Laboratory Investigation of

Lightweight Concrete
Properties
http://www.virginiadot.org/vtrc/main/online_reports/pdf/11-r17.pdf

H. CELIK OZYILDIRIM, Ph.D., P.E.

Principal Research Scientist

Final Report VCTIR 11-R17

VIRGINIA CENTER FOR TRANSPORTATION INNOVATION AND RESEARCH

530 Edgemont Road, Charlottesville, VA 22903-2454
www. VTRC.net
 Standard Title Page - Report on Federally Funded Project
1. Report No.: 2. Government Accession No.: 3. Recipient’s Catalog No.:
FHWA/VCTIR 11-R17

4. Title and Subtitle: 5. Report Date:

Laboratory Investigation of Lightweight Concrete Properties April 2011

6. Performing Organization Code:

7. Author(s): 8. Performing Organization Report No.:

H. Celik Ozyildirim, Ph.D., P.E. VCTIR 11-R17

9. Performing Organization and Address: 10. Work Unit No. (TRAIS):

Virginia Center for Transportation Innovation and Research
530 Edgemont Road 11. Contract or Grant No.:
Charlottesville, VA 22903 92051

12. Sponsoring Agencies’ Name and Address: 13. Type of Report and Period Covered:
Virginia Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration Final
1401 E. Broad Street 400 North 8th Street, Room 750 14. Sponsoring Agency Code:
Richmond, VA 23219 Richmond, VA 23219-4825

15. Supplementary Notes:

16. Abstract:

Lightweight concrete (LWC), with its reduced weight and improved durability, enables longer spans, fewer piers, and
longevity for bridge structures. The current emphasis on upgrading structures makes LWC highly desirable as a construction
material since superstructures with wider shoulders or more lanes can be upgraded without major work on the substructure.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the density (unit weight), splitting tensile strength, and elastic modulus of
LWC mixtures under different curing conditions to achieve a better understanding of the LWC properties that are essential for
long-lasting and cost-effective structures. Further, the study examined the correlation between the results of the rapid chloride
permeability test and the surface resistance test using the Wenner probe to investigate whether the latter could be used to predict
the permeability of LWC mixtures, as it is faster and more convenient. The scope of the study was limited to LWC mixtures
having different lightweight aggregates prepared and tested in the laboratory.

The results indicated that measured densities are different than those calculated from batch weights; curing conditions
affect the splitting tensile strength and elastic modulus values; and the correlation between the results of the rapid chloride
permeability test and the surface resistivity test for a given lightweight aggregate was good.

The study recommends that fresh concrete densities be used in designing for dead load computations of LWC
structures; that the curing condition be stated for the hardened concrete properties; and that the surface resistivity test be
permitted for screening or acceptance of LWC specimens for permeability after the test is standardized by the American
Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials.

17 Key Words: 18. Distribution Statement:

Lightweight concrete, density, unit weight, curing, splitting No restrictions. This document is available to the public
tensile strength, elastic modulus, resistivity, permeability through NTIS, Springfield, VA 22161.
19. Security Classif. (of this report): 20. Security Classif. (of this page): 21. No. of Pages: 22. Price:
Unclassified Unclassified 19
Form DOT F 1700.7 (8-72) Reproduction of completed page authorized
 FINAL REPORT

LABORATORY INVESTIGATION OF LIGHTWEIGHT CONCRETE PROPERTIES

H. Celik Ozyildirim, Ph.D., P.E.

Principal Research Scientist

In Cooperation with the U.S. Department of Transportation

Federal Highway Administration

Virginia Center for Transportation Innovation and Research

(A partnership of the Virginia Department of Transportation
and the University of Virginia since 1948)

Charlottesville, Virginia

April 2011
VCTIR 11-R17
 DISCLAIMER

The contents of this report reflect the views of the author, who is responsible for the facts
and the accuracy of the data presented herein. The contents do not necessarily reflect the official
views or policies of the Virginia Department of Transportation, the Commonwealth
Transportation Board, or the Federal Highway Administration. This report does not constitute a
standard, specification, or regulation. Any inclusion of manufacturer names, trade names, or
trademarks is for identification purposes only and is not to be considered an endorsement.

Copyright 2011 by the Commonwealth of Virginia.

All rights reserved.

ii
 ABSTRACT

Lightweight concrete (LWC), with its reduced weight and improved durability, enables
longer spans, fewer piers, and longevity for bridge structures. The current emphasis on
upgrading structures makes LWC highly desirable as a construction material since
superstructures with wider shoulders or more lanes can be upgraded without major work on the
substructure.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the density (unit weight), splitting tensile
strength, and elastic modulus of LWC mixtures under different curing conditions to achieve a
better understanding of the LWC properties that are essential for long-lasting and cost-effective
structures. Further, the study examined the correlation between the results of the rapid chloride
permeability test and the surface resistance test using the Wenner probe to investigate whether
the latter could be used to predict the permeability of LWC mixtures, as it is faster and more
convenient. The scope of the study was limited to LWC mixtures having different lightweight
aggregates prepared and tested in the laboratory.

