Workability, and mechanical, acoustic and thermal properties of lightweight aggregate concrete with a high volume of entrained air

This study investigated the various characteristics of lightweight aggregate concrete with a high volume of entrained air. The effects of lightweight aggregates and entrained air on the flow characteristics, density, porosity, compressive strength, and dynamic elastic modulus of the concrete were investigated. In addition, the acoustic transmission loss and thermal conductivity – essential performance measures for architectural construction materials – of lightweight aggregate concrete with a high volume of entrained air were measured. The lightweight aggregate cellular concrete containing an adequate amount of air entraining agent was shown to have excellent characteristics including very-high workability, low density and proper strength, and it can be applied in architectural members with high acoustic shielding and thermal insulating properties.

▸ A higher strength was obtained when pores were concentrated in aggregates compared to concrete with pores located in cement matrix. ▸ Acoustic transmission loss of normal concrete was nearly constant relative to that of lightweight concrete. ▸ Lightweight aggregate cellular concrete can be applied in architectural wall with high acoustic shielding and thermal insulating properties.