Methodology for the Design of Lightweight Concrete with

Expanded Clay Aggregates

Ana M. Bastos1, Hiplito Sousa2, and Antnio F. Melo3
In Portugal, lightweight expanded clay aggregates
(LECA) are typically used in the production of vibrantcompressor lightweight concrete, which presently represents 10% of the total volume of vibrant-compressor concrete produced in Portuguese factories. The use of LECA
aggregates has increased since it was introduced in 1990s,
after the acquisition of the Portuguese factory by the industrial word leader of LECA production [Melo (2000)].
Lightweight expanded clay aggregates are still produced at that Portuguese factory, by the same process as
the one used in other European factories, and with similar
chemical characteristics (Table 1) [Pysti, M. and Geir
Norden, G. (2000)].
Vibrant-compressor lightweight concrete is mainly
employed on precast products, usually masonry blocks
and lightweight units for slabs (Figure 1). In Portugal, the
most popular masonry materials are clay units, large and
horizontally perforated, used on enclosure and internal
walls [Sousa (2000)].
In European countries, practices related to lightweight concrete for the manufacture of masonry blocks
are similar, and different from other concretes:
It is produced in special vibrocompressor systems
(Figure 2), by strong vibration and compression;
The cement content is usually low, according to the
desired strength, to minimize the cost and to limit
shrinkage;
The quantity of water is low to allow blocks extrusion immediately after moulding without slump;
The use of superplasticizers, air-entraining and
anti-efflorescence agents is not usual, at least in
south Europe countries.
Important factors affecting the final properties of these
concretes are the grading and mechanical strength of the
aggregates, the mix proportions, the type of block machine
and the curing process [Bresson J. and Brusin (1974)].

behaviour provided by the volume of voids, although with

low mechanical strength. For structural use, it is normal
to incorporate ordinary aggregates in the concrete mix to
achieve adequate mechanical strength [Moyer (1986) and
Crestois (1986)].
Until recently, the design of lightweight concrete
mixes has been based upon the experience and knowledge of the vibrant-compressor systems manufacturers.
Research on these lightweight concrete mixes is limited
Table 1. Chemical analysis of LECA aggregates
used in the study
SiO2
Al2O3 Fe2O3
TiO2
MgO
CaO
46.6% 14.5% 6.6%
0.6%
3.0% 17.7%
Na2O
<0.1%

K2O
3.4%

MnO
0.2%

P2O5
0.2%

Rest
>7,1%

Figure 1 Examples of Precast Products Made with

Lightweight Concrete

Lightweight concrete expanded clay aggregates exhibit particular properties: favourable thermal and acoustic
Auxiliar Professor, Department of Civil Engineering,
University of Porto, Portugal, ams@fe.up.pt.
2
Associate Professor, Department of Civil Engineering,
University of Porto, Portugal, hipolito@fe.up.pt.
3
Industrial Manager, Maxit, pavimentos e Blocos S.A.,
Albergaria-A-Velha, Portugal, fontes.melo@maxit.pt.
1

TMS Journal December 2005

Figure 2 Vibro-Compressing System

73

because of the difficulty of reproducing, in the laboratory,

production conditions related to moulding of specimens of
sizes typically used for defining concrete properties. With
the increasing use of lightweight concrete with expanded
clay aggregates in precast products for construction, there
is a need for a better understanding of for the properties
of these concretes in order to more effectively design and
optimize the characteristics of these products.
The aim of experimental work presented is to develop
and calibrate a methodology to relate mix design of vibrant-compressor lightweight clay aggregate concrete with
the needed and expected densities of the concrete [Melo
(2000)]. As with other lightweight concretes, the most important properties of vibrant-compressor lightweight clay
aggregate concrete are related to concrete density.
Because the properties of LECA aggregates are similar to those produced at other European factories, and
because the specification of the cement (in accordance
with Portuguese and European standards [NP EN 197-1
(2001)]) used in the different locations is consistent, the
results of this study can be applicable to other factories of
LECA products.
This research was conducted under a research project
between the main Portuguese factory of these products
and the Engineering Department of Porto University.