The results indicated that measured densities are different than those calculated from
batch weights; curing conditions affect the splitting tensile strength and elastic modulus values;
and the correlation between the results of the rapid chloride permeability test and the surface
resistivity test for a given lightweight aggregate was good.

The study recommends that fresh concrete densities be used in designing for dead load
computations of LWC structures; that the curing condition be stated for the hardened concrete
properties; and that the surface resistivity test be permitted for screening or acceptance of LWC
specimens for permeability after the test is standardized by the American Association of State
Highway and Transportation Officials.

iii
 FINAL REPORT

LABORATORY INVESTIGATION OF LIGHTWEIGHT CONCRETE PROPERTIES

H. Celik Ozyildirim, Ph.D., P.E.

Principal Research Scientist

INTRODUCTION

Lightweight concrete (LWC) has been used for more than 2,000 years (ACI 213R)
(American Concrete Institute [ACI], 2003). Early notable LWC structures include the Port of
Cosa, the Pantheon Dome, and the Coliseum. In modern times, structural LWC structures are
widely used but to a much lesser extent than normal weight concrete. With the current emphasis
on upgrading structures, LWC will be very beneficial since it provides improvements in the
superstructure such as wider shoulders and more lanes without the necessity of any major
improvements to the substructure. LWC can also provide longer life with low maintenance.
There are many examples of the successful use of LWC in and outside the United States
(Fidjestol, 2003; Ramirez et al., 2000).

ACI defines structural LWC as structural concrete made with low-density aggregate that
has an air-dry density of not more than 115 lb/ft3 and a 28-day compressive strength of more than
2,500 psi (ACI 116R) (ACI, 2000). Air-dry density is referred to as equilibrium density. It is
defined by ASTM International (ASTM) in ASTM C567 (ASTM, 2005) as the density reached
after exposure to a relative humidity of 50 ± 5% and a temperature of 73.5 ± 3.5 ºF for a period
of time sufficient to reach constant mass. The fresh concrete density is determined by dividing
the weight of the fresh concrete by the volume and is the practical value measured during
placement. The density of LWC at the fresh state is usually considered to be less than 120 lb/ft3.
In design, the equilibrium density is generally used. ASTM C567 provides procedures to
determine the equilibrium densities of LWC from calculated or measured values. To calculate
equilibrium density, a fixed quantity is added to either the calculated oven-dry density or the
measured oven-dry density. To calculate the oven-dry density, both the dry mixture quantities
and the volume of concrete produced are needed. Oven-dry density is measured from actual
cylinders by obtaining oven-dry weights and volumes of the specimens. The equilibrium density
can also be measured from actual cylinders by dividing the weight of the conditioned specimen
by the volume (ASTM C567).

With regard to the properties of LWC and normal weight concrete, the former has a lower
modulus of elasticity; a more continuous contact zone between the aggregate and the paste; a
better compatibility between the elastic moduli of the aggregate and the paste; and more moisture
in the pores of aggregates for continued internal moist curing (Holm and Ries, 2006). These
improvements lead to lower permeability and less cracking in the concrete and are highly
desirable in bridge decks (Neville, 1995). Further, normal weight concrete weighs about 150
lb/ft3, leading to significant dead load that results in stresses higher than those with an LWC for
the same external loading. The low modulus is desirable for minimizing cracks in decks;
however, it can increase the prestress losses and deflections in the members. The splitting tensile
strength of LWC varies from approximately 70% to 100% compared to normal weight reference
concrete at equal compressive strength (ACI 213R) (ACI, 2003).

The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) has been successfully using LWC in
bridge structures since 1959, mainly in deck-widening projects. In the late 1990s, studies with
high-performance LWCs (HPLWC) were conducted that led to the construction in 2001 of the
first HPLWC bridge structure in Virginia: the Route 106 Bridge over the Chickahominy River
near Richmond (Ozyildirim and Gomez, 2005). Then, VDOT completed two long bridges on
Route 33 near West Point, with long spans containing HPLWC bulb-T beams and deck
(Ozyildirim, 2009). HPLWC was chosen because of poor soil conditions.

One of the Route 33 bridges is over the Mattaponi River. It is 3,454 ft long, with 2,195 ft
of its length constructed with HPLWC. HPLWC was used in the longer spans of 145 ft, 200 ft,
and 240 ft. The latter two spans were constructed using 160-ft-long drop-in beams spliced to
haunched girder segments over the piers with post-tensioning. For the beams, the specifications
required a minimum compressive strength of 8,000 psi and a maximum permeability of 1500
coulombs. Permeability is determined by the rapid chloride permeability (RCP) test performed
in accordance with Virginia Test Method 112 (VTM 112) (VDOT, 2007), which is based on
ASTM C1202 (ASTM, 2007). VTM 112 includes accelerated wet curing; 1 week at room
temperature and 3 weeks in a 100 ºF water bath. The other Route 33 Bridge is over the
Pamunkey River. It is 5,354 ft long, with 2,169 ft being HPLWC with span lengths of 136 ft 4
in, 200 ft, and 240 ft. Again, the latter two spans were constructed using drop-in beams spliced
to haunched girder segments over the piers. The deck on the HPLWC beams in both bridges is
also constructed with HPLWC, with the specifications requiring a minimum compressive
strength of 5,000 psi and a maximum permeability of 2500 coulombs. During testing of the
LWC for the bridges, the splitting tensile strength and the elastic modulus of the LWCs were
found to be related to the curing condition and the moisture state of LWC (Ozyildirim, 2009).

