Expanded perlite additive for modification of properties of cement composites

The article discusses the experience of using expanded perlite in cement composites, the degree of its influence on the properties of the concrete mix and hardened concrete when added in various ways and at different concentrations. A hypothesis has been formulated about the possibility of using a fine fraction of expanded perlite  as an internal cure agent in cement systems in order to reduce shrinkage during hardening of compositions under conditions of low environmental humidity. Experimental dependences of the shrinkage value, compressive and bending strength, crack resistance coefficients are obtained, and the optimal concentration of perlite sand grade M-75 of the EPF group is determined when it is introduced as an additive by weight of the dry mixture.

Author: A.M. Kharitonov,, A.S. Sidorova, D.M. Andreev

Section: Concrete

Keywords: lightweight aggregate, perlite, internal cure, shrinkage