study of lightweight concrete behaviour

1
STUDY OF LIGHTWEIGHT CONCRETE BEHAVIOUR
Lightweight concrete can be defined as  a type of concrete which includes an
expanding agent in that it increases the volume of the mixture while giving additional
qualities such as nailbility and lessened the dead weight. It is lighter than the
conventional concrete. The use  of lightweight concrete has  been widely spread across
countries such as USA, United Kingdom and Sweden.
The main specialties of lightweight concrete are its low density and thermal
conductivity. Its advantages are that there is a reduction of dead load, faster building rates
in construction and lower haulage and handling costs.
Lightweight concrete maintains its large voids and not forming laitance layers or
cement films when placed on the wall. This research was based on the performance of
aerated lightweight concrete. However, sufficient water cement ratio is vital to produce
adequate cohesion between cement and water. Insufficient water can cause lack of
cohesion between particles, thus loss in strength of concrete. Likewise too much water
can cause cement to run off aggreagate to form laitance layers, subsequently weakens in
strength.
 Therefore, this fundamental research report is prepared to show activities and
progress of the lightweight concrete. Focused were on the performance of aerated
lightweight concrete such as compressive strength tests, water absorption and density and
supplementary tests and comparisons made with other types of lightweight concrete.
Key researchers:
Hjh Kamsiah Mohd.Ismail(Head)
Mohamad Shazli Fathi
Norpadzlihatun bte Manaf
E-mail : Kamsiah@citycampus.utm.my
Tel No : 03-26154397
Vot No : 71908 ii
KAJIAN TERHADAP KELAKUAN KONKRIT RINGAN
Konkrit ringan ditakrifkan sebagai  konkrit yang dicampur demean agen
‘pengembang’ di mana pertambahan isipadu campuran berlaku dan memberi kualiti
tambah bahan seperti pengikatan kuat dan ringan antara zarah-zarah simen dan batu baur.
Konkrit ini adalah ringan dari konkrit biasa dan penggunaannya berleluasa di Negaranegara Amerika, United Kingdom and Sweden.
Ciri utama konkrit ringan ini ialah ketumpatan dan pengaliran haba yang rendah.
Kebaikan bahan di mana pengurangan berat bahan amat ketara, justru pembinaan lebih
mudah dan seterusnya pengurangan perbelanjaan dari segi pengangkutan untuk
pembinaan.
Konkrit ringan mengekalkan liang dan tidak mengakibatkan pembentukan lapisan
‘laitance’ layers atau filem simen apabila di pasang di dinding. Penyelidikan ini
berasaskan kelakuan konkrit ringan berliang udara. Walaubagaimanapun, nisbah air
simen mencukupi penting untuk menghasilkan lekatan antara simen dan air yang baik.
Kekurangan air boleh menyebabkan ikatan di  antara zarah-zarah lemah, justru hilang
kekuatan konkrit tersebut.  Begitu juga sebaliknya, jika nisbah air tinggi akan
menyebabkan simen tidak dapat mengikat batu-baur sepenuhnya untuk pembentukan
lapisan ‘laitance’ seterusnya melemahkan kekuatan konkrit.  
 Oleh yang demikian, laporan penyelidikan asas ini hanya menunjukkan aktiviti
dan progres dalam pembentukan konkrit ringan. Kelakuan konkrit ringan seperti
kekuatan mampatan, penyerapan air, ketumpatan dan ujian tambahan telah dijalankan dan
perbandingan telah dibuat dengan bahan binaan konkrit ringan lain.
Penyelidik:
Hjh Kamsiah Mohd.Ismail(Ketua)
Mohamad Shazli Fathi
Norpadzlihatun bte Manaf
E-mail : Kamsiah@citycampus.utm.my
Tel No : 03-26154397
Vot No : 71908 CONTENTS
ABSTRACT                    I
CHAPTER 1 : INTRODUCTION      1
1.1 Preface        1
1.2 Research activity      1
CHAPTER 2 : LITERATURE REVIEW OF LIGHTWEIGHT CONCRETE
2.1 Introduction       3
2.2 Types of Lightweight Concrete    4
2.3 Advantages and disadvantages of lightweight concrete 8
2.4 Application of lightweight concrete    9
CHAPTER 3 : METHODOLOGY
3.1 Testing program of lightweight concrete   10
3.2 Compressive strength      10
3.3 Water absorption      11
3.4 Density       11
CHAPTER 4 : RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS
4.1 Introduction       12
4.2 Strength and density comparison    12
4.3 Compressive strength      13
4.4 Water absorption      15
4.5 Supplementary test      16
CHAPTER 5 : CONCLUSION
5.0 Conclusion       26
REFERENCES         27
APPENDIXES         28 v
DIAGRAMS
CHAPTER 2 : LITERATURE REVIEW OF LIGHTWEIGHT CONCRETE
Figure 1 The Pantheon
Figure 2 No-fines Concrete
Figure 3 Lightweight Aggregate Concrete
Figure 4 Aerated Concrete
CHAPTER 4 : RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS
Figure 1 Compressive Strength at Different Density of Hardened
Concrete
 Figure 2 Compressive Strength at Different Percentage of Foam
 Figure 3 Compressive Strength at Different Foam & water ratio
 Figure 4 Compressive Strength at Different Cement and Sand ratio
 Figure 5 Compressive Strength at Different Cement and Water ratio
 Figure 6 Water absorption at different percentage of foam
 Figure 7 Water absorption at different foam agent and water ratio
 Figure 8 Moisture content at different percentage of foam
 Figure 9 Density of wet and hardened concrete vi
TABLES
     