The RCP test takes a couple of days to conduct: Samples are conditioned in the vacuum
chamber with epoxy or duct tape around the sides and kept in water overnight. The following
day, the samples are subjected to 60 V DC for 6 hours while attached to two cells at the end, each
containing a different ionic solution. However, there is an easier test that uses a surface
resistivity (SR) meter with a Wenner four-point probe (hereinafter called the SR test) (Kessler et
al., 2008). In this test, the Wenner probe is touched perpendicular to the concrete at 90 degrees
around the circumference, and the resistivity value recorded. This test takes only a few minutes.
The results of the two tests have been shown to have a good correlation (Kessler et al., 2008).
The Florida Department of Transportation (2004) has adopted the SR test to predict the
permeability of concretes. An American Association of State Highway and Transportation
Officials (AASHTO) task group that includes representatives from VDOT is working on
standardizing the SR test (AASHTO, 2008). This task group addresses concretes with normal
weight aggregates. It is also desirable to evaluate the test with LWCs because of differences in
the conductivity of the aggregates.

2
 For cost-effective structures with an appropriate factor of safety, it is desirable to have a
better understanding of (1) the relationship between the oven-dry, fresh, and equilibrium
densities of LWC; (2) the relationship between LWC moisture condition and the splitting tensile
strength or the elastic modulus; and (3) if the SR test is a convenient and rapid method of
determining permeability.

PURPOSE AND SCOPE

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the density (unit weight), splitting tensile
strength, and elastic modulus of LWC mixtures under different curing conditions to achieve a
better understanding of the LWC properties that are essential for long-lasting and cost-effective
structures. Further, the study examined the correlation between rapid chloride permeability and
surface resistance to investigate whether the latter could be used to predict the permeability of
LWC mixtures, as the SR test is faster and more convenient.

The scope of the study was limited to LWC mixtures having different lightweight
aggregates prepared and tested in the laboratory.

METHODS

To achieve the study objectives, two tasks were carried out.

1. Fresh and hardened concrete properties of LWC mixtures under different states of
moisture with lightweight aggregates from six different sources were determined.

2. The correlation between RCP and SR was ascertained to determine if the SR test
could be used to predict permeability, as it is a faster and easier test.

Determination of Concrete Properties

Mixtures

Mixtures containing lightweight aggregates with a nominal maximum size of ½ in from

six different sources were prepared. The six types of aggregates had different absorption
characteristics and composition that could affect the density, splitting tensile strength, elastic
modulus, and electrical conductivity used to indicate permeability. The properties of the six
coarse aggregates provided by the manufacturer are given in Table 1 (Stone, 2009).

From the six aggregate sources, 14 batches of concrete were prepared (Table 2). Two
additional batches were made with aggregate from only the North Carolina source to determine
the correlation between RCP and SR.

3
 Table 1. Coarse Aggregate Properties Provided by Manufacturer
Coarse Aggregate Plant Aggregate Absorption Specific Bulk Loose Unit
Source Location Type (%) Gravity Weight (lb/ft3)
Colorado Boulder Shale 22 1.73 50.1
Indiana Brooklyn Shale 10 1.20 N/A
North Carolina Gold Hill Slate 6 1.52 46
New York Mt. Marion Shale N/A N/A N/A
California Frazier Park Clay 21.8 1.75 46.5
Louisiana Erwinville Clay N/A N/A 34-37

The 14 batches were prepared at three water–cementitious material ratios (w/cms): 0.43,
0.39, and 0.35 (Table 2). The w/cm of 0.43 is considered for bridge deck concrete having a
minimum compressive strength of 4,000 psi. The mixtures with a w/cm of 0.43 were designed to
provide an air content of 6% and a density of 118 lb/ft3.

The w/cm of 0.35 is for beams with a minimum compressive strength of 8,000 psi. At
the 0.35 w/cm level, the mixture was designed for an air content of 5% and a density of 121
lb/ft3.

The mixture with a w/cm of 0.39 was tested as a middle point with a minimum
compressive strength of 6,000 psi, an air content of 5.5%, and a density of 120 lb/ft3.

