An investigation on the fresh properties of self-compacted lightweight concrete containing expanded polystyrene

This paper presents the fresh properties of structural self-compacted lightweight concrete (SCLC) containing expanded polystyrene (EPS) assessed by means of slump flow, T-50, V-funnel and L-box tests. Fifteen mixes including different water/binder (W/B) ratios. narto-SiO2 contents and EPS percentages (10%, 15%, 22.5% and 30% by volume) were designed. The change in slump flow by hauling time was also evaluated and was predicted with multiple regression equations. The results indicate that mixtures with density higher than 1900 kg/m(3) (up to 22.5% EPS) generally satisfy the self-compactibility criteria of SCLC containing EPS. The nano-SiO2 addition has some negative effects on the fresh self-compacted concrete (SCC), but this is to be less for EPS mixtures. While, the slump flow of SCLC containing EPS decreased up to 6% by reducing the given W/B ratio, T50 and V-funnel times increased in the ranges of 23-29% and 18-48%, respectively. EPS inclusion in SCC shows an increase in the slump flow retention up to 17%. Additionally, by using nonlinear multiple regression, the slump flow with hauling time can be accurately predicted. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.