CHAPTER 2 : LITERATURE REVIEW OF LIGHTWEIGHT CONCRETE
Table 1 Types and Grading of Lightweight Concrete
 Table 2 Advantages and disadvantages of lightweight concrete
CHAPTER 4 : RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS
Table 1 Density of hardened concrete and compressive strength at 28
days.
Table 2 Compressive strength for different percentage of foam
Table 3 Compressive strength at different foam agent and water ratio
Table 4 Compressive strength at different cement and sand ratio
Table 5 Compressive strength at different cement and water ratio
Table 6 Water absorption at different percentage of foam
Table 7 Water absorption at different foam agent and water ratio
Table 8 Moisture content at different percentage of foam
Table 9 Density of hardened and wet concrete at different percentage of
foam.
Table 10 Properties of lightweight concrete 1
CHAPTER 1 : INTRODUCTION
1.0 PREFACE
Lightweight concrete can be defined as  a type of concrete which includes an
expanding agent in that it increases the volume of the mixture while giving additional
qualities such as nailbility and lessened the dead weight.
Lightweight concrete maintains its large voids and not forming laitance layers or
cement films when placed on the wall. This research was based on the performance of
aerated lightweight concrete. However, sufficient water cement ratio is vital to produce
adequate cohesion between cement and water. Insufficient water can cause lack of
cohesion between particles, thus loss in strength of concrete. Likewise too much water
can cause cement to run off aggreagate to form laitance layers, subsequently weakens in
strength.
This research report is prepared to  show the activities and progress of the
lightweight concrete research  project. The performance of aerated lightweight concrete
such as compressive strength tests, water absorption and density and supplementary tests
and comparisons made with other types of lightweight concrete were carried out.
1.1 Research activity
OPERATIONAL PLAN  
           
No
.
TASK   YEAR 2002  YEAR 2003 YEAR 2004
    Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1  Q2 Q3 Q4
           
1 LITERATURE REVIEW  
           
2 TAKING SAMPLES,        
 PREPARATION (MANUFACTURE)  
           
3 TESTING AND DATA  
 COLLECTION    
             2
4 ANALYSIS    
           
5 PRODUCT FORMULATION  
6 REPORT WRITING  
 Technology transfer Activities:  
           
 Discussions with industries      
           
 Final Report    
* Task completed      
* Task not yet completed    
Q1 :      First Quarter (Jan, Feb, Mac)  
    :      Milestone not yet completed  
Technology Transfer Activities - post research activities, eg, exhibition, negotiation for
commercialization
           
PROJECT ACTIVITIES
COMPLETED:
100%  
               3
2.0 LIETRATURE REVIEW OF THE LIGHTWEIGHT CONCRETE
2.1 Introduction
Lightweight concrete can be defined as  a type of concrete which includes an
expanding agent in that it increases the volume of the mixture while giving additional
qualities such as nailibility and lessened the  dead weight [1]. It is lighter than the
conventional concrete with  a dry density of 300 kg/m
3
 up to 1840 kg/m
3
; 87 to 23%
lighter. It was first introduced by the Romans in the second century where ‘The
Pantheon’ has been constructed using pumice, the most common type of aggregate used
in that particular year [2]. From there on, the use of lightweight concrete has been widely
spread across other countries such as USA, United Kingdom and Sweden.
The main specialties of lightweight concrete are its low density and thermal
conductivity. Its advantages are that there is a reduction of dead load, faster building rates
in construction and lower haulage and handling costs. The building of ‘The Pantheon’ of
lightweight concrete material is still standing eminently in Rome until now for about 18
centuries as shown in Figure 1. it shows that the lighter materials can be used in concrete
construction and has an economical advantage.
FIGURE 1: ‘The Pantheon’ [5] 4
2.2 TYPES OF LIGHTWEIGHT CONCRETE
Lightweight concrete can be prepared either by injecting air in its composition or
it can be achieved by omitting the finer sizes of the aggregate or even replacing them by a
hollow, cellular or porous aggregate. Particularly, lightweight concrete can be
categorized into three groups:
i) No-fines concrete
ii) Lightweight aggregate concrete
iii) Aerated/Foamed concrete
2.2.1 NO-FINES CONCRETE
 No-fines concrete can be defined as a lightweight concrete composed of cement
and fine aggregate. Uniformly distributed voids are formed throughout its mass.  The
main characteristics of this type of lightweight concrete is it maintains its large voids and
not forming laitance layers or cement film when placed on the wall. Figure 2 shows one
example of No-fines concrete.
FIGURE 2: No-fines Concrete [2] 5
No-fines concrete usually used for both load bearing and non-load bearing for
external walls and partitions. The strength of no-fines concrete increases as the cement
content is increased. However, it is sensitive to the water composition. Insufficient water
can cause lack of cohesion between the particles and therefore, subsequent loss in
strength of the concrete. Likewise too much water can cause cement film to run off the
aggregate to form laitance layers, leaving the bulk of the concrete deficient in cement and
thus weakens the strength.
2.2.2 LIGHTWEIGHT AGGREGATE CONCRETE
 Porous lightweight aggregate of low specific gravity is used in this lightweight
concrete instead of ordinary concrete. The lightweight aggregate can be natural aggregate
such as pumice, scoria and all of those of volcanic origin and the artificial aggregate such
as expanded blast-furnace slag, vermiculite and clinker aggregate. The main
characteristic of this lightweight aggregate is its high porosity which results in a low
specific gravity [17].
 
