Energy dissipation capacity of an optimized structural lightweight perlite concrete

The Perlite Light-Weight Concrete (PLWC) provides various advantages compared to normal concrete, such as lower weight and high energy dissipation. However, PLWC has a lower compressive strength and modulus of elasticity than normal concrete; an appropriate mix design can be found for structural engineering. The present study investigates the effects of different components of the PLWC mixture on the target parameters of density, compressive strength, energy dissipation capacity, and energy dissipation rate. The optimal PLWC mixture is identified based on the quality function defined by the target parameters. For this purpose, the Taguchi method is utilized to find the optimal mixture containing ten components in four levels, where the natural aggregate is partially replaced by the expanded Perlite. The effect of each mixture on the compressive strength and energy dissipation capacity of concrete is investigated. The results demonstrate that, however, existing of the expanded Perlite has a negative effect on the compressive strength, it improves the potential of concrete to dissipate energy. Also, expanded Perlite increases the energy dissipation rate of concrete and controls crack propagation. Optimized mixture with bulk density and compressive strength values of 1761 kg/m3 and 21.3 MPa, respectively, shows the higher energy dissipation capacity of 0.1118 J. Finally, new models are proposed to express the compressive behavior of Perlite and its capacity to dissipate energy. The proposed models can significantly predict the energy dissipation capacity and energy dissipation rate of PLWC. Thus, the use of Perlite as a sustainable option is recommended for the production of lightweight and energy-efficient concrete structures.