The ASTM C330/C330M-14 standard, developed by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), describes the requirements and defines test methods for lightweight aggregates intended for use in structural concrete, where the main considerations are to reduce the density while maintaining the compressive strength of the concrete.
The procedures covered in this specification are not intended for work control of concrete. This standard covers two general types of lightweight aggregates:
Aggregates are predominantly composed of light-cellular and granular inorganic material. Lightweight aggregates will be tested and should not contain excessive amounts of harmful substances. It should also comply with specified values for organic impurities, aggregate staining, aggregate ignition loss, clay lumps and brittle particles, loose bulk density, compressive strength, drying shrinkage, bursting, and resistance to freezing and thawing.
By definition, structural lightweight concrete contains aggregates that are either all lightweight or a combination of normal weight aggregate. Suitable lightweight aggregates for structural concrete may be natural materials such as pumice or engineered aggregates such as expanded shales, clays, slates and slags. Pre-unsaturated lightweight aggregates that are more porous than normal-weight particles absorb water in the concrete mix. To control settling, lightweight aggregates should be wetted before being used in a mix.
Lightweight aggregates are used to produce lower density concretes, which are advantageous in reducing the self-weight of structures and also have better thermal insulation than normal weight concrete. The lightness of the aggregate is due to the cellular or highly porous microstructure.
Lightweight aggregate concrete is used in industrial and civil construction for insulation, structural insulation and structural load bearing in three aspects. Because of its small structural weight, it is especially applied to high-level and long-span structures.
Our organization also provides standard testing services for lightweight aggregates for structural concrete, within the scope of ASTM C330/C330M-14 standard, with its trained and expert staff and advanced technological equipment, among the numerous test, measurement, analysis and evaluation studies it provides for businesses in various sectors.
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