Evaluation of efficiency factor of a self-compacting lightweight concrete with rubber and expanded clay contents

Abstract

During the last 10 years, the used of distinct mineral, plasticizing additives, and aggregates into self-compact concrete (SCC) has been widely investigated. A self-compact lightweight concrete (SCLC) is produced using porous aggregates, while a self-compact rubberized concrete (SCRC) includes rubber-based contents into composition. Interesting properties such as high fluidity and cohesion, low density and as mechanical strength are attained. This investigation is focused on the development of a SCLC with expanded clay content, and five distinct mixtures are proposed. Based on the attained efficiency factor results (i.e. compressive strength per specific mass), the mixture for the production of self-compacting lightweight rubberized concrete (SCLRC) is selected. Three different percentages of utilized sand, i.e., of about 5, 10 and 15% (in mass) are replaced with the waste-tire rubber contents. The obtained fresh and hardened properties and a cost analysis are discussed. It is found that both the fresh properties and interfacial transition zone (ITZ) of the concrete matrix are improved. The cohesion between paste and particles is improved, while the rubber content decreases the density. It is induced that a friendly-environmentally aspect associated with economical feasibility is attained