Characteristics of lightweight concrete containing mineral admixtures

This research investigates the properties of fresh and hardened concretes containing locally available natural lightweight aggregates, and mineral admixtures. Test results indicated that replacing cement in the structural lightweight concrete developed, with 5–15% silica fume on weight basis, caused up to 57% and 14% increase in compressive strength and modulus of elasticity, respectively, compared to mixes without silica fume. But, adding up to 10% fly ash, as partial cement replacement by weight, to the same mixes, caused about 18% decrease in compressive strength, with no change in modulus of elasticity, compared to mixes without fly ash. Adding 10% or more of silica fume, and 5% or more fly ash to lightweight concrete mixes perform better, in terms of strength and stiffness, compared to individual mixes prepared using same contents of either silica fume or fly ash.