EXPERIMENTAL STUDY
Planning
The experimental program consists of the design
and characterization of seven lightweight concretes with
densities between 853 and 1,418 kg/m3, which represent
values currently used by the masonry blocks industries.
To analyze the influence of cement content on concrete
properties, four different quantities of cement were used
for each of the seven mix design groups.
Dry bulk density, compressive and flexural strengths,
elastic modulus, shrinkage, and absorption capacity by
immersion and by capillarity and thermal conductivity
were experimentally determined. The development of
concrete compressive strength with age was also evaluated, by tests starting from ages of 1 day up to 160 days.

Concrete Mix Design

The first methods for the design of concrete mixes
were fully empiric, based on mortar production traditionally used, following fixed rules independent of the nature
of the components, which guaranteed high compactness
with superabundance of binder [Dreux (1986)].

74

In the 20th century Feret (1888), Fuller (1907) and

Leclerc du Sablon (1927) developed experimental methods
for testing a large number of mixtures. Later Faury (1958),
based on the work of Bolomey (1930) and Caquot (1937),
proposed a combined aggregates and cement grading curve,
that includes the influence of the vibration conditions, the
shape of the particles, the wall effect and the water/cement
ratio, in order to achieve the maximum compactness of the
solid components. Other reference curves were presented
by Joisel (1952) and Vallette (1963), but the one defined
by Faury is most often used [Dreux (1986)]. Other methods
based upon pre-defined concrete mixes using aggregates
with standard grading curves are also used.
Faurys reference curve (Figure 3) is a discontinuous
combined (aggregates and cement) grading curve, that includes the influence of the vibration conditions, the shape of
the particles and the wall effect (discontinuous distribution
of the large particles of aggregate in mould if the maximum
size of aggregate is large in relation to the size of the mould
[Neville (1973)]), to achieve maximum compactness.
PD / 2 = A +17 5 D +

D = d1
I =

K
5

B
R
0.75
D

+ (d1 -d2

x
y

(1)
(2)

K'
B
0.75
D

(3)

PD/2 = Cumulative percentage passing of material with

size under D/2
A = Faury parameter related with the nature and shape
of the aggregate and the vibration energy
B = Faury parameter depending on workability
D = Maximum aggregate size
I = Voids index of a compact concrete including water added
K = Faury parameter related with the nature and shape
of the aggregate and the vibration energy
K = Faury parameter depending of workability
R = Mould medium radius (quotient of the volume of
concrete by the surface of the mould) related with
wall effect
d1 = greatest size of the sieve where is a retained fraction
d2 = next sieve to d1
The xx-axis scale, between 6.5 m (minimum size of
cement grains) and D, is proportional to the fifth root of
the sieve size. The yy-axis scale is linear representing the
cumulative percentage of the material passing.
The design of the percentages of aggregates and cement in the mixture must lead to a grading of the comTMS Journal December 2005

Figure 3 Faurys Reference Curve

bined aggregates similar to the reference curve in order to
obtain maximum compactness for the group of aggregates
concerned and considering real conditions of workability
and vibration.
This is achieved with the following conditions:
the fineness modulus of the mix should be as close
as possible as the one of the reference curve,

with

mo = m1 p1 + m2 p2 +... + mn pn

(4)

p1 + p2+.+ pn = 1

(5)

m0
= fineness modulus of reference curve
m1,mn = fineness modulus of aggregates 1, , n
p1, pn = percentage of aggregates 1, , n in the mix
the medium quadratic deviation between the reference curve and the mix curve should be minimum;
the adjustment of concrete density can be achieved
replacing a light aggregate for a normal aggregate
with the same grading [Melo (2000)].
These methods have only been applied for the design of traditional concrete mixes. Nevertheless, it seems
reasonable to apply the Faurys method to lightweight
concrete, by experimental adjustments in order to obtain
desired values of the density or strength. The values of the
mix design parameters must be consistent with the specifications of the production process [Melo (2000)]: very
strong vibration, high wall effect and workability of very
dry concrete.
TMS Journal December 2005

Aggregates and Cement characteristics

The following aggregates were used in mix compositions:
coarse aggregate of expanded clay, LECA (of 4
mm < d < 10 mm), from LECA Portugal;
fine aggregate of expanded clay, LECA (size 0
- 2 mm), from LECA Portugal;
coarse normal aggregate, crushed granite (of 4 mm
< d < 10 mm), from granite stone quarry;
fine normal aggregate (maximum size 0-2 mm),
natural granite sand.
Information on the characteristics of aggregates is
summarized in Table 2.
The current aggregates, sand and crushed granite,
show grading curves similar to those of LECA (4-10) and
LECA (0-2), respectively. The adjustment of concrete
density was achieved by partial or total replacement of
lightweight aggregate by normal aggregate with equal
volume of LECA of the same size in order to maintain
an approximately constant fineness modulus. The cement
used was Portland cement II 42.5R, in accordance with
Portuguese and European standards.

