Processing Lightweight Aggregate to produce Lightweight Concrete

Abstract

AbstractThe modern techniques development used in the production of concrete led to the emergence of types of concrete with different densities compared to normal concrete . This research aimed manufacturing types of lightweight aggregate (coarse and fine) and then the production of lightweight concrete blocks with a good thermal insulation , by using available locally materials . Two types of lightweight aggregate , have been produced by using two methods of manufacturing , first type , where AL-Hadbaa aggregate , produced from Clay , which is on the edge of the Tigris river in Mosul , using 50% Clay and 50% silt , the density obtained about 860 Kg/m3 . The second AL-Rabean aggregate , was the adoption of natural laminated Clay which is located in Nineveh province , in very large quantities , it's mineralization is Montmurlite and kaolinite , density obtained was 750 Kg/m3 , this type did not produce in Iraq and which it's manufactured method simple and economic . The standard tests have been made and were adopted in the production of concrete blocks , lightweight concrete block produced from AL-Hadbaa aggregate , used in bearing walls , have 28 – day compressive strength 15.33 N/mm2 and density about 1770 Kg/m3 .The AL-Rabeaan aggregate used to product concrete block for the purposes of thermal insulation , it's thermal conductivity coefficient was 0.55 W/m.kcal and have a density 1640 Kg/m3 . Keywords : Clay , lightweight aggregate , concrete block