A Review on the Carbonation and Chloride Penetration Resistance of Structural Lightweight Aggregate Concrete

This paper presents a comprehensive review on structural lightweight aggregate concrete (SLWAC) durability. The main transport properties and degradation mechanisms of reinforced concrete are addressed, namely, carbonation and chloride attack. The influence of the main composition parameters, such as type of aggregate, type of binder and water/binder ratio, as well as the influence of cracking, are also analysed. Finally, the current knowledge of SLWAC’s service life prediction is assessed. Although the knowledge of SLWAC’s durability behaviour is still limited, investigation works performed either in laboratory or in real environments indicate that SLWAC can have similar to better durability performance than normal weight concrete, especially when the same strength level is considered. The importance of the quality of the paste over the characteristics of the lightweight aggregates is highlighted. Durability standardization regarding SLWAC is still insufficient and is one of the main gaps of current knowledge. The objective of this review is to foster a better understanding on the durability and service life prediction of SLWAC, contributing to a greater confidence in using this type of concrete.