The lightweight aggregate concrete can be divided into two types according to its
application. One is partially compacted lightweight aggregate concrete and the other is
the structural lightweight aggregate concrete. The partially compacted lightweight
aggregate concrete is mainly used for two purposes that is for precast concrete blocks or
panels and cast in-situ roofs and walls. The main requirement for this type of concrete is
that it should have adequate strength and a low density to obtain the best thermal
insulation and a low drying shrinkage to avoid cracking [2].  
 Structurally lightweight aggregate concrete is fully compacted similar to that of
the normal reinforced concrete of dense aggregate. It can be used with steel
reinforcement as to have a good bond between the steel and the concrete. The concrete
should provide adequate protection against the corrosion of the steel. The shape and the
texture of the aggregate particles and the coarse nature of the fine aggregate tend to
produce harsh concrete mixes. Only the denser varieties of lightweight aggregate are 6
suitable for use in structural concrete [2]. Figure 3 shows the feature of lightweight
aggregate concrete.
FIGURE 3: Lightweight Aggregate Concrete [4]
 
2.2.3 AERATED CONCRETE
Aerated concrete does not contain coarse  aggregate, and can be regarded as an
aerated mortar. Typically, aerated concrete is made by introducing air or other gas into a
cement slurry and fine sand. In commercial practice, the sand is replaced by pulverizedfuel ash or other siliceous material, and lime maybe used instead of cement [2].
 There are two methods to prepare the aerated concrete. The  first method is to
inject the gas into the mixing during its plastic condition by means of a chemical reaction.
The second method, air is introduced either by mixing-in stable foam or by whipping-in
air, using an air-entraining agent. The first method is usually used in precast concrete
factories where the precast units are subsequently autoclaved in order to produce concrete
with a reasonable high strength and low drying shrinkage. The second method is mainly
used for in-situ concrete, suitable for insulation roof screeds or pipe lagging. Figure 4
shows the aerated concrete.
FIGURE 4: Aerated Concrete [3] 7
The differences between the types of lightweight concrete are very much related
to its aggregate grading used in the mixes. Table 1 shows the types and grading of
aggregate suitable for the different types of lightweight concrete [2].
Table 1: Types and Grading of Lightweight Concrete
Type Of
Lightweight
Concrete
Type Of Aggregate  Grading of Aggregate (Range
of Particle Size)
No-fines concrete
Natural Aggregate
Blast-furnace slag
Clinker
Nominal single-sized material
between 20mm and 10mm BS
sieve
Partially compacted
lightweight
aggregate concrete
Clinker
Foamed slag
Expanded clay, shale, slate,
vermiculite and perlite
Sintered pulverized-fuel ash
and pumice
May be of smaller nominal single
sizes of combined coarse and
fine (5mm and fines) material to
produce a continues but harsh
grading to make a porous
concrete
Structural
lightweight
aggregate concrete
Foamed slag
Expanded clay, shale or slate
and sintered pulverized fuel
ash
Continues grading from either
20mm or 14mm down to dust,
with an increased fines content
(5mm and fines) to produce a
workable and dense concrete 8
Aerated concrete
Natural fine aggregate
Fine lightweight aggregate
Raw pulverized-fuel ash
Ground slag and burnt shales
The aggregate are generally
ground down to finer powder,
passing a 75 µm BS sieves, but
sometimes fine aggregate (5mm
and fines) is also incorporated
2.3 ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF LIGHTWEIGHT
CONCRETE
Table 2 shows the advantages and disadvantages of using lightweight concrete as
structure [2].
Table 2: Advantages and Disadvantages of Lightweight Concrete
Advantages  Disadvantages
i) rapid and relatively simple
construction
ii) Economical in terms of
transportation as well as reduction
in manpower
iii) Significant reduction of overall
weight results in saving structural
frames, footing or piles
i) Very sensitive with water content
in the mixtures
ii) Difficult to place and finish
because of the porosity and
angularity of the aggregate. In
some mixes the cement mortar may
separate the aggregate and float
towards the surface 9
Advantages  Disadvantages
iv) Most of lightweight concrete have
better nailing and sawing properties
than heavier and stronger
conventional concrete
iii) Mixing time is longer than
conventional concrete to assure
proper mixing
2.4 APPLICATION OF LIGHTWEIGHT CONCRETE
 Lightweight concrete has been used since the eighteen centuries by the Romans.
The application on the ‘The Pantheon’ where it uses pumice aggregate in the construction