Mix Proportion of Lightweight Concretes

Seven lightweight concretes (D1 to D7, Table 3) with
densities between 853 and 1,418 kg/m3 were produced.
The seven concrete mixes (D1 to D7) used four different
amounts of cement, 126, 155, 185 and 214 kg/m3 (D1A
to D1D).

75

Table 2. Aggregates Characteristics

Characteristics
Specific gravity (kg/m3)
Loose bulk dry density (kg/m3)
Compacted dry bulk density (kg/m3)
Water absorption capacity (% by weight)
Crushing strength (N/mm2)
D-maximum aggregate size (mm)
Fineness modulus
Average moisture content in production conditions (% by weight)

Coarse aggregates
Lightweight
Normal
LECA 4-10
cr. granite
540
2,730
330
1,420
350
1,540
18.8
0.9
1.04
_
10.06
8.04
5.39
5.17
27.7

Information on mix proportions and concrete expected dry bulk density are summarized in Table 3.
The application of Faury method to the design of one
of the mixes (mix D2C) is shown in Figure 4.
For production of lightweight concrete with expanded
clay aggregates, the amount of water in the mix is automatically determined after the measurement of water content
in the aggregates. No chemical admixtures were added.

EXPERIMENTS
Specimens Production and Curing
The specimens for the different characterization tests
of the mixtures, with sizes according to the applicable International Standards, were moulded in a metallic mould
specially designed for utilization at the vibrant-compressor systems (Figure 5).

3.8

Fine aggregates
Lightweight
Normal
LECA 02
natural sand
1,320
2,650
660
1,510
730
1,650
18.1
0.2
_
_
2.42
2.38
2.82
1.91
31.0

5.3

The number and size of the cubes, cylinders and

prisms required for testing are summarized in Table 4.
The specimens used for the compressive strength tests
were also utilized for the evaluation of the dry bulk density of the mixes.
Each test mixture was produced on the same day, with
the same aggregates, and in one of the factory machines,
under similar conditions in which the masonry blocks are
produced, to assure the vibration parameters and moulding time of real production.
All the industrial systems had been previously calibrated. The mixer has an automatic system to adjust water added considering the moisture in aggregates. The aggregates
were pre-soaked in order to achieve saturated conditions.
The samples were placed in trays and clearly marked.
The storage and transport to the curing chamber was done
by an automatic system.

Figure 4Design of Mix D2C by Faurys Method

76

TMS Journal December 2005

Table 3. Mix Design Adopted

Mix

Cement
( kg/m3 )

D1A
D1B
D1C
D1D
D2A
D2B
D2C
D2D
D3A
D3B
D3C
D3D
D4A
D4B
D4C
D4D
D5A
D5B
D5C
D5D
D6A
D6B
D6C
D6D
D7A
D7B
D7C
D7B

126
155
185
214
126
155
185
214
126
155
185
214
126
155
185
214
126
155
185
214
126
155
185
214
126
155
185
214

LECA
4-10
(%)
70
70
70
70
70
70
70
70
70
70
70
70
65
65
65
65
60
60
60
60
55
55
55
55
50
50
50
50

LECA
0-2
(%)
20
20
20
20
10
10
10
10

Gravel
(%)

Sand
(%)

5
5
5
5
10
10
10
10
15
15
15
15
20
20
20
20

10
10
10
10
20
20
20
20
30
30
30
30
30
30
30
30
30
30
30
30
30
30
30
30
30
30
30
30

Dry bulk
density
( kg/m3 )
853
853
853
853
960
960
960
960
1,067
1,067
1,067
1,067
1,155
1,155
1,155
1,155
1,243
1,243
1,243
1,243
1,330
1,330
1,330
1,330
1,418
1,418
1,418
1,418