Table 2. Mixture Proportions (lb/yd3)

Batch CA Portland Slag Fly
No. Source w/cm Cement Cement Ash CA FA Water
1 Colorado 0.43 395 263 --- 1164 1085 280
2 Indiana 0.43 395 263 --- 504 1745 280
3 North 0.43 395 263 --- 826 1423 280
Carolina
4 North 0.35 480 320 --- 804 1383 280
Carolina
5 New York 0.43 395 263 --- 866 1383 280
6 New York 0.35 480 320 --- 842 1346 280
7 California 0.43 395 263 --- 1206 1042 280
8 Louisiana 0.43 395 263 --- 544 1705 280
9 North 0.39 420 280 --- 848 1423 270
Carolina
10 Louisiana 0.39 420 280 --- 566 1705 270
11 Indiana 0.39 420 280 --- 526 1745 270
12 New York 0.39 420 280 --- 888 1383 270
13 California 0.39 420 280 --- 1228 1042 270
14 Colorado 0.39 420 280 --- 1184 1085 270
Additional Batches for Permeability Study
15 North 0.40 420 0 180 830 1517 240
Carolina
16 North 0.40 300 300 0 900 1442 240
Carolina
CA = coarse aggregate; w/cm = water–cementitious material ratio; FA = fine aggregate.

4
 The mixture proportions are given in Table 2. The cementitious materials were portland
cement and slag cement, which is a ground-granulated blast furnace slag. The fine aggregate was
locally available natural sand. The two additional mixtures for the permeability study had a
w/cm of 0.40. One of the batches contained Class F fly ash, and the other slag cement.

Tests for Concrete Properties

For the first 14 batches shown in Table 2, cylinders measuring 4 by 8 in were prepared
and tested at the fresh and hardened states. The fresh concrete tests were density (ASTM C138),
air content by the volumetric method (ASTM C173), and slump (ASTM C143). The density was
measured at the fresh state (ASTM C138), measured and calculated at the oven-dry and
equilibrium states (ASTM C567) (ASTM, 2005).

In the hardened state, 27 cylinders were cast from each batch, as indicated in Table 3.
Concretes were tested for compressive strength (ASTM C39), splitting tensile strength (ASTM
C496), elastic modulus (ASTM C469), and permeability using the RCP and SR tests. The same
cylinder was tested for elastic modulus and then for compressive strength.

As described previously, the RCP test was conducted in accordance with VTM 112
(VDOT, 2007). The same specimen was first subjected to the SR test and then to the RCP test.
The various curing conditions affecting the state of moisture of LWC are summarized in Table 3
and included steam curing, moist curing, outdoors exposure, and a combination of the three.

The last two batches in Table 2 were tested for compressive strength at 28 days and for
RCP and SR. Two cylinders were tested for an average value.

Table 3. Test Specimens and Curing Methods

Compressive
Strength
Curing Age Splitting Tensile and Elastic RCP and
Method (days) Strength Modulus SR Density
16 hours steam 1 Z (1) X (1) Z (1) ---
16 hours steam + 27 days lab air 28 X (3) X (2) Z (1) ---
16 hours steam + 27 days moist 28 X (3) X (2) Z (1) ---
28 days moist 28 X (3) X (2) --- ---
90 days moist 90 Y (2) Y (2) --- ---
16 hours steam + 6 days lab air + 83 days 90 Y (3) Y (2) --- ---
outside
16 hours steam + 27 days moist + 60 90 Z (3) Z (2) --- ---
days outside
Moist 1 wk 73 °F + 3 wk 100 °F 28 --- --- X (1) ---
ASTM C567 --- --- --- --- X (1)
RCP = rapid chloride permeability; SR = surface resistivity; X = Batches 1-14; Y = Batches 1-8; Z = Batches 9-14.
Numbers in parentheses indicate the number of cylinders tested to obtain the average value.

5
 Determination of Correlation Between Rapid Chloride Permeability and Surface
Resistivity

As stated previously, two batches were made with aggregate from one source to evaluate
the correlation between RCP and SR. The same cylinder was tested first with the SR test and
then with the RCP test.

The values from the RCP test and the SR test for each sample were plotted, and the trend
line (a straight line that best represents the data) was determined. The R2 value and the equation
for the trend line were calculated.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Concrete Properties

Fresh Concrete Properties

For the 14 batches, the fresh concrete properties given in Table 4 indicate workable
concretes with air contents ranging from 3.5% to 8%. Fresh concrete densities ranged from
116.8 to 123.6 lb/ft3 as shown in Table 4. The measured oven-dry densities (Om) ranged from
105.5 to 120.7 lb/ft3, and the measured equilibrium densities (Em) ranged from 111.9 to 126.4
lb/ft3, as shown in Table 5.

The equilibrium density was higher than the fresh concrete density in few of the samples,
which was contrary to the expected result. This anomaly was attributed to the difference in the
sampling and the preparation of the samples using the 0.3-ft3 bowl of the volumetric meter for
Table 4. Fresh Concrete Properties
Batch Slump Density
Number w/cm Air (%) (in) (lb/ft3)
1 0.43 5.50 3.8 119.2
2 0.43 8.00 2.3 118.8
3 0.43 3.50 2.8 121.2
4 0.35 7.00 6.0 117.2
5 0.43 7.75 5.0 120.4
6 0.35 6.25 6.0 123.6
7 0.43 6.00 2.0 117.6
8 0.43 7.75 2.3 116.8
9 0.39 4.75 2.8 119.2
10 0.39 5.75 5.3 118.0
11 0.39 6.50 4.3 118.0
12 0.39 5.00 5.0 122.8
13 0.39 6.50 2.0 116.8
14 0.39 - 4.3 118.8
w/cm = water–cementitious material ratio.