of cast in-situ concrete is the proof of its usage. In USA and England in the late
nineteenth century,  clinker  was used in their construction for example the ‘British
Museum’ and other low cost housing. The lightweight concrete was also used in
construction during the First World War. The United States used mainly for shipbuilding
and concrete blocks. The  foamed blast furnace-slag and  pumice aggregate for block
making were introduced in England and Sweden around 1930s.
 Nowadays with the advancement of technology, lightweight concrete expands its
uses. For example, in the form of perlite with its outstanding insulating characteristics. It
is widely used as loose-fill insulation in masonry construction where it enhances fire
ratings, reduces noise transmission, does not rot and termite resistant. It is also used for
vessels, roof decks and other applications. Figure 5 shows some examples of lightweight
concrete used in different forms. 10
CHAPTER 3 : METHODOLOGY
3.1 TESTING PROGRAM OF LIGHTWEIGHT CONCRETE
In order to study the behavior of lightweight concrete, normal concrete testing
was done to determine the material and structural properties of each type of lightweight
concrete and how will these properties differ according to a different type of mixture and
its composition.
Once concrete has hardened it can be subjected to a wide range of tests to prove
its ability to perform as planned or to discover its characteristics. For new concrete this
usually involves casting specimens from fresh concrete and testing them for various
properties as the concrete matures.
3.2 COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH
Compressive strength is the primary physical property of concrete (others are
generally defined from it), and is the one  most used in design. It is one of the
fundamental properties used for quality control for lightweight concrete. Compressive
strength may be defined as the measured maximum resistance of a concrete specimen to
axial loading. It is found by measuring the highest compression stress that a test cylinder
or cube will support.
There are three type of test that can be use to determine compressive strength;
cube, cylinder, or prism test. The ‘concrete cube test' is the most familiar test and is used
as the standard method of measuring compressive strength for quality control purposes
(Neville, 1994). Please refer appendix 1 for details. 11
3.3 WATER ABSORPTION
These properties are particularly important in concrete, as well as being important
for durability. (J.H Bungey, 1996). It can be used to predict concrete durability to resist
corrosion. Absorption capacity is a measure of the porosity of an aggregates; it is also
used as a correlation factor in determination of free moisture by oven-drying method
(G.E Troxell, 1956).
The absorption capacity is determined by finding the weight of surface-dry
sample after it has been soaked for 24 hr and again finding the weight after the sample
has been dried in an oven; the difference in weight, expressed as a percentage of the dry
sample weight, is the absorption capacity (G.E Troxell, 1956).
  Absorption capacity can be determine using BS absorption test. The test is
intended as a durability quality control check and the specified age is 28-32 days (S.G
Millard). Test procedure as been describe by BS 1881: Part 122 is as listed in the
appendix 2.
3.4 DENSITY
The density of both fresh and hardened concrete is of interest to the parties
involved for numerous reasons including its effect on durability, strength and resistance
to permeability.
Hardened concrete density is determined either by simple dimensional checks,
followed by weighing and calculation or by weight in air/water buoyancy methods (ELE
International, 1993). To determine the density of lightweight concrete sample, the simple
method is preferred as listed in the appendix 3.  12
CHAPTER 4 : RESULTS & DISCUSSION
4.1 INTRODUCTION
In this chapter, discussion will be focused on the performance of aerated lightweight
concrete. All the tests method adopted were  describe in the  previous chapter. The results
presented in this chapter are regarding the compressive strength test, density, moisture content,
and water absorption for different trial mixes of the lightweight concrete.
4.2 STRENGTH AND DENSITY COMPARISON
 The purpose of this test is to identify the performance of aerated lightweight concrete in
term of density and compressive strength. The result are presented in Table 1 and illustrated in
Figure 1. Based on Figure 1, it can be seen that compressive strength for aerated lightweight
concrete are low for lower density mixture.  The increment of voids throughout the sample
caused by the foam in the mixture will lower the density. As a result, compressive strength will
also decrease with the increment of those voids.
 
