Exploratory study of expanded clay and piedra pomez as added in the production of light concrets

Abstract

This experimental research was carried out with the objective of implementing materials such as expanded clay (also known as arlite) and pumice stone, as a total replacement of conventional aggregates in the production of concrete. Mix designs were developed with expanded clay and pumice stone completely saturated and unsaturated. The mixture consisted of cement, water, pumice stone and expanded clay, in some things additives were used such as polypropylene fibers, silica fume and superplasticizer, the latter was used to study the increase in the resistance to bending and compression of concrete. For this, cylinders, joists and panels were made; obtaining densities of 1.300 to 1.500 Kg / m3 and compressive strengths of 13 to 18 MPa. Accompanied by equilibrium density tests for lightweight concrete, percentage of voids, capillary absorption and scanning electron microscopy (SEM); in order to identify some properties of the aggregates and concrete. In this way it can be shown that expanded clay and pumice can be considered as an alternative to common aggregates in the production of concrete in the country.