200 x 200

200 x 200

700 x 100

700 x 100

200 x 200
d=100

700 x 100

300 x 300

200 x 200

180 x 220
d=100
200 x 200

200 x 200

Figure 5Mould Used for Specimen Production

TMS Journal December 2005

77

Table 4. Tests and Specimen

Test

Dimensions of Specimens (m)

Dry bulk density

Compressive strength
Tensile strength in bending
Youngs modulus
Concrete compressive strength evolution with age
Shrinkage
Water absorption by immersion
Water absorption by capillarity
Steady state thermal transmission
t = thickness; h = height; l = length
1
made for seven selected mixes
2
made for three selected mixes

Cylinder d = 0.10 h = 0.20

0.20 x 0.20 x 0.20
0.10 x 0.20 x 0.70 (t x h x l)
0.10 x 0.10 x 0.30 (v x h x l)
0.20 x 0.20 x 0.20
Cylinder d=0.10 h=0.20
0.10 x 0.10 x 0.10 (t x h x l)
0.10 x 0.10 x 0.20 (t x h x l)
0.30 x 0.30 x 0.05 (t x l x h)

All specimens were cured under the same conditions,

8 days in a climatic chamber where the temperature was
maintained at 14C and the relative humidity was 90%.
After this 8-day period, the specimens were placed in a
shelter with no temperature or humidity conditioning.

Test procedures
The moisture content of fresh concrete (difference, in
percentage, between moisture and dry mass of samples after seven days drying in a climatic chamber with temperature of 75C and the workability by Vebe test [ISO 4110
(1980)] were determined for the mixes produced. Compression strength testing [NP EN 12390-3 (2003)] at 28
days on cubic specimens was carried out. Three point load
bending tests [E227 (1968)] were undertaken at 28 days on
prismatic specimens in order to evaluate tensile strength.
Youngs modulus [E397 (1993)] as well as compression
strength were determined at an age of 36 days, on prismatic specimens, for seven reference mixes, D1B to D7B.
The evolution of concrete compressive strength with
age was determined by compression tests at 26 hours, 3,
7, 14, 28, 59, 91, 120 and 160 days for three reference
mixes, D1B, D4B, D7B (6 specimens per age and mix).
Shrinkage measurements [E398 (1993)] were undertaken on two specimens of each of the same three reference
mixes above, starting from 23 hours up to 120 days; for
that period the specimens were kept in a climatic chamber
at 21C and relative humidity of 55%. Measurements of
the displacements were obtained by using an analogical
transducer (with resolution of 1310-3 mm.
Water absorption by immersion [E394 (1993)], during a period of 210 days, and by capillarity [E393 (1993)],
starting from 1 hour up to 15 days, were evaluated for the
same three reference mixes, D1B, D4B, D7B.
78

Number of
Specimens/Mix
6
6
3
31
542
22
12
12
11

The Guarded Hot Plate Method [NP116 (1962)] was

carried out to evaluate thermal conductivity of concrete,
at the age of 240 days, for the seven mixes (D1b to D7b).
The specimens for tests were covered by a thin layer of
sulphur to achieve full contact with the hot and cold plates
of the testing equipment.

EXPERIMENTAL
DISCUSSION

RESULTS

AND

Workability and Moisture Content of Fresh

Concrete
The workability of the fresh concrete obtained by
Vebe test, appropriate for very dry mixes, was approximately 4 seconds, for the mixes produced, leading to a
rough concrete without cohesion [NP ENV 206 (1993)].
Moisture content of fresh concrete obtained for each
mix is presented in Table 5. The results show decreases in
moisture content with decreases in the amount of lightweight aggregate used in mix composition, as is expected
because of the considerable absorption capacity of lightweight aggregate.
Table 5. Moisture Content of Fresh Concrete
Lightweight
Water Content
Mix
Aggregate
(% by weight of
Reference
Content (%)
fresh concrete)
D1B
90
19.2
D2B
80
15.8
D3B
70
13.3
D4B
65
12.9
D5B
60
10.8
D6B
55
10.2
D7B
50
9.8
TMS Journal December 2005