6
 Table 5. Fresh, Oven-dry, and Equilibrium Densities
Mix Fresh Ec (lb/ft3) Ec (lb/ft3)
3 3 3 3
No. Density (lb/ft ) Oc (lb/ft ) Om (lb/ft ) Em (lb/ft ) Ec = Oc + 3 Ec = Om + 3
1 119.2 101.1 107.8 114.7 104.1 110.8
2 118.8 105.0 113.6 117.7 108.0 116.6
3 121.2 106.0 115.6 119.7 109.0 118.6
4 117.2 110.2 112.0 116.4 113.2 115.0
5 120.4 105.0 114.3 120.3 108.0 117.3
6 123.6 109.2 120.7 126.4 112.2 123.7
7 117.6 104.9 114.7 120.6 107.9 117.7
8 116.8 103.2 105.8 113.7 106.2 108.8
9 119.2 108.6 113.6 118.4 111.6 116.6
10 118.0 107.6 111.0 116.2 110.6 114.0
11 118.0 107.6 114.0 119.2 110.6 117.0
12 122.8 107.6 115.5 120.8 110.6 118.5
13 116.8 103.5 106.6 112.8 106.5 109.6
14 118.8 103.6 105.5 111.9 106.6 108.5
Oc = calculated oven-dry density, Om = measured oven-dry density; Em = measured equilibrium density; Ec =
calculated equilibrium density.

the fresh density and the 4 by 8 in cylinders for the equilibrium density. Another factor that
affected the oven-dry density measurements is the use of the 0.5% change in mass to terminate
the measurements; oven drying ended when the change of mass was not more than 0.5%. It took
2 to 6 months to dry the samples. A smaller value for the change in mass may be needed to
obtain meaningful results.

ASTM C567 (ASTM, 2005) calculates oven-dry density based on the mixture quantities,
aggregate moisture contents, and the concrete batch volume. The data collected from the 14
batches indicate a fair correlation between measurements of actual samples and calculations of
the oven-dry density from the mixture information, as indicated by the R2 value of 0.44 shown in
Table 6. The measured equilibrium density did not correlate well with the calculated equilibrium
density; R2 was 0.33. However, the measured equilibrium density was highly correlated with that
calculated from the measured oven-dry density as shown in Table 6 and Figure 1; R2 was 0.95.
Thus, densities calculated using the mass of ingredients from mixture designs did not correlate
well with the equilibrium density measured from actual concrete samples. The data suggest fair
correlations between fresh density and measured equilibrium density, as shown in Table 6; R2
was 0.53. The fresh density was typically greater than the equilibrium density, which occurs
because of moisture loss in exposed concrete (Holm and Ries, 2006).

Table 6. Regression Analysis for Densities

x y R2 Standard Error
Oc Om 0.44 3.420
Om Fresh density 0.49 1.583
Oc Em 0.33 3.294
Em Fresh density 0.53 1.516
Em Ec (using Om) 0.95 1.047
Em Ec (using Oc) 0.33 2.238
Oc = calculated oven-dry density, Om = measured oven-dry density; Em = measured equilibrium
density; Ec = calculated equilibrium density.

7
 126.0

124.0
y = 1.11x - 15.7
122.0
R2 = 0.95
120.0

118.0
Ec (lb/ft )
3

116.0

114.0

112.0

110.0

108.0

106.0
110.0 112.0 114.0 116.0 118.0 120.0 122.0 124.0 126.0 128.0

3
Em (lb/ft )
Figure 1. Measured Equilibrium Density (Em) Versus Calculated Equilibrium Density (Ec = Om + 3 lb/ft3
where Om = measured oven-dry density)

Hardened Concrete Properties

Strength and Elastic Modulus

The compressive strengths are given in Table 7, the elastic moduli in Table 8, and the
splitting tensile strengths in Table 9. The relationships between strength and elastic modulus for
different curing conditions were analyzed statistically using the paired t-test and are presented in
Table 10. The highest 28-day compressive strengths were achieved by specimens that were
moist cured followed by those subjected to steam plus air; the differences in averages were not
found to be significant. However, the differences in the average compressive strength between
the specimens with the lowest average, i.e., steam plus moist-cured specimens, and the other two,
i.e., exposed to moist environment or steam plus air, were significant.

For splitting tensile strength at 28 days, the same trend as with the compressive strength
was observed. The moist-cured specimens had the highest average followed by the steam-cured
specimens. There was no statistical difference between the steam-cured specimens exposed to
air or moist curing; however, between these and the moist-cured specimens there was a statistical
difference. The elastic modulus results at 28 days indicated that the highest value was attained
when the specimen was exposed to steam and moist curing, closely followed by the moist-cured
specimens. The difference was not significant; but the difference between these and the
specimens exposed to steam plus air was significant.

Cylinders that were steam cured for 90 days (16 hours, air cured for 6 days, and then
placed outside for 83 days) had lower compressive strength and elastic modulus values when

8
compared to cylinders moist cured for 90 days. The differences in compressive strengths and
elastic moduli were significant.

