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Physical properties of pumice and its behavior as a coarse aggregate in concrete

Abstract:

The use of lightweight concrete has gained acceptance and popularity in the construction industry worldwide. There are many methods to create lightweight concrete, one of them is the usage of pumice as a coarse aggregate. The main objective of this study has been to experimentally determine the physical properties of volcanic pumice from north-central Ecuador, when used as a coarse aggregate in concrete. Samples of pumice, conventional coarse aggregate and conventional fine aggregate were taken in order to perform the granulometry, dry density, water absorption, degradation, moisture content and unit mass assays being compliant to ASTN normative. Additionally, the proportioning of the mixture has been calculated according to ACI 211, creating five test cylinders made of hydraulic concrete with conventional aggregate and five test cylinders made of hydraulic concrete using pumice aggregate, testing their compressive strength in different time periods in order to compare the results of both proportioning afterwards.