Investigation of the Pumice Additive Effect in Azarshahr Region on Mechanical Properties and Self-compacting Concrete Performance

Abstract

This paper presents the development of self-compacting lightweight concrete (SCLC) incorporating pumice. Seven concrete series with water–binder ratios of 0.4 and a constant total binder content of 550 kg/m3 were designed. The pumice was added at proportions corresponding to 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25% and 30% by weight of cement. The performance of mixtures was evaluated by conducting comprehensive series of tests on fresh and hardened properties. Fresh properties of mixtures were assessed by slump flow diameter, T50, V-funnel flow time and L-Box. Also hardened properties were investigated via compressive strength, flexural strength, density and water absorption. The fresh concrete test results revealed that by substituting optimum levels of pumice in SCLC, satisfactory workability and rheological properties can be achieved. 10% pumice significantly enhanced the compressive and flexural strength of SCLC at later ages. The density of the SCLC containing pumice was lower than those of the control SCLC. A lower absorption and permeability can be achieved for mixes especially mixtures incorporating 10% pumice. In general, it seems that 10% pumice can be considered as a suitable replacement regarding to the economic efficiency, fresh and hardened properties. Petrographic examination of concrete samples shows that pumice aggregates are in the range of basalt to basalt andesite and have about 30% porosity. The minerals inside the pumice aggregates include feldspar and hornblende and some quartz, as well as some fine iron oxide minerals.