Lightweight expanded clay aggregate properties based on laboratory testing

Lightweight expanded clay aggregate (LECA) is a manufactured aggregate with many uses in construction, such as aggregate for the lightweight concrete or like geotechnical fill. The properties of the material may vary depending on the manufacturer or the applications envisaged for the aggregate. This paper makes an analysis of some properties of the LECA 10/20 (grain size between 10 and 20 mm) manufactured in Portugal by Arlita. The weight density of the grain and the aggregate, water absorption, deformability or resistance to shear are studied based on an extensive set of tests carried out in the Laboratorio de Geotecnia of CEDEX in Madrid (Spain). Among other tests, the dimension and dry weight density of more than 1500 grains has been determined. Direct shear tests of 300 mm were made, 6 '' triaxial tests, confined compression tests or water absorption tests over time (keeping samples submerged for more than 18 months) were carried out. Throughout the article, a comparison is made between the results obtained and other results available in the scientific literature. The results obtained from this set of tests are directly applicable to the design of LECA fillings. And a novel model is presented that allows estimating the water absorption of LECA grains over time.

Automated summary

This paper analyzes some properties of the LECA 10/20 manufactured by Arlita in Portugal, studying its weight density, water absorption, deformability, and shear resistance based on extensive tests. Results obtained from this set of tests are directly applicable to the design of LECA fillings, and a novel model is presented to estimate water absorption of LECA grains over time.