Abstract
This article presents the outcomes of a comprehensive study utilizing all-natural perlite in producing lightweight aggregate concrete composites and investigating the mechanical, permeability, and durability properties. With this aim, lightweight concrete composites were produced using 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 75% and 100% of natural perlite aggregate in concrete production. In addition to fresh density, compressive strength, ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV), dynamic modulus of elasticity, capillary absorption, electrical resistivity, acid and sulfate attack tests were carried out on 28–56–90-day-ϖold concretes. Accordingly, the highest compressive strength value was obtained after 90 days using 10% natural perlite (62.42 MPa for NP10/90). In terms of UPV values, concretes with natural perlite were able to produce good or excellent class concretes. The experimental results indicated that the increase in the dynamic modulus of elasticity of concretes cured for 90 days (35 GPa for NP100/90) can be up to 14% compared to concretes cured for 28 days (30.7 GPa for NP100/28). Capillary absorption coefficients decreased in all concretes at advanced ages. The electrical resistivity value of concrete with 100% natural perlite (139.75 kΩ-m for NP100/90) was 140% higher than the control concrete (58.14 kΩ-m for C/90). It was observed that insulating concrete could be produced with an increase in the use of natural perlite at advanced ages. It was determined that concretes with 75% and 100% natural perlite exhibited high resistance against acid and sulfate attacks. The 30% perlite ratio was the critical ratio against aggressive solutions. In line with the aim of the study, it has been proved that lightweight concretes with a high natural perlite dosage can be produced in terms of permeability and durability properties without compromising mechanical strength.
Graphical abstract
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
Data availability
The raw/processed data required to reproduce these findings cannot be shared at this time as the data also form as part of an ongoing study.
References
Abdul Ajeej K, Varun Teja K, Meena T (2019) Experimental study on mechanical properties and micro-structure of perlite powder concrete subjected to elevated temperatures. Int J Recent Technol Eng 7(6):1350–1357
Adhikary SK, Ashish DK, Sharma H, Patel J, Rudžionis Ž, Al-Ajamee M, Thomas BS, Khatib JM (2022) Lightweight self-compacting concrete: a review. Resour Conserv Recycl Adv 15:200107. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rcradv.2022.200107
Aghabeyk F, Azadmehr A, Hezarkhani A (2022) Fabrication of feldspar-based geopolymers from perlite toward decontamination of heavy metals from aqueous solution: hydrolysis process, characterizations, kinetic and isotherm studies. J Environ Chem Eng 10(4):108087. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jece.2022.108087
Akyuncu V, Sanliturk F (2021) Investigation of physical and mechanical properties of mortars produced by polymer coated perlite aggregate. J Build Eng 38:102182. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jobe.2021.102182
Arrigoni A, Panesar DK, Duhamel M, Opher T, Saxe S, Posen ID, MacLean HL (2020) Life cycle greenhouse gas emissions of concrete containing supplementary cementitious materials: cut-off vs. substitution. J Clean Prod 263:121465. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2020.121465
Ashtiani R, Saeed A, Hammons M (2014) Mechanistic characterization and performance evaluation of recycled aggregate systems. J Mater Civ Eng 26(1):99–106. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)MT.1943-5533.0000798
Aslam M, Shafigh P, Jumaat MZ (2016) Oil-palm by-products as lightweight aggregate in concrete mixture: a review. J Clean Prod 126:56–73. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2016.03.100
ASTM C1012 (2019) Standard test method for length change of hydraulic-cement mortars exposed to a sulfate solution. ASTM International, West Conshohocken, PA, USA
ASTM C1585 (2020) Standard test method for measurement of rate of absorption of water by hydraulic-cement concretes. ASTM International, West Conshohocken, PA, USA
ASTM C1760 (2012) Standard test method for bulk electrical conductivity of hardened concrete. ASTM International, West Conshohocken, PA, USA