The data show that when there is no statistically significant difference in compressive
strength, there is a significant difference in splitting tensile strength and elastic modulus as
indicated in Table 11.

Table 7. Compressive Strength (psi)

Mix Curing Methoda
No. w/cm A B C D E F G
1 0.43 3580 5090 4720 4920 5890 5960 ---
2 0.43 4120 5360 5120 6080 6510 5790 ---
3 0.43 4060 5810 5690 6940 7690 6430 ---
4 0.35 3980 5490 5140 7120 7650 6240 ---
5 0.43 4300 5970 5240 3600 7070 6400 ---
6 0.35 6090 7630 7310 7830 9110 8080 ---
7 0.43 4180 5150 4900 5710 6485 5630 ---
8 0.43 3000 4080 3900 4260 5040 4180 ---
9 0.39 4730 6670 6555 7170 --- --- 7450
10 0.39 4770 6090 5870 6070 --- --- 6230
11 0.39 4360 5070 5190 5990 --- --- 5630
12 0.39 5090 6690 6380 7320 --- --- 7280
13 0.39 3500 4540 4380 4570 --- --- 4910
14 0.39 3460 5790 5460 5630 --- --- 5990
w/cm = water–cementitious material ratio.
a
A = 16-hr steam; B = 16-hr steam / 27-day air; C = 16-hr steam / 27-day moist; D = 28-day moist; E = 90-day
moist; F = 16-hr steam / 6-day air / 83-day outside; G = 16-hr steam / 27-day moist / 60-day outside.

Table 8. Elastic Modulus (106 psi)

Mix Curing Methoda
No. A B C D E F G
1 2.43 2.63 2.81 2.47 3.22 3.00 ---
2 2.67 2.62 2.81 2.47 4.18 3.32 ---
3 3.01 3.29 3.78 3.92 4.42 3.82 ---
4 3.02 3.01 3.02 3.07 3.99 3.43 ---
5 3.69 2.99 3.23 3.40 3.78 3.52 ---
6 2.92 3.44 3.61 3.99 5.18 3.94 ---
7 2.94 2.93 3.13 3.26 4.49 3.46 ---
8 1.88 2.08 2.35 2.33 3.03 2.36 ---
9 3.75 3.31 3.95 4.10 --- --- 3.66
10 3.16 3.18 3.43 3.52 --- --- 3.21
11 3.01 2.62 2.81 2.47 --- --- 3.14
12 3.36 3.49 3.86 3.58 --- --- 3.66
13 2.06 2.37 2.52 2.64 --- --- 2.35
14 2.62 2.86 3.03 2.78 --- --- 2.61
a
A = 16-hr steam; B = 16-hr steam / 27-day air; C = 16-hr steam / 27-day moist; D = 28-day moist; E = 90-day
moist; F = 16-hr steam / 6-day air / 83-day outside; G = 16-hr steam / 27-day moist / 60-day outside.

9
 Table 9. Splitting Tensile Strength (psi)
Mix Curing Methoda
No. A B C D E F G
1 --- 565 555 535 570 570 ---
2 --- 560 500 540 630 535 ---
3 --- 610 600 625 705 645 ---
4 --- 570 545 635 650 590 ---
5 --- 585 560 660 605 590 ---
6 --- 655 660 665 755 645 ---
7 --- 535 540 530 580 570 ---
8 --- 440 435 480 545 445 ---
9 595 605 575 605 --- --- 635
10 455 550 535 555 --- --- 550
11 435 515 550 590 --- --- 615
12 510 625 615 670 --- --- 605
13 385 460 500 515 --- --- 495
14 425 525 515 590 --- --- 535
a
A = 16-hr steam; B = 16-hr steam / 27-day air; C = 16-hr steam / 27-day moist; D = 28-day moist; E = 90-day
moist; F = 16-hr steam /6-day air /83-day outside; G = 16-hr steam / 27-day moist / 60-day outside.

Table 10. Paired t-Test Results for Different Curing Methods

Variable 1 Variable 2 Significant
Property Curea Avg. Curea Avg. df u │Xd│ Difference?
Compressive Strength B 5674 C 5418 13 108.0 255.4 Yes
(psi) B 5674 D 5944 13 530.6 270.0 No
C 5418 D 5944 13 462.2 525.4 Yes
Elastic Modulus (106 psi) B 2.92 C 3.17 13 0.091 0.251 Yes
B 2.92 D 3.14 13 0.177 0.227 Yes
C 3.17 D 3.14 13 0.137 0.024 No
Splitting Tensile Strength B 557 C 549 13 14.6 8.2 No
(psi) B 557 D 585 13 20.8 28.2 Yes
C 549 D 585 13 20.3 36.4 Yes
Compressive Strength (psi) E 6931 F 6088 7 375.2 842.9 Yes
Elastic Modulus (106 psi) E 4.03 F 3.36 7 0.298 0.678 Yes
df = degrees of freedom; u = t1 - α sd / sqrt(n) where α = significance level of test, n = number of tests, and sd=standard
deviation; Xd = average of differences.
a
B = 16-hr steam / 27-day air; C = 16-hr steam / 27-day moist; D = 28-day moist; E = 90-day moist; F = 16-hr steam
/ 6-day air / 83-day outside.

