Optimum LWA content in concrete based on k-value and physical–mechanical properties
Zakaria Che Muda,Payam Shafigh,Sumra Yousuf,Norhayati Binti Mahyuddin,Iman Asadi
Abstract
Thermal comfort and energy conservation are critical issues in the building sector. Energy consumption in the building sector should be reduced whilst enhancing the thermal comfort of occupants. Concrete is the most widely used construction material in buildings. Its thermal conductivity (k-value) has a direct effect on thermal comfort perception. This study aims to find the optimum value of replacing the normal aggregate with lightweight expanded clay aggregate (LECA) under high strengths and low thermal conductivity, density and water absorption. The k-value of the LECA concrete and its physical and mechanical properties have varying correlations. Results indicate that the oven-dry density, compressive strength, splitting tensile strength and k-value of concrete decrease when normal coarse aggregates are replaced with LECA. However, water absorption (initial and final) increases. Thermal conductivity and the physical and mechanical properties have a strong correlation. The statistical optimisation of the experimental data shows that the 39% replacement of normal coarse aggregate by LECA is the optimum value for maximising the compressive and splitting tensile strengths whilst maintaining the k-value, density and water absorption at a minimum.
(1) Zakaria Che Muda — Faculty of Engineering & Quantity Surveying, INTI-International University, Persiaran Perdana BBN Putra Nilai, 71800 Nilai, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia
(2) Payam Shafigh, Norhayati Binti Mahyuddin, Iman Asadi — Center for Building, Construction & Tropical Architecture (BuCTA), Faculty of Built Environment, Universiti Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
(3) Sumra Yousuf — Department of Building and Architectural Engineering, Faculty of Engineering & Technology, Bahauddin Zakariya University, 60000 Multan, Pakistan.
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