Concrete Dry Bulk Density, Strength and

Youngs Modulus
The values of compressive and flexure concrete
strengths and Youngs modulus for the different mixes
as well as a comparison between the expected and effective dry bulk densities [ISO 6275 (1982)] are presented
in Table 6.
Faurys reference curve method used for mix design
could provide a good estimate for the dry bulk concrete
density. The deviation between real and expected density
values is usually negative leading to the necessity to increase the volume of fines to achieve the desired density

and reduce porosity. It should be noticed that some concrete segregation with concentration of coarse aggregates
on one side of the mould was observed, which could be
responsible for the high deviation on mechanical concrete
properties compared to those for concretes produced in
moulding machines of modern factories.
The lower and upper limits on compressive concrete
strength variation were 5.13 and 11.70 kN/mm2. Results
showed an increase of compressive strength with the
quantity of cement when low percentages of lightweight
aggregate were used. For mixes with low quantities of cement (mixes D1A to D7A) the compressive strength was
less affected by the quantity of lightweight aggregate in
the composition.

Table 6. Density and Resistance of Lightweight Concretes

Compressive
Dry Bulk Density
Strength (at 28 days)
Mix
Mean
Variation
Reference Expected
Real
Deviation
Value
Coefficient
(kg/m3) (kg/m3)
(%)
(N/mm2)
(%)
D1A
853
836
-2.0
5.93
2
D1B
853
836
-4.2
5.63
6
D1C
853
908
1.8
6.79
4
D1D
853
871
-5.0
5.39
15
D2A
960
870
-7.9
5.49
4
D2B
960
919
-4.2
5.53
7
D2C
960
939
-4.6
6.26
9
D2D
960
1,003
0.6
6.56
9
D3A
1,067
988
-4.1
5.13
12
D3B
1,067
950
-10.5
6.93
6
D3C
1,067
985
-8.3
6.80
12
D3D
1,067
1,096
1.0
8.19
9
D4A
1,155
1,035
-9.1
5.95
11
D4B
1,155
1,240
7.4
6.90
5
D4C
1,155
1,199
2.8
7.48
7
D4D
1,155
1,136
-4.0
8.62
8
D5A
1,243
1,157
-4.5
6.65
7
D5B
1,243
1,209
-1.4
6.69
8
D5C
1,243
1,178
-5.4
8.31
9
D5D
1,243
1,311
4.0
9.27
6
D6A
1,330
1,229
-7.9
5.83
13
D6B
1,330
1,285
-4.4
8.52
7
D6C
1,330
1,312
-3.4
8.79
8
D6D
1,330
1,367
-0.4
10.64
4
D7A
1,418
1,330
-6.9
6.17
15
D7B
1,418
1,458
1.5
8.92
8
D7C
1,418
1,443
-0.3
11.62
4
D7D
1,418
1,487
1.5
11.70
5
TMS Journal December 2005

Tensile Strength in
Bending (at 28 days)
Mean
Variation
Value
Coefficient
(N/mm2)
(%)
1.38
8
1.49
10
1.61
9
1.76
2
1.49
6
1.35
21
2.07
7
2.06
8
1.44
12
1.84
8
2.24
7
2.40
14
1.73
16
1.64
7
2.23
8
2.42
3
1.80
6
2.21
9
2.26
17
2.58
3
1.78
11
2.19
4
2.67
6
2.68
6
2.02
9
2.38
14
2.55
8
2.81
10

Youngs Modulus
(at 36 days)
Mean
Standard
Value
Deviation
(N/mm2) (N/mm2)
5,400
0.5
6,800
1.5
7,900
0.9
8,800
1.3
10,300
1.6
14,700
2.9
13,500
1.6
79

Table 7. Youngs Modulus of Lightweight Concretes

Dry Bulk
Youngs
Mix
Compressive
Density
Modulus
Reference
Strength(MPa)
(kg/m3)
(GPa)
D1B
836
4.50
5.43
D2B
919
6.46
6.83
D3B
950
6.06
7.93
D4B
1240
6.58
8.77
D5B
1209
7.22
10.33
D6B
1285
7.63
14.73
D7B
1458
10.36
13.53
Figure 6Compressive Strength, Quantity of LECA
and Cement Content
Concrete tensile strength in bending, while showing
a higher variation coefficient, was shown to be dependent
on the quantities of cement and lightweight aggregates.
Tensile strength increased with the quantity of cement
(maximum of 67% between reference mixes D3A and
D3D, Table 6) and with decreases of lightweight aggregate (maximum of 49% between mixes D1 and D6).

values of Youngs Modulus are 5.4 and 14.7MN/mm2.

