Recent development and perspective of lightweight aggregates based self-compacting concrete

Abstract

© 2019 Elsevier Ltd The utilization of natural and artificial lightweight aggregates in lightweight self-compacting concrete (LWSCC) is gaining popularity in research field. Extensive research has been carried out in the past decade all over the world to utilize lightweight aggregates (LWA) in self-compacting concrete (SCC). LWSCC, which uses renewable aggregates, has great potential to become an alternative material to conventional concrete. The paper is aimed to review the more recent research of physical properties of lightweight aggregates used in developing mix design of lightweight self-compacting concrete. In design, the mix proportion of LWSCC is a crucial factor to achieve the desired fresh and hardened concrete properties. The methods to develop LWSCC mix design with anticipated fresh and hardened concrete are reviewed. Research shows that the mix design LWSCC is preferably proportioned by aggregates packing concept. In addition, discussion on the fresh and hardened concrete properties is made and summarized in this paper. Studies indicate that there is a promising future for the use of lightweight aggregates in SCC as it shows satisfactory filling ability, passing ability, segregation resistance and compressive strength. Research gaps recommendations are then identified through this review to further discover lightweight self-compacting concrete in several aspects, particularly in term of sustainability.