Advances in Lightweight Aggregate Concrete

Dear Colleagues,

Lightweight aggregate concrete (LWAC), usually characterized by densities less than 2000 kg/m³ and thermal conductivity coefficients up to 1.0 W/m °C, is a lighter and more energy efficient alternative solution to normal weight concrete. The high potential of LWAC has been recognized, especially when the self-weight is a determinant factor, such as in long-span bridges, shell structures of high slenderness and complicated shapes, skyscrapers, and building rehabilitation. Moreover, LWAC may result in more sustainable solutions due to its better insulating properties, lower transportation requirements, and lower demolition impact.

Although LWAC in buildings dates back to the old Indus Valley and Romans civilizations, it appears with relevance only in the second half of the twentieth century. Since then, LWAC has been subjected to ongoing technologic and scientific developments, especially in the last years with the technological development of high-performance concrete, the research and application of new additives and cementitious materials, the advances in manufacturing new lightweight aggregates (LWA), the growing interest in using lightweight concrete for offshore rigs and the more exigent durability, sustainability and applicability requirements of concrete have all contributed to a new generation of LWAC. This is why research has intensified and new advances in LWAC have been progressively attained.

However, despite research efforts, knowledge is still limited and some topics are the focus of ongoing investigation, such as special LWAC (ultra-high strength, high-performance, self-compacting, fiber-reinforced, incorporation of advanced cementitious materials), LWAC with alternative recycled or more sustainable LWA, durability and service lifetime assessment, structural design, long-term deformation, internal curing, and thermal efficiency of LWAC.

This Special Issue will present some of the latest developments and advances in lightweight aggregate concrete, concerning its technology, production, use, general performance, and new emerging solutions. Original papers dealing with new advances in LWAC are welcome, namely involving manufacture, material properties, mix design, fresh, and hardened behavior of concrete, durability, service life assessment, structural design, testing, modeling, sustainability, repair and maintenance, composite solutions, and new emerging types of LWA and LWAC. The main objective is to present some of the most recent research in the field of LWAC, to foster a better understanding and greater confidence in using LWAC, and highlight the remaining challenges and future perspectives for LWAC

 

Dr. J. Alexandre Bogas
Guest Editor

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