ASTM C267 (2020) Standard test methods for chemical resistance of mortars, grouts, and monolithic surfacings and polymer concretes. ASTM International, West Conshohocken, PA, USA
ASTM C597 (2016) Standard test method for pulse velocity through concrete. ASTM International, West Conshohocken, PA, USA
ASTM C618 (2023) Standard specification for coal ash and raw or calcined natural pozzolan for use in concrete. ASTM International, West Conshohocken, PA, USA
Barnat-Hunek D, Grzegorczyk-Frańczak M, Klimek B, Pavlíková M, Pavlík Z (2021) Properties of multi-layer renders with fly ash and boiler slag admixtures for salt-laden masonry. Constr Build Mater 278:122366. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2021.122366
Baskar I, Prabavathy S, Jeyasubramanian K, Anuradha R, Awoyera PO (2022) Thermal and mechanical characterization of microencapsulated phase change material in cementitious composites. Iran J Sci Technol Transact Civ Eng 46(2):1141–1151. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40996-021-00636-5
Burbano-Garcia C, Hurtado A, Silva YF, Delvasto S, Araya-Letelier G (2021) Utilization of waste engine oil for expanded clay aggregate production and assessment of its influence on lightweight concrete properties. Constr Build Mater 273:121677. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2020.121677
Carsana M, Frassoni M, Bertolini L (2014) Comparison of ground waste glass with other supplementary cementitious materials. Cement Concr Compos 45:39–45. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cemconcomp.2013.09.005
Chihaoui R, Siad H, Senhadji Y, Mouli M, Nefoussi AM, Lachemi M (2022) Efficiency of natural pozzolan and natural perlite in controlling the alkali-silica reaction of cementitious materials. Case Stud Constr Mater 17:e01246. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cscm.2022.e01246
Chinchillas-Chinchillas MJ, Orozco-Carmona VM, Gaxiola A, Alvarado-Beltrán CG, Pellegrini-Cervantes MJ, Baldenebro-López FJ, Castro-Beltrán A (2019) Evaluation of the mechanical properties, durability and drying shrinkage of the mortar reinforced with polyacrylonitrile microfibers. Constr Build Mater 210:32–39. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2019.03.178
Chinnu SN, Minnu SN, Bahurudeen A, Senthilkumar R (2021) Reuse of industrial and agricultural by-products as pozzolan and aggregates in lightweight concrete. Constr Build Mater 302:124172. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2021.124172
Demirboǧa R, Gül R (2003) Thermal conductivity and compressive strength of expanded perlite aggregate concrete with mineral admixtures. Energy Build 35(11):1155–1159. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enbuild.2003.09.002
Demirboǧa R, Örüng İ, Gül R (2001) Effects of expanded perlite aggregate and mineral admixtures on the compressive strength of low-density concretes. Cem Concr Res 31(11):1627–1632. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0008-8846(01)00615-9
Diamanti MV, Brenna A, Bolzoni F, Berra M, Pastore T, Ormellese M (2013) Effect of polymer modified cementitious coatings on water and chloride permeability in concrete. Constr Build Mater 49:720–728. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2013.08.050
Erdem TK, Meral Ç, Tokyay M, Erdoğan TY (2007) Use of perlite as a pozzolanic addition in producing blended cements. Cement Concr Compos 29(1):13–21. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cemconcomp.2006.07.018
Esfandiari J, Heidari O (2021) Investigation on the behavior of concrete with optimum percentage of steel fiber, microsilica, fly ash and hybrid fiber under different loading pattern. J Struct Constr Eng 8(6):130–150. https://doi.org/10.22065/JSCE.2020.182908.1840
Esfandiari J, Loghmani P (2019) Effect of perlite powder and silica fume on the compressive strength and microstructural characterization of self-compacting concrete with lime-cement binder. Measurement 147:106846. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.measurement.2019.07.074
Gencel O, Bayraktar OY, Kaplan G, Arslan O, Nodehi M, Benli A, Gholampour A, Ozbakkaloglu T (2022) Lightweight foam concrete containing expanded perlite and glass sand: physico-mechanical, durability, and insulation properties. Constr Build Mater 320:126187. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2021.126187
Guenanou F, Khelafi H, Aattache A (2019) Behavior of perlite-based mortars on physicochemical characteristics, mechanical and carbonation: case of perlite of Hammam Boughrara. J Build Eng 24:100734. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jobe.2019.100734
