Work

Effects of Particle Size and Replacement Ratio of Ceramsite on Permeability Characteristics of Lightweight Concrete via Pore Structure and Fractal Approach

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: The variation law and mechanism of the permeability characteristics of coal gangue ceramsite lightweight aggregate concrete (CLAC) remain unclear. Therefore, in this study, the effect of the ceramsite size and replacement ratio on the pore structure characteristics of the CLAC was analyzed by mercury pressure test. Moreover, based on a fractal approach, the relationship between permeability characteristics and pore structure of the CLAC was established. The results indicate that incorporating coal gangue ceramsite effectively decreases the maximum pore size. The fractal dimension increases as the replacement ratio of 20-30 mm and 10-20 mm ceramsite rises, whereas an opposite trend is observed when the content of 5-10 mm ceramsite increases. At moderate replacement levels, the introduction of ceramsite aggregates can reduce the fraction of detrimental pores and promote the formation of harmless and slightly harmful pores; however, at high replacement levels, the fraction of harmful and macropores may increase. Moreover, the fractal dimension is negatively correlated with the permeability grade and residual strength, but positively correlated with the strength degradation rate.

Source: Materials

DOI: 10.3390/ma19112305

Authors: Zhe Liu, Yinshan Xu, Shenghan Zhuang, Jiaolong Ren

Institutions: Southwest Jiaotong University, Shandong University of Technology

Language: English

Topic: Concrete and Cement Materials Research

Subfield: Civil and Structural Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Responsible consumption and production

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,137