Topic- investigating the performance of lightweight concrete using pumice as an alternative to the traditional concrete in Uganda.

Abstract

Volcanic materials such as pumice are used in the production of concrete as partial replacement of natural aggregates to produce lightweight aggregate concrete (LWAC). In the present study an attempt has been made to investigate engineering properties of a novel lightweight aggregate concrete (LWAC) utilizing a locally available lightweight aggregate (LWA) called pumice aggregate (PA). This novel LWAC is made by partial replacement of coarse aggregate with different replacement levels of 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, and 50% of lightweight aggregate by volume. This study is focused to determine the mechanical and durability properties of LWAC to find the optimum replacement level of pumice aggregate. The properties of LWAC using different percentages of pumice aggregate were reported by conducting comprehensive series of tests on workability, compressive strength, density and water absorption. It is concluded that the LWAC has sufficient strength and adequate density. However, compared to normal concrete, the LWAC containing pumice aggregate has lower strength and workability, and has more water absorption, but It is widely can be used in different applications of civil engineering including walls of pumice block which insulate both heat and sound and reduce the dead loads of building. As a result of this study, LWAC having a minimum compressive strength of 6.98 MPa and a density of 1716 kg/m3 were obtained.