Preparing Lightweight Aggregate for Production Lightweight Insulating Concrete

Abstract

This research dealt with preparing of lightweight aggregate by using local materials for manufacturing lightweight insulating concrete. Two materials were used, the first material was the Clay (Montmorillonite), and the other had ability to makes or leaves cavities or pores when subjects to heating which is Sodium Silicate. The mix of 40 % Montmorillonite and 60 % Sodium silicate burnt between 750- 800 centigrade showed good results in manufacturing lightweight clayey aggregate, the density of lightweight aggregate obtained was approximately (0.38 ) gm/cm3 comparison with density of normal aggregate between ( 2.55 – 2.65 ) gm/cm3 . The lightweight insulating concrete produced by using lightweight clayey aggregate had density about (700) kg/m3 and thermal conductivity about (0.296) watt/m.k .