Mix design of structural lightweight self-compacting concrete incorporating coarse lightweight expanded clay aggregates

This paper reports an experimental study that aimed to define the parameters for the mix design of structural lightweight self-compacting concrete (LWSCC) incorporating coarse lightweight expanded clay aggregates and natural sand. The starting point was the methodology proposed by Nepomuceno et al. (2014) for normal density self-compacting concrete (SCC). The necessary modifications were evaluated and new correlations obtained to support the definition of the mix design parameters. It was concluded that the coarse aggregates reference curve, as well as the mortar phase flow properties proposed by Nepomuceno et al. (2012) for the SCC, are adequate to produce LWSCC. Correlations to quantify the volume of coarse lightweight aggregates (Vg) are presented. It was shown that Vg depends on the mortar phase proportions, concrete workability properties, concrete compressive strength and concrete oven-dry density. The analysis of dynamic and static segregation shows a satisfatory performance with a uniform distribution of lightweight aggregates.