As expected, Youngs modulus increased with concrete
strength and density (except for mix D7B).

The ratio between tensile and compressive strengths

was 0.27 (average value), considerably above the ratios
for normal concretes, which are approximately 0.08 for
concretes grade C12 to C20 [Model Code 90 1991].

The experimental values are 55% lower than those

obtained by the equation proposed by ACI 318-89,
Ec = 43106 1.5

f c

(6)

Ec = concrete Youngs Modulus, in MN/mm2,

fc = standard cylinder strength, in kN/mm2,
= concrete density, in kg/m3.

The characteristic value (minimum value obtained

in 95% of specimens tested) of concrete compressive
strength, the percentage of lightweight LECA aggregate,
and the cement content are plotted in Figure 6.

Evolution of Concrete Compressive Strength

with Age

The values obtained for Youngs Modulus and concrete strength of lightweight concrete mixes with cement
content of 155 kg/m3 (mixes D1-b to D7-B), at the age of 36
days, as well as density, are presented in Table 7. The limit

The evolution of concrete compressive strength at

ages of 26 hours, 3, 7, 14, 28, 59, 91, 120 and 160 days on
the three mixes, D1B, D4B, D7B, with the same amount
of cement and with different densities (836, 1,240 and
1,458 kg/m3, respectively) is shown in Figure 7. Strength

Figure 7Compressive Strength Evolution

80

TMS Journal December 2005

Figure 8Shrinkage Evolution with Time

evolution over the period of 160 days is identical for the
three mixes. A maturity adjustment curve of the average
strength, mean, was developed (Figure 7) and it is a function of the logarithm of age and the percentage (pla) of
lightweight aggregate:

The results show that, up to 28 days, 75% to 80%

of drying shrinkage occurred and after 60 days shrinkage evolution almost stabilized. Early expansion can be
observed for mix D7B, with higher percentage of normal
weight aggregate.

mean = ( 0.0038 pla + 1.033 )ln ( age ) 0.0564 pla + 8.088 (7)

Water Absorption
Capillarity

Shrinkage
Lightweight concretes usually exhibit a high drying
shrinkage. Because of the lower modulus of elasticity,
lightweight aggregate offers less restraint to the potential
shrinkage of cement paste [Neville (1973)]. Shrinkage
evolution is presented in Figure 8. The shrinkage-time
curves for the three mixes are similar, showing the upper values for the mixes with greater percentage of lightweight aggregates.

by

Immersion

and

Water absorption by immersion and by capillarity was

evaluated for the three mixes, D1B, D4B, D7B, with percentage of lightweight aggregates of 90%, 65% and 55%,
respectively. The results are presented in Figures 9 and 10
showing the increase of water absorption by immersion
and by capillarity with the percentage of expanded clay
aggregates in mixes, as it should be expected by the high
porosity of lightweight aggregate.

Figure 9Water Absorption by Immersion of Different Mixes

TMS Journal December 2005

81

Figure 10Water Absorption by Capillarity

Thermal Conductivity
The ability of lightweight aggregate concrete masonry blocks to conduct heat is relevant to thermal insulation
provided by walls, as a lower thermal conductivity will
reduce heat exchange with the outside ambient.
Thermal conductivity by the hot plate method was
obtained for four mix references D2B, D3B, D4B and
D7B. The comparisons between the thermal conductivity, the dry bulk density, and the quantity of lightweight
aggregate that are presented in Table 8, show an increase
with concrete density [Sousa Coutinho (1988)]. Results
obtained will permit the use of lightweight aggregate
concrete masonry blocks on single leaf walls without any
other thermal insulation materials, according to what is
required by Portuguese codes [RCCTE (1999)].

