Lightweight Self-consolidating Concrete with Expanded Shale Aggregates: Modelling and Optimization

This paper presents statistical models developed to study the influence of key mix design parameters on the properties of lightweight self-consolidating concrete (LWSCC) with expanded shale (ESH) aggregates. Twenty LWSCC mixtures are designed and tested, where responses (properties) are evaluated to analyze influence of mix design parameters and develop the models. Such responses included slump flow diameter, V-funnel flow time, J-ring flow diameter, J-ring height difference, L-box ratio, filling capacity, sieve segregation, unit weight and compressive strength. The developed models are valid for mixes with 0.30-0.40 water-to-binder ratio, high range water reducing admixture of 0.3-1.2 % (by total content of binder) and total binder content of 410-550 kg/m(3). The models are able to identify the influential mix design parameters and their interactions which can be useful to reduce the test protocol needed for proportioning of LWSCCs. Three industrial class ESH-LWSCC mixtures are developed using statistical models and their performance is validated through test results with good agreement. The developed ESH-LWSCC mixtures are able to satisfy the European EFNARC criteria for self-consolidating concrete.