Utilizing pumice for enhanced structural lightweight concrete

Abstract

The work studied the use of special concrete, specifically lightweight concrete, by incorporating pumice as a natural aggregate. One significant disadvantage of nominal concrete is its high dead load, or self-weight, which makes it economically inefficient as a structural material. In contrast, lightweight concrete, with its low density, offers advantages such as reduced dead loads and improved thermal insulation. This reduced density is achieved by partially replacing the coarse aggregate with pumice in the concrete mix. The investigation aimed to compare nominal concrete with lightweight concrete using grade M20. The lightweight concrete was created by replacing different proportions of the coarse aggregate with pumice, ranging from 0%, 20%, 40%, and 60%. The objective of the work was to determine the compressive strength and split tensile strength of the lightweight concrete. The results were then compared with those of conventional concrete to identify the optimal percentage of replacement that provides better strength and meets the structural recommendations. The work aimed to explore the benefits of using lightweight concrete with pumice as a replacement material, assess its strength characteristics, and determine the most favorable replacement percentage for achieving improved strength and meeting structural requirements.