An Experiment to scrutinize the impact of Lightweight Expanded Clay Aggregates (LECA) And Metakaolin on Structural Lightweight Concrete

Abstract

Lightweight concrete is to be treated as structural concrete (using LECA as CA), it must satisfy the density in range of 1120-1920 kg/m3 and strength not less than 20 N/mm². In order to accomplish required strength, LECA with metakaolin was used at different concentrations of (20% to 26%) by weight of cement at equal increments of 2%. Test results clearly indicates that, using LECA and metakaolin as selective substitution increases the compressive strength and durable properties. The prerequisite of using additional cementious material as metakaolin was to enhance the compressive strength, durability of LWC. Metakaolin content seems to lead high early age strength with relative increase in strength of 28 days. The effective content of metakaolin was 24% along with 60% LECA as partial substitution gave very much appreciable results. The percentage reduction in density recorded was 33%. The durable aspects such as resistance offered to acidic environment was also affirming when as compared to conventional concrete.