Hanif A, Lu Z, Cheng Y, Diao S, Li Z (2017) Effects of different lightweight functional fillers for use in cementitious composites. Int J Concr Struct Mater 11:99–113. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40069-016-0184-1
Huang G, Pudasainee D, Gupta R, Liu WV (2021) Thermal properties of calcium sulfoaluminate cement-based mortars incorporated with expanded perlite cured at cold temperatures. Constr Build Mater 274:122082. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2020.122082
IS 13311 (1992) Part 1, non-destructive testing of concrete: methods of test—ultrasonic pulse velocity. Indian Standard
Işıkdağ B (2015) Characterization of lightweight ferrocement panels containing expanded perlite-based mortar. Constr Build Mater 81:15–23. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2015.02.009
Jia G, Li Z (2021) Influence of the aerogel/expanded perlite composite as thermal insulation aggregate on the cement-based materials: preparation, property, and microstructure. Constr Build Mater 273:121728. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2020.121728
Junaid MF, Rehman Z, Kuruc M, Medveď I, Bačinskas D, Čurpek J, Čekon M, Ijaz N, Ansari WS (2022) Lightweight concrete from a perspective of sustainable reuse of waste byproducts. Constr Build Mater 319:126061. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2021.126061
Kaid N, Cyr M, Julien S, Khelafi H (2009) Durability of concrete containing a natural pozzolan as defined by a performance-based approach. Constr Build Mater 23(12):3457–3467. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2009.08.002
Kalpana M, Tayu A (2020) Experimental investigation on lightweight concrete added with industrial waste (steel waste). Mater Today Proc 22(3):887–889. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.matpr.2019.11.096
Karakaş H, İlkentapar S, Durak U, Örklemez E, Özuzun S, Karahan O, Atiş CD (2023) Properties of fly ash-based lightweight-geopolymer mortars containing perlite aggregates: mechanical, microstructure, and thermal conductivity coefficient. Constr Build Mater 362:129717. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2022.129717
Karein SMM, Vosoughi P, Isapour S, Karakouzian M (2018) Pretreatment of natural perlite powder by further milling to use as a supplementary cementitious material. Constr Build Mater 186:782–789. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2018.08.012
Kasaniya M, Thomas MDA, Moffatt EG (2021) Efficiency of natural pozzolans, ground glasses and coal bottom ashes in mitigating sulfate attack and alkali-silica reaction. Cement Concr Res 149:106551. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cemconres.2021.106551
Kotwica Ł, Pichór W, Kapeluszna E, Różycka A (2017) Utilization of waste expanded perlite as new effective supplementary cementitious material. J Clean Prod 140(Part 3):1344–1352. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2016.10.018
Krausmann F, Gingrich S, Eisenmenger N, Erb KH, Haberl H, Fischer-Kowalski M (2009) Growth in global materials use, GDP and population during the 20th century. Ecol Econ 68(10):2696–2705. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecolecon.2009.05.007
Lanzón M, García-Ruiz PA (2008) Lightweight cement mortars: advantages and inconveniences of expanded perlite and its influence on fresh and hardened state and durability. Constr Build Mater 22(8):1798–1806. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2007.05.006
Leong GW, Mo KH, Loh ZP, Ibrahim Z (2020) Mechanical properties and drying shrinkage of lightweight cementitious composite incorporating perlite microspheres and polypropylene fibers. Constr Build Mater 246:118410. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2020.118410
Li N, Zhang S, Long G, Jin Z, Yu Y, Zhang X, Xiong C, Li H (2021) Dynamic characteristics of lightweight aggregate self-compacting concrete by impact resonance method. Adv Civ Eng 2021:8811303. https://doi.org/10.1155/2021/8811303
Marie I (2016) Zones of weakness of rubberized concrete behavior using the UPV. J Clean Prod 116:217–222. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2015.12.096
Mir AE, Nehme SG (2017) Utilization of industrial waste perlite powder in self-compacting concrete. J Clean Prod 156:507–517. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2017.04.103
