Lightweight Aggregate Self-Compacting Concrete (LWASCC) semi-automated mix design methodology

•Developed procedure leads in producing LWASCC mixes of given characteristics.•Target characteristics being unconfined flowability, strength class and density class.•Mix design parameters were calculated through statistical processing of previous data.•Statistical relationships presented are applicable to the specific materials used.

In this study a rational mix design methodology is introduced for Lightweight Aggregate Self-Compacting Concrete (LWASCC) based on the Optimum Packing Point (OPP) procedure, previously developed by the authors. A series of 17 Pumice Aggregate Self-Compacting Concrete (PASCC) mixtures were produced based on the OPP procedure; their key mix design parameters were then statistically correlated to selected fresh and hardened properties achieved. This led to the development of a semi-automated design methodology for LWASCC that produces the optimum constituent materials’ proportioning for a set of target performance values. The latter include the oven-dry density, the Slump-Flow and the 28-day compressive strength. The methodology was verified through the production of a limited number of PASCC mixes that satisfied their preset design performance values.