Development of High-Durability Concrete with a Smart Artificial Lightweight Aggregate

Abstract

Micro-crack development associated with the aging of concrete structure may be concerned in terms of decrease in durability. This study developed a smart artificial lightweight aggregate (ALA) capable of preventing micro-cracks by the internal curing with a reactive solution housed in its pore spaces. Water releasing capability of the smart ALA was first examined through laboratory tests that confirmed the improvement of water retaining capability within concrete. It was shown that water diffusion in concrete with the smart ALA was largely delayed leading to a decrease in micro-crack development and increase in compressive strength and improvement of durability indexes such as carbonation depth and air permeability.