Abstract:
Lightweight concrete is a type of concrete that has a lower density compared to
conventional concrete, making it a popular choice for construction projects that require
lighter and more durable materials. The use of lightweight aggregates, such as expanded
clay, shale, or perlite, in the concrete mixture reduces its weight while maintaining its
strength and durability. The properties of lightweight concrete, such as its thermal
insulation, fire resistance, and acoustic performance, make it an attractive option in
building construction, particularly in high-rise buildings and areas with seismic
activities. Due to its effect on the cement's hydration, curing has a significant impact on
the properties of hardened concrete; particularly its durability and strength. Any careless
operation during curing will adversely affect the strength and durability of concrete. Self
curing concrete is one of the special types of concrete used to reduce insufficient curing
due to human neglect, water scarcity in dry places, and inaccessible constructions in
difficult terrain. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to study and compare the self
curing ability and mechanical properties of lightweight concrete using pumice as coarse
aggregate and no-fines concrete.
To achieve the objective of this research, two different lightweight concrete mixes having
natural sand with pumice coarse aggregate and only cement with natural gravel were
prepared for concrete properties tests. The mechanical properties tests, such as
compressive strength, split tensile strength, and flexural strength were conducted. All
specimens were subjected to air curing at ambient temperature without water for 7, 14,
and 28 days. The results of the hardened properties of the mixtures show that concrete
mixtures with pumice as a coarse aggregate have high self-curing capacity and
compressive strength, split tensile strength, and flexural strength with the percentage
increment of 2.63%, 5.01%, and 4.20% respectively between the 7th to 14th-day self
curing period and 3.20%, 9.45% and 8.90% respectively between 14th to 28th-day self
curing period than the lightweight no-fines concrete by a self-curing method. This study
informs the potential of this method to reduce fresh water waste during the concrete
curing process, save labor expenses for the subsequent curing activity, and reduce wasted
time spent during cure or using other conventional curing methods.
