Experimental and Numerical Investigation of Mechanical Properties of Lightweight Concretes (LWCs) with Various Aggregates

High requirements for the properties of construction materials and activities directed at environment protection are reasons to look for new solutions in concrete technology. This research was directed at solutions affecting the reduction of energy consumption and CO(2) emissions. The use of lightweight concretes (LWCs) allows one to meet both conditions at the same time. The purpose of the research presented in this paper was to investigate the abilities of using lightweight aggregates (LWAs) of the following types: 2 and 4 mm granulated expanded glass aggregate (GEGA) as ingredients with excellent insulating properties and 8 mm granulated fly ash aggregate (GAA) as an ingredient with a relatively high resistance to crushing. The influence of the percentage participation of each aggregate in all LWCs was variable and amounted to 0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100%. A series of 15 LWC mixes were prepared for various LWA participations and for a constant water–cement ratio (w/c = 0.5). Concrete tests were carried out for the following criteria: density, porosity, compressive strength, and the modulus of elasticity. In order to fully analyze fracture processes in LWCs with the participation of GEGA and GAA and to assess the correctness of the results obtained during the experiments, numerical models that corresponded to both geometrical and load diagrams of elements under research were created. The numerical analyses of the LWCs were conducted by means of the conventional finite element method (FEM).