Development of lightweight concrete with high resistance to water and chloride-ion penetration

Abstract

This paper presents an experimental study to evaluate the influence of coarse lightweight aggregate (LWA), fine LWA and the quality of the paste matrix on water absorption and permeability, and resistance to chloride-ion penetration in concrete. The results indicate that incorporation of pre-soaked coarse LWA in concrete increases water sorptivity and permeability slightly compared to normal weight concrete (NWC) of similar water-to-cementitious materials ratio (w/cm). Furthermore, resistance of the sand-lightweight concrete (LWC) to water permeability and chloride-ion penetration decreases with an increase in porosity of the coarse LWA. The use of fine LWA including a crushed fraction