Table 11. Summary of Significant Differences From Paired t-Test

Curing Methoda Compressive Strength Splitting Tensile Strength Elastic Modulus
B compared to C Yes No Yes
B compared to D No Yes Yes
C compared to D Yes Yes No
a
B = 16-hr steam / 27-day air; C = 16-hr steam / 27-day moist; D = 28-day moist.

Rapid Chloride Permeability and Surface Resistivity

The permeability results for the 14 batches are summarized in Table 12 and plotted in
Figure 2. Figure 2 shows the high variability and low correlation between RCP and SR, which
was attributed mainly to the different aggregate sources. The plot also includes the best-fit

10
equation provided by a Florida study (Kessler et al., 2008). The values were mainly on one side
of the Florida curve.

Table 12. Rapid Chloride Permeability and Surface Resistivity

Mix Curing Permeability Surface Resistivity
No. Cylinder No. Methoda (coulombs) (kOhm-cm)
1 1290 A 1443 21.9
2 1317 A 1160 21.9
5 1710 A 1463 24.4
6 1738 A 1329 23.5
7 1810 A 1469 21.6
8 1837 A 1205 21.1
9 2637 B 3858 19.0
2659 C 1887 56.0
2660 D 1256 40.1
2661 A 1079 48.8
10 2665 B 3619 15.3
2686 C 1809 45.3
2687 D 1569 31.2
2688 A 1282 41.1
11 2692 B 4471 13.8
2713 C 2504 41.6
2714 D 1884 28.1
2715 A 1351 37.9
12 2748 B 4095 ----
2769 C 1810 47.5
2770 D 1405 30.9
2771 A 1205 33.5
13 2775 B 3590 ----
2796 C 1778 56.2
2797 D 1398 37.1
2798 A 1103 37.4
14 2803 B 4156 ----
2824 C 2168 39.8
2825 D 1737 22.5
2826 A 1458 23.9
a
A = moist accelerated cure (1 wk at room temperature, 3 wks at 100°F); B = 16-hr steam; C = 16-hr steam / 27-day
air; D = 16-hr steam / 27-day moist.

Correlation Between Rapid Chloride Permeability and Surface Resistivity

As discussed previously, two additional batches (see Table 13) with lightweight coarse
aggregate from a single source, North Carolina, were cured differently to achieve a variation in
permeability values and were tested for RCP and SR. The 28-day compressive strength of the
mixture with fly ash was 5,190 psi, and that of the mixture with slag cement was 7,460 psi. The
RCP and SR values are shown in Figure 3; as may be seen, the correlation was high (R2 = 0.97).
Again, the values were on one side of the curve developed in the Florida study (Kessler et al.,

11
2008). As displayed in Figure 2, there is a wide scatter in data obtained from different aggregate
sources and the values are different from those in the Florida study. This indicates the influence
of aggregates from different sources on the results.

Table 13. Permeability Data From the Two Batches

Concrete with Fly Ash Concrete with Slag Cement
Curing Age RCP SR RCP SR
Condition (days) (coulombs) (kOhm-cm) (coulombs) (kOhm-cm)
Moist cure (MC) 28 2912 15.14 1353 30.31
MC 1 wk 73 °F + 3 wk 100 °F 28 298 70.01 614 41.59
MC 2 wk 73 °F + 2 wk 100 °F 28 548 50.62 688 39.42
MC 3 wk 73 °F + 1 wk 100 °F 28 1190 25.74 960 30.29
MC 36 2187 18.80 ---- ----
RCP = rapid chloride permeability; SR = surface resistivity.

100
SR (KOhm-cm)

y = 134.3x -0.2084
R2 = 0.0336
y = 5801.2x -0.819
Florida Study

10
100 1000 10000
RCP (coulombs)
Figure 2. Rapid Chloride Permeability (RCP) Versus Surface Resistivity (SR) for Initial 14 Batches.
The best fit (trend line) from the Florida study (Kessler et al., 2008) is also displayed.

12
 100

y = 3052x -0.6622
SR (KOhm-cm)

R2 = 0.9743

y = 5801.2x -0.819
Florida Study

10
100 1000 10000
RCP (coulombs)

Figure 3. Correlation Between Rapid Chloride Permeability (RCP) and Surface Resistivity (SR) for the Two
Batches

CONCLUSIONS

• The measured equilibrium density from LWC cylinders did not correlate well with the
calculated equilibrium density from the mixture input.

• The correlation between the fresh density and measured equilibrium density of the LWC was
fair (R2 = 0.53).

• Compressive strength was highest for moist-cured LWC specimens followed by those
exposed to steam and air. When there was no significant difference in the compressive
strength of specimens subjected to different curing conditions, there was a significant
difference in splitting tensile strength and elastic modulus.

• The LWCs had a higher elastic modulus when moist cured versus being exposed to steam
and air.

• For a given lightweight aggregate source, a satisfactory correlation was found between rapid
chloride permeability and surface resistivity (R2 = 0.97).

