Influence of volume fraction and characteristics of lightweight aggregates on the mechanical properties of concrete

Y. Ke , A. L. Beaucour (1) , Sophie Ortola (1) , H. Dumontet (2) , R. Cabrillac

1 L2MGC - Laboratoire de mécanique et matériaux du génie civil
2 DALEMBERT - Institut Jean Le Rond d'Alembert

The influence of lightweight expanded clay and shale aggregates on the mechanical performances of concrete is studied through their volume fractions and aggregate qualities. A very thorough characterisation of a series of LWAs is completed. The impact of aggregates is not only related to its particle density but also to the shell thickness, the percentage of large pores and broken grains. A reverse determination of the elastic modulus of LWA is carried out based to the experimental data. The comparison with values measured ultrasonically confirms the part played by the aggregate stiffer shell in mechanical properties of LWA.

Mots clés: Compressive strength; Lightweight aggregate concrete; Micro-mechanical model; Shell thickness; Volume fraction; Water absorption; Young’s modulus

Domaines: Matériaux composites et construction

Y. Ke, A. L. Beaucour, Sophie Ortola, H. Dumontet, R. Cabrillac. Influence of volume fraction and characteristics of lightweight aggregates on the mechanical properties of concrete. Construction and Building Materials, 2009, 23 (8), pp.2821--2828. ⟨10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2009.02.038⟩. ⟨hal-01367003⟩