A Study on the Effect of Light Expanded Clay Aggregate in Producing Sustainable Lightweight Self-Compacting Concrete

Light Weight Self Compacting Concrete (LWSCC) combines the benefits of being lightweight and flowable in elements with crowded reinforcing. In this project, Self Compacting Concrete (SCC) is manufactured using LECA (Light Expanded Clay Aggregate) to make the concrete lighter in weight, resulting in Light Weight Self Compacting Concrete (LWSCC). Fine aggregate in Self Compacting Concrete (SCC) is substituted with LECA at 0%, 5%, 10%, and 15% of the volume of fine aggregate. The mix design is created using ENFARC rules and tested for workability requirements. The compressive strength increased with 5% replacement compared to 0% replacement because the spherical shape of LECA aggregates contributed to better self-compaction and hence higher strength. Further replacement resulted in a decrease in strength due to the weaker nature and the inability to obtain water for hydration due to LECA's strong water absorption properties. As a result, replacing fine aggregate in self-compacting concrete with Light Expanded Clay Aggregate (LECA) at a rate of 5% is regarded as optimal.