EFFECT OF NATURAL PERLITE AGGREGATE AND ITS POWDER ON PROPERTIES OF LIGHT WEIGHT CONCRETE

Abstract

Lightweight concrete has gained significant attention in the construction industry due to its potential benefits in reducing the overall weight of structures, improving thermal insulation, and enhancing workability while maintaining sufficient strength for various applications. Among the various materials explored for producing lightweight concrete, natural perlite, a volcanic glass material with unique physical properties, has emerged as a promising alternative aggregate. Perlite is known for its low density, high porosity, and excellent thermal insulation properties, making it an ideal candidate for use in lightweight concrete formulations. This experimental study investigates the effects of both natural perlite aggregate and perlite powder on the properties of lightweight concrete, including its workability, compressive strength, density, thermal conductivity, and durability. The influence of perlite aggregate and perlite powder on the fresh and hardened properties of the concrete is examined through various tests, including slump, density, and compressive strength at different curing periods. One of the primary objectives of the research is to evaluate how the inclusion of natural perlite in concrete affects its compressive strength, which is a critical factor in determining the suitability of concrete for structural applications. Since perlite is a lightweight material, its use can potentially reduce the overall strength of concrete. However, the study hypothesizes that an optimal balance of perlite aggregate and perlite powder can improve the strength-to-weight ratio of the concrete, making it suitable for specific construction needs, such as non-load-bearing walls and insulating layers. Furthermore, lightweight concrete with perlite aggregates and powder offers a cost-effective solution for non-structural applications, providing a balance between strength, insulation, and durability. Studies highlight the role of perlite in lightweight concrete. One provides a broad analysis of its impact on concrete performance, while the other focuses on whether it is suitable for building strong and durable structures. From the tests conducted and from the study we have examined that the effects of natural perlite aggregate and perlite powder on lightweight concrete properties. Natural perlite aggregate and perlite powder reduces concrete density by 25–50%, The workability (slump) increased by 33.3% for 30% perlite replacement, mass loss after 100 cycles of freeze-thaw rises to 11% after 40% of perlite replacement, at 400°C Light weight concrete loses 12% strength, showing thermal vulnerability compared to M20 grade on concrete, also we have got that water absorption also increases significantly as perlite content increases at 40% of perlite water absorption increases to 10.5%