 The required compressive strength of lightweight concrete is 3.45 MPa at 28 days as  a
non load bearing wall. The compressive strengths obtained from these mixtures carried out are
higher than 3.45 MPa and therefore it is acceptable to be produced as non-load bearing structure.
 However, the compressive strength for the mixture with density of 2050 kg/m
3
 is slightly
low compared with density of 2040 kg/m
3
. This is due to the compaction problem during mixing
process. The final mixture is quite dry and since compaction is not perfectly done, samples are
not well compacted. This has resulted  the compressive strength to be lower than the mixture
with lower density.  13
4.3 COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH
As been discussed before, trial and error method was used in determining the most
suitable mixture in preparing research samples.  Fourteen (14) trial mixes have been prepared
during the research and from the results, the mixture with the highest compressive strength with
low density will be used for further investigation.
Compressive strength of aerated lightweight concrete is determined on the 7, 14, 21 and
28 days for each sample. There were three samples for each test and the results would be taken
as the average of these three.  Fewer variables had been set for different mixture, this variable
would be changed accordingly while the others were fixed to forecast their effect on the mixture.
Percentage of foam, foam agent and water, cement and sand ratio were the variables made during
the mixing process. For example, three mixtures were prepared to determine the effect of
different foam agent and water, cement and sand ratio. The percentage of foam applied is fixed
for three mixtures and the difference in the results would occur because of the foam agent and
water ratio. All the results were based on the 75% foam injected in the mixture.
Figure 2 shows the compressive strength of aerated lightweight concrete according to the
percentage of foam in each mixture. It can be seen that the mixture with 25% of foam is higher
than the compressive strength of 100% foam. This is because, with higher percentage of foam,
voids throughout the sample will be increased, and as has been discussed ealier, this would result
in the decrease of the compressive strength. Compressive strength of mixture with 50% foam is
slightly higher than mixture with 75% foam.
The density of 25%, 50%, 75%,  and 100% of foam is 2040 kg/m
3
, 1820 kg/m
3
, 1810
kg/m
3
, and 1470 kg/m
3
 respectively. The density of 50% and 75% of foam mixture is the same as
been showed in Figure 2, compressive strength for this two mixture did not differ much. But it
can be seen that there is a difference between 25% of foam mixture and 100% of foam mixture.
The density of 25% of foam mixture is 27% higher as  compared to 100% of foam mixture and
seen in Table 2, the compressive strength is 85.4% higher at 28 days.  For a 25% mixture the
compressive strength is 17.27 MPa and for 100%  mixture is 2.52 MPa. It is seen that the
reduction in density or the addition of voids in concrete would effect on the strength of the 14
concrete.  The minimum compressive strength is 3.45 MPa of non-load bearing structure should
be accomplish with the right proportion of foam.
The second variable set up is the foam agent and water ratio. According to Pan Pacific
Engineering Pty Ltd, one liter of foam agent should be diluted with 40 liter of clean water and it
makes the ratio of 1:40 but according to Alex Liew on his paper of work of Lightweight
Concrete Method, LCM the ratio should be 1:30. Therefore, we have prepared three samples
with foam agent and water ratio of 1:40, 1:30, and 1:25 to see the differences. The results were
compared and tabulated  Table 3 and Figure 3.0.
Based on Figure 3, it can be seen that, the foam agent and the water ratio of 1:40 gives
the highest compressive strength followed by 1:30 and 1:25. Compressive strength at 28 days for
1:40, therefore it can be concluded that of the ratio between 1:30 and 1:40 can be applied to the
foam agent and water. But as for the 1:25 ratio, the compressive strength is slightly lower  to  the
previous two mixtures with compressive strength of 5.5 MPa. This is because, during the mixing
process, it can be seen that the foam are not perfectly produced. It is not fully expanded as the
other mixture with 1:40 and 1:30 ratio. 1:25 ratio should not be recommended for future
preparation since that the water was insufficient to dilute the foam agent correctly.