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 RECOMMENDATIONS

1. VDOT’s Materials Division and Structure and Bridge Division should specify and use fresh
concrete density rather than the equilibrium density for dead load computations during the
design of LWC. Fresh concrete density is required for acceptance testing during placement.
It is much easier to determine, correlates with the equilibrium density, and is conservative
when design dead loads are computed.

2. VDOT’s Materials Division and Structure and Bridge Division should specify the curing
condition for specimens used to determine the compressive strength, splitting tensile
strength, and elastic modulus of LWC since for a given compressive strength, splitting tensile
and elastic modulus values are dependent on the curing conditions.

3. VDOT’s Materials Division and Structure and Bridge Division should use the SR value in
screening or accepting LWC for permeability after AASHTO adopts its use. The correlation
between SR and RCP was very good for a given source of material, and the SR test is much
easier and faster.

BENEFITS AND IMPLEMENTATION PROSPECTS

Understanding the density, splitting tensile strength, and elastic modulus for different
curing conditions for LWC would permit more accurate design assumptions. A better
understanding of the properties will allow for maximizing material properties and ensuring a
consistent safety factor. Determining permeability through the use of the SR test would enable a
large number of tests in a short period of time. This would yield better control of permeability,
which is essential for longevity. The knowledge acquired would lead to optimum designs that
will be cost-effective because of longer life and minimal interruption to the traveling public.
Another advantage of using LWC is the reduced weight, which allows widening of bridges
without having to reinforce or add substructure elements such as piles, which reduces both the
cost and the environmental impact.

LWC is expected to be durable in bridge decks because of the reduced amount of

cracking attributed to the modulus compatibility between the paste and the lightweight
aggregates and to internal curing. The increased durability of LWC leads to a longer lasting
material that will reduce future maintenance and repair costs, thus enabling the “get-in, get-out,
and stay-out” consistent with the federal goals.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

This study was conducted at the Virginia Center for Transportation Innovation and
Research under funds administered by the Federal Highway Administration. The assistance of

14
Brenton Stone, Mike Burton, Bill Ordel, Andy Mills, and Aaron DuPont in making and testing
the samples is appreciated. Brenton Stone provided generous and valuable assistance in
designing and organizing the mixtures and evaluating the data. Jim Gillespie’s help in the
statistical analyses is appreciated.

REFERENCES

American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, Technology

Implementation Group. Surface Resistivity Test. Washington DC, 2008.

American Concrete Institute. ACI 116R: Cement and Concrete Terminology. Farmington Hills,
MI, 2000.

American Concrete Institute. ACI 213R: Guide for Structural Lightweight-Aggregate Concrete.
Farmington Hills, MI, 2003.

ASTM International. ASTM C567: Determining Density of Structural Lightweight Concrete.

Philadelphia, 2005.

ASTM International. ASTM C1202: Electrical Indication of Concrete’s Ability to Resist

Chloride Ion Penetration. Philadelphia, 2007.

Fidjestol, P. High Performance Lightweight Concrete Bridges: Norwegian Background and

Experience. PCI National Bridge Conference, 3rd International Symposium on High
Performance Concrete, Orlando, FL, 2003.

Florida Department of Transportation. Concrete Resistivity as an Electrical Indicator of Its

Permeability. FDOT FM 5-578. Tallahassee, 2004.

Holm, T.A., and Ries J.P. Lightweight Concrete and Aggregates. STP 169D, Concrete and
Concrete- Making Materials. American Society for Testing and Materials, Philadelphia,
2006, pp. 548-560.

Kessler, R.J., Powers, R.G., Vivas, E., Paredes, M.A., and Virmani Y.P. Surface Resistivity as
an Indicator of Concrete Chloride Penetration Resistance. Concrete Bridge Conference,
St. Louis, Missouri, May 4-7, 2008.

Neville, A.M. Properties of Concrete, 4th Ed. John Wiley & Sons, Inc., New York, 1995.

Ozyildirim, C. Evaluation of Lightweight High Performance Concrete in Bulb-T Beams and

Decks in Two Bridges on Route 33 in Virginia. VTRC 09-R22. Virginia Transportation
Research Council, Charlottesville, 2009.

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Ozyildirim, C., and Gomez, J. First Bridge Structure with Lightweight High-Performance
Concrete Beams and Deck in Virginia. VTRC 06-R12. Virginia Transportation Research
Council, Charlottesville, 2005.

Ramirez, J., Olek, J., Rolle, E., and Malone B. Performance of Bridge Decks and Girders with
Lightweight Aggregate Concrete. FHWA/IN/JTRP-98/17. Federal Highway
Administration, Washington DC, 2000.

Stone, B.A. Mix Design Optimization and Characterization of High-Performance/High-

Strength Lightweight Concrete. University of Virginia, Charlottesville, 2009.

Virginia Department of Transportation, Materials Division. Virginia Test Methods: VTM 112.
Electrical Indication of Concrete’s Ability to Resist Chloride Ion Penetration — (Physical
Lab), Richmond, VA, 2007.

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