Title: Permeability of High-Strength Lightweight Concrete

Author(s): Min-Hong Zhang and Odd E. Gjorv

Publication: Materials Journal

Volume: 88

Issue: 5

Appears on pages(s): 463-469

Keywords: chlorides; high-strength concrete; lightweight aggregates; lightweight concretes; permeability; tests; water; Materials Research

DOI: 10.14359/2108

Date: 9/1/1991

Abstract:
Information on the resistance of high-strength lightweight concrete (50 to 100 MPa) to water penetration and accelerated chloride penetration is presented in this paper. Testing techniques are also discussed. The permeability of high-strength lightweight concrete appears to be very low, but it may be higher than that of normal weight concrete at a similar strength level. The permeability of high-strength lightweight concrete appears to be more dependent on the porosity of the mortar matrix than the porosity of the lightweight aggregate. There appears to be an optimum cement content for permeability. A too-high cement content may increase the permeability. No direct relationship between water permeability and electrical conductivity (AASHTO T277 test method) was observed, but a direct relationship between water permeability and accelerated rate of chloride penetration was observed. Hence, accelerated testing of chloride penetration appears to be a more valuable way of testing the permeability than testing the electrical conductivity.