Study on Effects of Pumice in High Performance Light Weight Concrete by Replacing Coarse Aggregates

Abstract Pumice is a rock particle that was used in this experiment’s concrete, and light weight aggregate is a type of aggregate that is lighter than natural aggregate. The major purpose of the suggested methodology is to use optimization techniques to frame a mathematical model. Structural lightweight concrete is used extensively in the construction sector, particularly in high-rise buildings. Only lightweight aggregates can be used to make it. Pumice is a solid component and a highly porous rock light in nature that can be used as an alternative to coarse aggregate (CA) in concrete and Nano Silica an alternative for cement. This lightweight aggregate, on the other hand, has a higher density than other natural and artificial lightweight aggregates. As a result, the density of concrete made with this lightweight aggregate is relatively high, falling into the semi-lightweight concrete category. According to the latest analysis, to further at the density of an lightweight concrete with high strength, Pumice was partially replaced with a coarse aggregate. In this study, pumice was substituted for CA in percentages of 0%, 20% and 30% by quantity and Nano Silica replaced in 1-3% for different mixes to predict three output parameters such as compressive strength (Mpa), split tensile strength (Mpa), flexural strength (Mpa). The addition of pumice to CA concrete decreases density while also lowering all mechanical properties, according to test results. This is because pumice has a smooth surface texture and has a lower density than CA. On the other hand, lightweight concrete containing more than 20% pumice changes into structural lightweight concrete with excellent strength. Several studies demonstrated an overall gain in strength as well as weight loss. As a result, light-weight concrete is equal to heavy-weight concrete in terms of strength.