Investigation of the use of perlite and expanded perlite in buildings from the perspective of energy efficiency

The main objective of this study is to provide more data on the effects of expanded perlite on the mechanical properties and thermal conductivity of lightweight concrete. In the experimental program, mixtures were prepared by partially replacing natural aggregate by expanded perlite and as a result, unit weights of lightweight concretes in fresh state varied between 700 and 2000 kg/m3. Water to cement ratio was kept constant in all mixtures. Compressive strength, water absorption and drying ratio of the mixtures were determined. Thermal conductivity of the specimens was also obtained. Test results show that the compressive strength decreases with increasing in perlite and expanded perlite contents. Water absorption and drying ratio, however, increase with the higher perlite contents. The test results indicate that the thermal conductivity is substantially improved with the use of perlite.