The next variable is the cement sand ratio. To see the effect of cement sand ratio on the
compressive strength, we have prepared three mixtureof different cement sand ratio of 1:2, 1:3,
and 1:4 accordingly. The comparison between these different mixtures can be seen in Figure 4. It
can be seen that mixture of 1:2 cement sand ratio gives the highest compressive strength. This is
followed by 1:3 and 1:4 ratios.
According to Table 4, compressive strength at 28 days of mixture with 1:2 cement sand
ratio is 22.99 MPa, for 1:3 is 13.12 MPa, and for 1:4 is 10.34 MPa. This shows that the
compressive strength of mixture with 1:2 ratio is 42.9% higher than mixture with 1:3 ratio and
the density is 12.15% higher. Though the compressive strength is slightly higher, but mixture of
1:2 ratios is not economic and is considered to be richer mix. Although the mixtures of 1:3 and
1:4 cement sand ratio gives lower compressive strength of 13.12 MPa and 10.34 MPa but it is
sufficient for non-load bearing structure as well.  15
The last variable is the water cement ratio that has been set to get the most suitable and
economic mixture. The  three mixture were prepared with different water cement ratio of 1: 0.25,
1: 0.35, and 1: 0.45 to see the effect of this variable on aerated lightweight concrete behavior.
The comparison between the compressive strength of these three mixtures is illustrated in Figure
5. It can be seen that mixture with water cement ratio of 1: 0.35 gives the highest compressive
strength among the three mixtures.
Referring to Table 5, the compressive strength of mixture of 1: 0.35 water cement ratio is
16.73 MPa, 1 :0.45 is 13.12 MPa, and for 1: 0.25 its  12.18 MPa. It can be seen that despite
higher compressive strength mixture with 1: 0.35, it has low density as well of 1920 kg/m
3
 as
compared to the mixture ratio of 1: 0.25 which has the density is 2040 kg/m
3
. So, it can be
concluded that the water cement ratio of 1:  0.35 is suitable for other mixture of aerated
lightweight concrete.
4.4 WATER ABSORPTION
Water absorption is an important factor due to the porous structure of the aerated
lightweight concrete. The water absorption test is done using the samples prepared at the age of
28 days using the method as been describe in methodology chapter. The purpose of this test is to
identify the capability of the concrete to absorb water. There are three samples for each test and
the average result will be taken.  
Figure 6 shows different water absorption for different percentage of foam. It can be seen
that, water absorption increased when the percentage of foam is increased. 100% of foam shows
the highest water absorption followed by 75%, 50% and lastly 25% of foam. This is because the
higher percentage of foam applied in each mixture, the total voids distributed in the samples will
be increased. This will result higher water absorption capacity since sample are capable to absorb
more water when more voids are distributed in it.
According to Table 6, 100% of foam gives 7.21% of water absorption while 75%, 50%
and 25% gives the amount of 3.31%, 2.46%, and 1.4% of water absorption respectively. 16
Generally, aerated lightweight concrete are porous and will have higher water absorption
compared to the normal concrete. However it can be avoided if autoclave curing is used (Short,
1978).
Besides that, different foam agent and water ratio will also affect the water absorption
ratio. This can be seen through Figure 7 which shows that foam agent and water ratio of 1:40
gives the higher water absorption compared with 1:30 and 1:25 ratio. According to Table 7,
water absorption of 1:40 ratio is 4.46%, 1:30 is 3.31% and 1:25 is 2.6%. The differential between
the water absorption of 1:40 and 1:30 ratio is 25.78%. This shows that even though the
compressive strength between 1:40 and1:30 ratios doesn’t differ that much; 0.68% but the water
absorption is very much differ. It can be conclude that, foam agent and water ratio of 1:30 is
more suitable since the water absorption is much lesser to compare with 1:40.
The high water absorption of the concrete will also affect the density and compressive
strength of the concrete. According to Short (1978), lightweight concrete used in water has to be
protected by suitable material in order to avoid or may be reduce water absorption of the
concrete.
4.5 SUPPLEMENTARY TEST.
 Moisture test and comparison between hardened and wet concrete is another
supplementary test in this research. Figure 8 show that different percentage of foam will give
