Exploring the Potential of Pumice Stone as Coarse Aggregate: An Experimental Approach to Reduce Concrete Self-Weight

This study examines the utilization of pumice aggregate in lightweight concrete as a means to reduce the high self-weight associated with conventional concrete. The excessive self-weight of traditional concrete poses economic and structural challenges, making it less favourable in certain applications. In order to mitigate dead loads and improve thermal insulation, lightweight concrete with reduced density is employed, achieved through the partial replacement of coarse aggregate with pumice. The research focuses on comparing conventional concrete to lightweight aggregate concrete on the mix ratio of M30 with the addition of poly carboxyl ether. Various percentages of pumice replacement, ranging from 20 to 100%, are investigated. The objective of this investigation is to identify the most effective replacement alternative by evaluating the split tensile and compression strength properties of lightweight aggregate concrete, and subsequently comparing them to those of conventional concrete.