Effect of Expanded Perlite Aggregate Dosage on Properties of Lightweight Concrete

In this paper, an experimental study was carried out in order to provide more data on the effects of expanded perlite aggregate (EPA) dosage on the compressive strength and thermophysical properties of lightweight concrete at different ages. The first part of this experimental study was devoted to the choice of the proper mixing procedure for expanded perlite concrete (EPC). Thereafter, six sets of cubic specimens and six sets of parallelepiped specimens were prepared at a water-to-cement ratio of 0.70 with varying replacement percentages of sand by EPA ranging from 0% to 80% by volume of sand. Compressive strength, thermal conductivity and thermal diffusivity were determined over curing age. Unit weights for the mixtures prepared varied between 560 and 1510 kg/mP 3 P. Compressive strength was decreased when perlite content was increased. The test results indicated that replacing natural aggregate by EPA increased the thermal resistance of the lightweight concrete and consequently, improved thermal insulation.