High strength lightweight concrete (HSLC): Challenges when moving from the laboratory to the field

• Findings showed that HSLC behaves better than SLC in the lab-to-field transfer.
• Special design and tests of HSLC in lab are critical to maintain field performance.
• Moisture and presoaking of LWA must be carefully monitored in plant conditions.
• 10 × 20 cm cylinders are more prone to segregation and need to be use very carefully.
• Chloride-ion penetration showed to be the most sensitive and variable property.

High strength lightweight concrete (HSLC) has been studied extensively in the laboratory and used in projects over the last decade. Its lightweight and high strength characteristics are advantageous, but HSLC also presents several challenges. Few studies have focused on the issues associated with the field implementation of HSLC. These issues are explored and addressed in this study.There are small differences in the compressive strength, unit weight, modulus of elasticity, tensile strength, and bond strength of HSLC between the laboratory and the field. Special considerations during mixture design, careful moisture control of the lightweight aggregates (LWA), and consolidation are crucial for minimising variability and maintaining performance in the field.