Internal structure examination of lightweight concrete produced with polymer-coated pumice aggregate

In the construction sector, pumice is observed to be used in both structural and non-structural building elements. In this study, to produce a new kind of concrete, the aggregates are coated with three different polymers (Sonomeric1 : SNMC, KB Pur 214: KBP and Polipol3455: PLP) that have multiple uses. The mineralogical-petrographical features of both polymer-coated and uncoated aggregates were examined, and SEM (Scanning Electron Microscope) and XRD (X-ray Diffraction) analyses were performed. Moreover, in the study, lightweight concrete elements with different dosages (300, 400 and 500) were produced by using polymer-coated and uncoated aggregates; and their internal structure examinations were performed and compressive strength values of 3, 7 and 28 days samples were investigated. As a conclusion; among the aggregate samples, it was determined that PLP-coated aggregates have a more porous structure than the other polymer-coated aggregates and KBP-coated aggregates could be used in lightweight concrete (500 dosage) production. It was also concluded that the compressive strength values of lightweight concrete elements produced with coated samples increased even more. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.