic research, laboratory research performed for and by the lightweight aggregate industry, and research projects conducted by the construction industry. Some of these research projects have already influenced design criteria and construction procedures on significant projects around the world. In the past, designers have had very little information on the behavior of lightweight aggregate concrete in applications requiring compressive strengths of over 6,000 psi (40MPa). Recent research projects provide reliable information on mechanical properties of high strength lightweight concrete such as modulus of elasticity, creep, shrinkage, coefficient of thermal expansion and chloride permeability. This paper will compile and present results of some of these research projects. It will discuss certain projects that have already been influenced. It will also discuss implications for design and construction of future projects, especially precast prestressed bridge girders, concrete frame buildings with post-tensioned floor slabs, post-tensioned bridge decks, segmental concrete bridges and other high performance concrete structures in severe environments such as off-shore oil and liquefied natural gas platforms.