scope:

Introduction

The objectives of this guide are to provide information and guidelines for designing and using lightweight concrete. By using such guidelines and construction practices, the structures can be designed and performance predicted with the same confidence and reliability as normalweight concrete and other building materials.

This guide covers the unique characteristics and performance of structural lightweight-aggregate (LWA) concrete. General historical information is provided along with detailed information on LWA and proportioning, mixing, and placing of concrete containing these aggregates. The physical properties of the structural LWA, along with design information and applications, are also included.

Structural lightweight concrete has many and varied applications, including multistory building frames and floors, curtain walls, shell roofs, folded plates, bridge decks and girders, prestressed or precast elements of all types, and marine structures. In many cases, the architectural expression of form, combined with functional design, is achieved more readily with structural lightweight concrete than with any other medium. Many architects, engineers, and contractors recognize the inherent economies and advantages offered by this material, as evidenced by the many impressive lightweight concrete structures found throughout the world.

Because much of the properties and performance of lightweight concrete are dependent on the type of LWA used, the ready mix supplier, LWA producer, or both, might be an important source of specific information for attaining the project objectives.