Development of cement-based lightweight composites – Part 2: Durability-related properties

Cement-based lightweight composites were developed in Part 1 of this study [1], employing the modified Andreasen and Andersen particle packing model. The design was targeted on a good balance between the mechanical and thermo-physical performance of the material. By the application of expanded glass lightweight aggregates in a form of closed spheres, the design was also targeted on a low permeability to fluids, which is a unique feature for this type of material. The durability-related properties of the developed lightweight composites were investigated in this paper. The durability was quantified based on the measurements of water-permeable porosity, capillary water absorption, chloride transport properties, electrical resistivity, freeze–thaw resistance and alkali-silica reaction. The results show that by using the proposed design methodology, it is possible to develop lightweight composites of low density and thermal conductivity, sufficient strength and low permeability to fluids.