Estudio exploratorio en diseños de mezclas de concreto liviano para Holcim (Costa Rica) S.A

Abstract

This report presents the results obtained from a research carried out in order to develop lightweight concrete mix designs. During the research, aggregates coming from the Guacalillo Quarry were used, also, tests were made using expanded polystyrene particle foam (EPS), achieving satisfactory results. In addition, other chemical additives, such as Sikalightcrete®, an air-entraining admixture, and Sikament HE 200®, a fluidizer, were used; both were provided by Sika. The results are a concrete foam with a density of 765 kg/m3 and a compressive strength of 1,6 MPa at 28 days using expanded polystyrene and air-entraining admixture; also, a non-structural lightweight concrete with a density of 1581 kg/m3 and compressive strength of 16,1 MPa at 30 days, which is similar to the previous one, but the latter does not use an air-entraining admixture; finally, a low density structural concrete with a density of 2041 kg/m3 and a compressive strength of 35,2 MPa at 28 days, which uses Guacalillo's aggregates and air-entraining admixture. These are the average results of the validation tests performed on each of the mix designs that were selected as satisfactory based on a series of pilot tests.