Experimental Investigation on LECA as a Substitute Material for Coarse Aggregate in Concrete

Concrete has become the most used material when compared to water in overall world. In current situation, many researchers focus on the alternate materials for aggregates. There are several materials used as substitute material for coarse aggregates (CA), for example, rubber, steel, plastic, recycled aggregates, and lightweight aggregates like pumice, artificial cinders, thermocole beads, etc. In order to reduce the usage of natural aggregate, this paper focused on the replacement of the CA by sustainable, natural lightweight aggregate and which is produced in an artificial manner called light-expanded clay aggregate (LECA). This light-expanded clay aggregate will reduce the usage of natural aggregate; it will reduce the self-weight of the structure, which is a good advantage while going for high-rise structures and earthquake resistance. Further, in this study, we have replaced LECA material as a substitute material for coarse aggregate at 0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, and 30%, respectively. The strength properties like compression, flexure, and tensile are taken, the results show good values, and by the results, it is suggested that 10% of replacement of CA to LECA shown the similar properties of natural concrete. It is recommended to use for non-structural members like paver block, brick, hollow block, etc.