different percentage of moisture content as well. It can be seen that moisture content is increased
when percentage of foam is increased too. 100% of foam gives the highest moisture content
followed by 75%, 50%, and 25% of foam. The explanation for this differential will be the same
with the water absorption case where the increasing of voids that caused by the increment of
percentage of foam will caused the moisture content to increased accordingly.  According to
Table 8, moisture content for 100% of foam mixture is 15.3%, while 75%, 50%, and 25% is
10.36%, 9.82%, and 8.93% respectively.
   17
COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH (N/mm^2) AT
DIFFERENT DENSITY (kg/m^3)
0
5
10
15
20
25
1470
1720
1770
1780
1810
1820
1840
1840
1920
1990
2040
2040
2050
2060
Density (kg/m^3)
Compressive Strength
(Kn/m^2) Figure 1: Compressive Strength at Different Density of Hardened Concrete
COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH AT DIFFERENT
PER C EN T AG E O F FO AM
0
5
10
15
20
25
7  14 21 28  32
Days of Test
Compressive Strength (N/mm^2)
25%
50%
75%
100%
Figure 2: Compressive Strength at Different Percentage of Foam 18
COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH AT DIFFERENT
FOAM AGENT:WATER RATIO
0
5
10
15
7  14 21 28
Days
Compressive Strength
(kn/m^2)
1:25
1:30
1:40
Figure 3: Compressive Strength at Different Foam Agent And Water Ratio
COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH AT DIFFERENT
CEMENT:SAND  RATIO
0
5
10
15
20
25
7  14 21 28
Days
Compressive Strength
(kn/m^2)
1:02
1:03
1:04
Figure 4: Compressive Strength at Different Cement And Sand Ratio 19
COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH AT DIFFERENT
CEMENT:WATER RATIO
0
5
10
15
20
7 14 21 28
Days
Compressive Strength
(kn/m^2)
1 - 0.25
1 - 0.35
1 - 0.45
Figure 5: Compressive Strength at Different Cement And Water Ratio
WATER ABSORPTION AT DIFFERENT
PERCENTAGE OF FOAM
0
2
4
6
8
25 50 75 100
Percentage of Foam (%)
Water Absorption (%)
Figure 6: Water Absorption at Different Percentage of Foam 20
WATER ABSORPTION AT DIFFERENT FOAM
AGENT:WATER RATIO
0.00
1.00
2.00
3.00
4.00
5.00
1:25 1:30 1:40
Foam  a ge nt:w a  te r
Water absorption (%)
Figure 7: Water Absorption at Different Foam Agent And Water Ratio
MOISTURE CONTENT AT DIFFERENT
PERCENTAGE OF FOAM
0
5
10
15
20
25 50 75 100
Percentage of Foam (%)
Moisture Content (%)
Figure 8: Moisture Content at Different Percentage of Foam 21
DENSITY OF WET AND HARDENED CONCRETE
0
500
1000
1500
2000
2500
25 50 75 100
Percentage of Foam (%)
Density (kg/m^3)
Hardened Concrete
Wet Concrete
Figure 9: Density of Wet and Hardened Concrete
Density (kg/m^3) Compressive Strength (kn/m^2)
1470 2.52
1720 5.5
1770 10.34
1780 9.19
1810 13.12
1820 11.87
1840 13.21
1840 16.78
1920 16.73
1990 16.58
2040 17.27
2040 12.18
2050 9.35
2060 22.99
Table 1: Density of Hardened Concrete and Compressive Strength at 28 days. 22
Compressive Strength (kn/m^2)
Days  25% Foam 50% Foam 75% Foam 100% Foam
7 13.2 9.45 8.12 1.43
14 14.68 8.88 11.02 2.44
21 16.41 14.42 11.96 2.23
28 17.27 11.87 13.12 2.52
32 19.53 14.14 12.89 2.62
Table 2: Compressive Strength for Different Percentage of Foam.
Compressive Strength (kn/m^2)
Days   1:25 1:30 1:40
7 4.09 8.12 11.15
14 4.86 11.02 11.95
21 5.45 11.96 13.72
28 5.5 13.12 13.21
Density
(kg/m^3)  1720 1810 1840
Table 3: Compressive Strength at Different Foam Agent and Water Ratio
Compressive Strength (kn/m^2)
Days   1:2 1:3 1:4
7 19.44 8.12 7.57
14 17.58 11.02 7.16
21 21.28 11.96 7.44
28 22.99 13.12 10.34
Density
(kg/m^3)  2060 1810 1770
Table 4: Compressive Strength at Different Cement and Sand Ratio 23
Compressive Strength (kn/m^2)
Days   1 : 0.25 1 : 0.30 1 : 0.45
7 10.29 13.91 8.12
14 10.12 13.45 11.02
21 11.34 16.14 11.96
28 12.18 16.73 13.12
Density
(kg/m^3)  2040 1920 1810
Table 5: Compressive Strength at Different Cement and Water Ratio
% Of Foam Water Absorption (%)
25 1.4
50 2.46
75 3.31
100 7.21
Table 6: Water Absorption at Different Percentage of Foam
Foam Agent : Water Water Absorption (%)
1:25 2.60
1:30 3.31
1:40 4.46
Table 7: Water Absorption at Different Foam Agent and Water Ratio
% Of Foam Moisture Content (%)
25 8.93
50 9.82
75 10.36
100 15.3
Table 8: Moisture Content at Different Percentage of Foam 24
Density (kg/m^3)
Percentage of Foam
(%)  Hardened Concrete Wet Concrete
25 2040 2000
50 1820 1770
75 1810 1790
100 1470 1460
Table 9: Density of Hardened and Wet Concrete at Different Percentage of Foam 25
Table 10: Properties of Lightweight Concrete
                   
