Improving Frost Resistance with Lightweight Aggregate in High-Performance Concrete

Abstract

Concrete mixtures with water-to-cement ratios (w/c) of 0.50, 0.40, and 0.30 were prepared. In the last mixture, 10% and 20% of aggregates were substituted with water-saturated expanded clay. This resulted in the creation of self-cured concrete mixtures. The mechanical properties and frost resistance of these mixtures were discussed concerning the results obtained for concrete without aggregate substitution. It was observed that self-curing can enhance the frost resistance of HPC, even though LWA reduces both flexural and compressive strength.