Oktay H, Yumrutaş R, Akpolat A (2015) Mechanical and thermophysical properties of lightweight aggregate concretes. Constr Build Mater 96:217–225. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2015.08.015
Ortiz O, Castells F, Sonnemann G (2009) Sustainability in the construction industry: a review of recent developments based on LCA. Constr Build Mater 23(1):28–39. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2007.11.012
Othman ML, Alsarayreh AIM, Abdullah R, Sarbini NN, Yassin MS, Ahmad H (2020) Experimental study on lightweight concrete using lightweight expanded clay aggregate (LECA) and expanded perlite aggregate (EPA). J Eng Sci Technol 15(2):1186–1201. https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.12253481
Pasupathy K, Ramakrishnan S, Sanjayan J (2022) Enhancing the properties of foam concrete 3D printing using porous aggregates. Cement Concr Compos 133:104687. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cemconcomp.2022.104687
Polat BY (2022) Self healing of alkali active mortars with expanded perlite aggregate. Case Stud Constr Mater 17:e01225. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cscm.2022.e01225
Ragul P, Hari MNT, Arunachelam N, Chellapandian M (2022) An experimental study on the partial replacement of fine aggregate with perlite in cement concrete. Mater Today Proc 68(5):1219–1224. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.matpr.2022.05.578
Ramezanianpour AA, Karein SMM, Vosoughi P, Pilvar A, Isapour S, Moodi F (2014) Effects of calcined perlite powder as a SCM on the strength and permeability of concrete. Constr Build Mater 66:222–228. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2014.05.086
Rao SK, Sravana P, Chandrasekhara Rao T (2016) Experimental studies in ultrasonic pulse velocity of roller compacted concrete pavement containing fly ash and M-sand. Int J Pavement Res Technol 9(4):289–301. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijprt.2016.08.003
Rashad AM (2016) A synopsis about perlite as building material-a best practice guide for civil engineer. Constr Build Mater 121:338–353. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2016.06.001
Różycka A, Pichór W (2016) Effect of perlite waste addition on the properties of autoclaved aerated concrete. Constr Build Mater 120:65–71. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2016.05.019
Sahoo S, Selvaraju AK, Prakash SS (2020) Mechanical characterization of structural lightweight aggregate concrete made with sintered fly ash aggregates and synthetic fibres. Cement Concr Compos 113:103712. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cemconcomp.2020.103712
Sayadi A, Neitzert TR, Clifton GC (2018) Influence of poly-lactic acid on the properties of perlite concrete. Constr Build Mater 189:660–675. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2018.09.029
Schumacher K, Saßmannshausen N, Pritzel C, Trettin R (2020) Lightweight aggregate concrete with an open structure and a porous matrix with an improved ratio of compressive strength to dry density. Constr Build Mater 264:120167. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2020.120167
Sengul O, Azizi S, Karaosmanoglu F, Tasdemir MA (2011) Effect of expanded perlite on the mechanical properties and thermal conductivity of lightweight concrete. Energy Build 43(2–3):671–676. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enbuild.2010.11.008
Siwowski T, Rajchel M (2019) Structural performance of a hybrid FRP composite–lightweight concrete bridge girder. Compos Part B Eng 174:107055. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compositesb.2019.107055
Snellings R (2016) Assessing, understanding and unlocking supplementary cementitious materials. RILEM Tech Lett 1:50
Swamy RN, Tanikawa S (1993) An external surface coating to protect concrete and steel from aggressive environments. Mater Struct 26:465–478. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02472806
Thomaz WA, Miyaji DY, Possan E (2021) Comparative study of dynamic and static young’s modulus of concrete containing basaltic aggregates. Case Stud Constr Mater 15:e00645. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cscm.2021.e00645
Top S, Vapur H, Altiner M, Kaya D, Ekicibil A (2020) Properties of fly ash-based lightweight geopolymer concrete prepared using pumice and expanded perlite as aggregates. J Mol Struct 1202:127236. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.molstruc.2019.127236
