Verification of mechanical properties provisions of existing codes for lightweight concrete

The demand for structural lightweight concrete (LWC) in many applications of modern construction is increasing. The use of lightweight aggregate concrete is beneficial in terms of reducing structural dead load, improving sound and thermal insulations, and ease of handling and transportation. A comprehensive literature review on mechanical properties of lightweight concrete including compressive strength, splitting tensile strength, modulus of elasticity and flexural strength is presented. In addition, databases are created for mechanical properties of lightweight concrete in order to lead to changes or acceptance in design codes and standards’ provisions. These data were compared with the American, European, Australian, Japanese and Canadian standards provisions. Results of this study show that existing code provisions are not always conservative for mechanical properties of lightweight concrete. Furthermore, statistical analysis (nonlinear regression) has been performed on the mechanical properties of lightweight concrete and new relationships have been suggested for the mechanical properties of lightweight concrete.