Effect of expanded perlite aggregate on the properties of lightweight concrete

Expanded perlite aggregate (EPA) is a heat and sound insulator, and lightweight material which ensures economical benefits in constructions. This paper investigates the properties of concrete containing EPA considering cement types (CEM II 32.5R and CEM I 42.5R), dosages (300, 350 and 400) and replacement ratios (0, 15, 30, 45 and 60). The tests were conducted on fresh and hardened concrete. 150 mm × 150 mm × 150 mm cube, ∅150 mm × 300 mm cylinder and 100 mm × 100 mm × 500 mm prismatic specimens were used for destructive and nondestructive tests at the end of 28 days. In experiments, the minimum unit weight of concrete mixture was 1800 kg/m3 at the dosage of 300, and compressive strengths of EPAC (expanded perlite aggregate concrete) were obtained between 20 and 30 MPa at the replacement ratios of 30% considering cement types, thus it was proved that EPAC can be used as lightweight concrete with adequate replacement ratios, despite some losses in mechanical properties.