Topçu İB, Işıkdağ B (2007) Manufacture of high heat conductivity resistant clay bricks containing perlite. Build Environ 42(10):3540–3546. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.buildenv.2006.10.016
Topçu İB, Işıkdağ B (2008) Effect of expanded perlite aggregate on the properties of lightweight concrete. J Mater Process Technol 204(1–3):34–38. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jmatprotec.2007.10.052
Topçu İB, Uygunoğlu T (2010) Effect of aggregate type on properties of hardened self-consolidating lightweight concrete (SCLC). Constr Build Mater 24(7):1286–1295. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2009.12.007
Torres ML, García-Ruiz PA (2009) Lightweight pozzolanic materials used in mortars: evaluation of their influence on density, mechanical strength and water absorption. Cement Concr Compos 31(2):114–119. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cemconcomp.2008.11.003
TS En 12350–6 (2019) Testing fresh concrete—part 6: density. Turkish Standards Institution, Ankara, Turkey (Turkish Codes)
TS En 12390–3 (2019) Testing hardened concrete—part 3: compressive strength of test specimens. Turkish Standards Institution, Ankara, Turkey (Turkish Codes)
Urhan S (1987) Alkali silica and pozzolanic reactions in concrete. part 2: observations on expanded perlite aggregate concretes. Cement Concr Res 17(3):465–477. https://doi.org/10.1016/0008-8846(87)90010-X
van Jaarsveld JGS, van Deventer JSJ (1999) Effect of the alkali metal activator on the properties of fly ash-based geopolymers. Ind Eng Chem Res 38(10):3932–3941. https://doi.org/10.1021/ie980804b
Wang X, Wu D, Hou D, Yu R, Geng Q, Wang P, Wang M, Zhang C, Li L, Li X (2022) The unification of light weight and ultra-high strength in LWC: a new homogeneity enhancement approach. Constr Build Mater 315:125647. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2021.125647
Yu LH, Ou H, Lee LL (2003) Investigation on pozzolanic effect of perlite powder in concrete. Cem Concr Res 33(1):73–76. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0008-8846(02)00924-9
Yu R, van Onna DV, Spiesz P, Yu QL, Brouwers HJH (2016) Development of ultra-lightweight fibre reinforced concrete applying expanded waste glass. J Clean Prod 112(Part1):690–701. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2015.07.082
Zhang Z, Provis JL, Reid A, Wang H (2015) Mechanical, thermal insulation, thermal resistance and acoustic absorption properties of geopolymer foam concrete. Cement Concr Compos 62:97–105. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cemconcomp.2015.03.013
Zhang Z, Provis JL, Zou J, Reid A, Wang H (2016) Toward an indexing approach to evaluate fly ashes for geopolymer manufacture. Cem Concr Res 85:163–173. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cemconres.2016.04.007
Zhao X, Hwang B, Lim J (2020) Job satisfaction of project managers in green construction projects: constituents, barriers, and improvement strategies. J Clean Prod 246:118968. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2019.118968
Funding
No funding was available for the present study.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Contributions
HAB was responsible to design experimental setup, perform laboratory works, data acquisition, and write manuscript. The manuscript has been read and approved by all named author.
Corresponding author
Ethics declarations
Conflict of interest
The author states that he has no conflicting interests to declare.
Ethical approval
This article does not contain any studies with human participants or animals performed by any of the authors.
Human or animal rights
No conflicts, informed consent, human or animal rights are applicable to this study.
Rights and permissions
Springer Nature or its licensor (e.g. a society or other partner) holds exclusive rights to this article under a publishing agreement with the author(s) or other rightsholder(s); author self-archiving of the accepted manuscript version of this article is solely governed by the terms of such publishing agreement and applicable law.
About this article
Cite this article
Bulut, H.A. Examination of mechanical, permeability, and durability properties of sustainable lightweight concrete composites with natural perlite aggregate. Iran J Sci Technol Trans Civ Eng (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40996-023-01226-3
Received:
Accepted:
Published:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40996-023-01226-3