                   
                   
Cement : Cement :  Foam Agent : Foam Density Strength ( N/mm² ) Moisture Water
Water Sand Water ( % ) ( kg/m³ ) 7 days 14 days 21 days 28 days Content (%) Absorption (%)
                     
      100 1470 1.43 2.44 2.23 2.52 15.3 7.21
    1: 30 75 1810 8.12 11.02 11.96 13.12 10.36 3.31
      50 1820 9.45 8.88 12.42 11.87 9.82 2.46
  1 : 3   25 2040 13.2 14.68 16.41 17.27 8.93 1.4
      50 1990 13.72 12.7 15.29 16.58 7.18 1.73
1: 0.45   1: 25 75 1720 4.09 4.86 5.45 5.5 10.17 2.6
      50 1780 6.38 7.56 8.72 9.19 11.81 2.97
    1: 40 75 1840 11.15 11.95 13.72 13.21 8.79 4.46
  1 : 4   50 2050 8.1 9.49 10.19 9.35 7.85  
      75 1770 7.57 7.16 7.44 10.34 7.98  
  1 : 2   50 1840 10.9 12.55 15.84 16.78    
    1: 30 75 2060 19.44 17.58 21.28 22.99    
0 : 0.35 1 : 3   75 1920 13.91 13.45 16.14 16.73    
0 : 0.25     75 2040 10.29 10.12 11.34 12.18    
                     26
CHAPTER 5 : CONCLUSION
5.0 CONCLUSIONS
The initial findings have shown that the lightweight concrete has a desirable
strength to be an alternative construction material for the industrialized building system.
The strength of aerated lightweight concrete are low for lower density mixture.
This resulted in the increment of voids throughout the sample caused by the foam. Thus
the decrease in the compressive strength of the concrete.
 The foamed lightweight concrete is not suitable to be used as non-load bearing
wall as the compressive strength is 27%  less than recommended. Nevertheless the
compressive strength is accepted to be produced as non-load bearing structure. 27
REFERENCES
1. Mat Lazim Zakaria,(1978). Bahan dan Binaan, Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka.
2. Mohd Roji Samidi,(1997).  First report research  project on lightweight
concrete, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Skudai, Johor Bahru.
3. Formed Lightweight Concrete. www.pearliteconcreteforrorepair.com
4. Shan Somayuji (1995), Civil Engineering Materials, N.J Prentice
5. Norizal, Production of Foamed Concrete. USM.
www.hsp.usm.my/Norizal/hbp.htm
6. A.M Neville (1985), Properties of concrete, Pitman .
7. Liew Chung Meng,  Introduction to Lightweight Concrete.
www.maxpages.com.
8. Cellular Lightweight Cocrete, Plan City/NCS LLC. www. Neoporsystem.com
9. Flying Concrete-Introduction to Lightweight Concrete, by US Department of
Interior Bereau of Reclamation. www.geocities.com
10. Application on Litebuilt @ Aerated and Composite Concrete by PTY LTD.
   28
APPENDIX 1
CUBE TEST
Objective:
-To determine the compressive strength of a lightweight concrete sample.
Apparatus:
- Standard cube size 100mm^3
- Steel rod measured 25x25 mm^2
General note:
- Compressive strength will be determined at the age of 7 and 28 days.
- 3 samples for each age will be prepare
- Average result will be taken
Procedure:
1. Prepare the mould; apply lubricant oil in a thin layer to the inner surface of the
mould to prevent any bonding reaction between the mould and the sample
(A.M Neville, 1994)
2.  Overfill each mould with sample in three layers (Standard Method: BS 1881:
Part 3: 1970)
3. Fill 1/3 of the mould with sample. This would be the first layer
4. Compact sample with at least 35 strokes using steel rod. Compaction should
be done continuously
5. Fill 2/3 of the mould; second layer. Repeat step 4.
6. Continue with the third layer and repeat the same compaction step
7. After compaction has been completed, smooth off by drawing the flat side of
the trowel (with the leading edge slightly raised) once across the top of each
cube
8. Cut the mortar off flush with the top of the mould by drawing the edge of the
trowel (held perpendicular to the mould) with a sawing motion over the mould
9. Tag the specimen, giving party number, and specimen identification
10. Store cube in moist closet (temperature; 18˚C - 24˚C) for 24 hours
11. Open mould and preserved cube in water (temperature; 19˚C - 21˚C) – BS
1881; Part 3: 1970
12. Test cube for 7 days and 28 days accordingly
13. Placed cube on the testing machine: cube position should be perpendicular
with its pouring position ( A.M. Neville, 1994)
14. Without using any capping material, apply an initial load ( at any convenient
rate) up to one-half of the expected maximum load (G.E. Troxell, 1956)
15. Loading should be increased at a uniform increment; 15 MPa/min (2200
Psi/min) – BS 1881: Part 4: 1970. Since that certain sample are expected to
have lower compressive strength, some adjustment will be made; loading will
be increased with the increment of 5% of the expected maximum
compressive strength
16. When it comes nearer to the expected maximum strength, loading increment
will be lessen little by little ( A.M. Neville, 1994) 29
APPENDIX 2
BS Absorption Test
Objective:
- To determine the absorption capacity of lightweight concrete sample
Apparatus:
- A balance
- An air tight vessel
- A container of water
- An oven
General note:
- Test will be carried out on 75 mm diameter (± 3mm) specimens
- Specified test age is 28-32 days.
- 3 samples for each age will be prepare
- Average result will be taken
Procedure:
1. Dry the specimens in an oven at 105˚C ± 5˚C for 72 ± 2 hr.
2. Cooled specimen for 24 ± 1/2 hr in an airtight vessel
3. Weight the specimen
4. Immersed horizontally in the tank of water at 20˚C ± 1˚C with 25 ± 5 mm
water over the top surface
5. Immersed for 30 ± ½ minutes
6. Removed specimen
7. Shaken and dried quickly with a cloth to remove free surface water
8. Weight the specimen again
Calculation:
Absorption capacity can be calculate using the formula given below:
 
 (Result will be expressed to the nearest 0.1%)  
 Absorption Capacity =   Increased In Weight (kg)         ×    100%
    Weight of Dry Specimen (kg) 30
APPENDIX 3
Simple Density Test.
Objective:
- To determine the density of hardened lightweight concrete sample.
Apparatus:
- Weighing scale
- One cube sample
General Note:
- For more economic sample are to be taken from compression test sample;
before doing the test
- Three sample are going to be used and average result will be taken
Procedures:
1. Weight sample using weighing scale
2. Get the average weight of those 3 samples
3. Calculate the density using the formula given below
(Since a standard mould; 100 x 100 x 100 mm is used, volume of each
sample can be determined according to this dimensional)
 Density = Average Weight Of Samples (kg)
   Volume of Sample (m
2
)