Comparison of workability and mechanical properties of self-compacting lightweight concrete and normal self-compacting concrete

Workability and mechanical properties of self-compacting lightweight concrete (SCLC) and normal self-compacting concrete (SCC) are compared. Slump flow tests, L-box tests, and test of compressive strength, modulus of elasticity, and concrete density are conducted. SCLC was made using less superplasticizer (SP) and viscosity modifying agent (VMA) and a lower water/binder ratio (w/b) than normal SCC. The bulk density was only 75% of normal SCC but with a similar compressive strength. Slump flow is the horizontal spread of the collapsed slump concrete in both length and width which denotes the flowability of concrete and provides a consistent quick indication of the workability of SCC. It is concluded that SCLC, with similar slump flow to that of SCC, can be mixed using less SP and VMA and a lower w/b to obtain similar flowability to that of SCC at a binder content. SCLC has a higher compressive strength than LC at the same w/b, while the modulus of elasticity for both SCLC and SCC increases with the binder content.