Investigation of usability of raw and expanded perlite in lightweight concrete production

In this study, usability of perlite aggregate was researched in production of lightweight concrete. 16 different raw perlite aggregate lightweight concrete were produced with five different sized raw perlite aggregate which is supplied as crushed and sieved. 8 different expanded perlite aggregate lightweight concrete were produced by adding three different expanded perlite aggregate into raw perlite aggregate. 5 different high strength lightweight concrete were produced with use of super plasticizer in mixtures which is at 0, 5, 10 and 15% ratios silica fume replaced and expanded perlite aggregate used. Slump values of fresh concrete were determined. In totally, 117 pieces 100x100x100 mm cubic sample were produced. Unit volume weight, water absorption ratio and compressive strength of hardened concrete sample were determined.Cube compressive strength of concrete ranged from 10 to 86.4 MPa in the study. Unit volume weight of concrete ranged from 1.779 to 2.047 kg/dm3 and water absoption ratios of concrete ranged from 2.6% to 13.2%. It was determined that different aggregate mixtures and use of expanded perlite aggregate is effect on the mechanical and physical properties of lightweight concrete. To increase the compressive strength of concrete was determined with this increase in the curing time and replacement of silica fume.