CONCLUSIONS
The experimental study undertaken aimed to evaluate
the applicability of a mix design method for lightweight
clay aggregate concretes used to produce lightweight concrete masonry blocks. The research aimed to forecast concrete properties from mix composition and from density.
Table 8. Thermal Conductivity
Dry Bulk
LECA
Mix
Density
Content
Reference
(kg/m3)
(%)
D2B
919
80
D3B
950
70
D4B
1,240
65
D5B
1,209
60
82

Thermal
Conductivity
(W/mC)
0.33
0.44
0.51
0.48

Considering the results obtained, the following conclusions may be drawn:

Faurys reference curve method seems to be adequate for concrete design due to agreement of the
expected and real density. Relationships and influences are found between the density, the LECA
content and some properties of concrete.
The limit values of compressive concrete strength
are 5.13 and 10.7 kN /mm2, related to aggregate
characteristics and cement content. Results show
that, as long as the cement quantity is low, the proportions of lightweight or normal aggregate do not
significantly influence the compressive strength,
which is relatively low. When upper cement percentages are used, the reduction of lightweight
aggregate enhances the compressive strength. The
evolution of compressive strength with age is similar to that for current aggregate concretes.
The absolute value and the evolution of shrinkage
are relevant parameters for masonry materials, as
it may affect wall behavior, if the blocks are sent
to site before the needed cure time. The results obtained are similar to the current values for lightweight products. Shrinkage evolution over time
show that under normal conditions of cure, 75%
to 80% of drying shrinkage has occurred and has
almost stabilized at 60 days.
Results obtained for the thermal conductivity of
the multi-chamber masonry blocks enable their use
on single leaf walls, with economical and technical advantages related to more rapid construction
and less dependent workmanship quality.

TMS Journal December 2005

 Results of this study are likely applicable to other

factories of LECA products.

REFERENCES
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Lau de Gchage ds Btons, in Contribution la Publication de Jubile du Cinquantenaire de la Fondation du Lab.
Fd. Ess. Mat. cole Pol. Fd., Zurich (in French) 1930.
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Fuller, W.B. and Thompson, S.E., The Laws of Proportioning Concrete, Trns. Am. Soc. Civil Eng., New York,
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CEB-FIP Model Code 1990, Comit Euro-International

du Beton, 1991.

Melo, A.F., Caracterizao de Betes Leves VibrocomPrimidos com Agregados de Argila Expandida, M.Sc.
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Crestois, P., Proprits Acoustiques des Betons Lgers,

Granulats et Betons Legers, Bilan de Dix Ans de RecherChes. Presses de lcole Nationale des Ponts et Chausses,
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Moyer, C., Caractristiques Thermiques des Betons Lgers, Granulats et Betons Legers, Bilan de dix ans de recherches, Presses de lcole Nationale des Ponts et Chausses,
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Dreux, G., Composition des Btons Legers, Granulats

et Betons Legers, Bilan de Dix Ans de Recherches. Presses de lcole Nationale des Ponts et Chausses, ed. M.
Arnould, M. Virlogeux, (in French) 1986.

Neville, A. M., Properties of Concrete, Metric edition.

Pitman Paperbacks, 2nd Edition, UK, 1973.

E 227 - LNEC, Beto. Ensaios de flexo, Portuguese

Standard (in Portuguese), 1968.
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de gua por Imerso, Portuguese Standard (in Portuguese) 1993.
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NP 116, Materiais de Construo; Determinao

da Condutibilidade Trmica Pelo Processo da Placa
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TMS Journal December 2005

83

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NOTATIONS
A
B
d1
d2
D
Ec
fc
h

84

= Faury parameter related with the nature and

shape of the aggregate and the vibration energy.
= Faury parameter depending on workability.
= greatest size of the sieve where is a retained
fraction.
= next sieve to d1.
= maximum aggregate size.
= concrete Youngs Modulus, in MN/mm2.
= standard cylinder strength, in kN/mm2.
= height.

= voids index of a compact concrete including

water added.
K
= Faury parameter related with the nature and
shape of the aggregate and the vibration energy.
K
= Faury parameter depending of workability.
l
= length.
m0
= fineness modulus of reference curve.
m1,mn = fineness modulus of aggregates 1, , n.
pla
= percentage of lightweight aggregate.
PD/2
= cumulative percentage passing of material
with size under D/2.
p1, pn = percentage of aggregates 1, , n in the mix.
R
= mould medium radius (quotient of the volume of concrete by the surface of the mould)
related with wall effect.
t
= thickness.
m
= minimum size of cement grains.

= concrete density, in kg/m3.
mean
= a maturity adjustment curve of the average
strength.

TMS Journal December 2005