STUDY ON PROPERTIES OF CONCRETE MADE

WITH PERLITE AS FINE AGGREGATE

A PROJECT REPORT
Submitted by

HARI ALWINRAJ J 923319103009

KRISHNA PRIYA K 923319103022

MANEESH M 923319103023

THENMOZHI K 923319103043
in partial fulfillment for the award of the degree

of

BACHELOR OF ENGINEERING

in

CIVIL ENGINEERING

GOVERNMENT COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING,

BODINAYAKKANUR

ANNA UNIVERSITY: CHENNAI 600 025

APRIL/MAY 2023
 ANNA UNIVERSITY : CHENNAI 600 025

BONAFIDE CERTIFICATE

Certified this project report “STUDY ON PROPERTIES OF

CONCRETE MADE WITH PERLITE AS FINE AGGREGATE” is the
bonafide work of “HARIALWINRAJ J (923319103009), KRISHNA
PRIYA K (923319103022) MANEESH M (923319103023),
THENMOZHI K (923319103043)” who carried out the project work under
my supervision.

SIGNATURE SIGNATURE

Dr.D.PADMINI,M.E.,Ph.D., Dr.M.PURUSHOTHAMAN,M.E.,Ph.D.,
HEAD OF THE DEPARTMENT SUPERVISOR
Department of Civil Engineering, Associate Professor (CAS),
Government College of Engineering, Department of Civil Engineering,
Bodinayakanur. Government College of Engineering,
Bodinayakanur.

This report is submitted for the Anna University Examination-

April/May 2023 for CE8811- PROJECT WORK held on
___/___/2023

INTERNAL EXAMINER EXTERNAL EXAMINER

 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

If words are taken from acknowledgment, then let words play the
heralding role of expressing our gratitude to the almighty for providing
us the mental and physical soundness to complete the project.

We have immense pleasure in expressing our sincere thanks and gratitude

to our beloved principal Dr.C.VASANTHANAYAKI,M.E.,Ph.D., for
providing facilities in our campus to do our project.

We are happy to express our gratitude to our beloved prof.

Dr.D.PADMINI,M.E.,Ph.D., Head of the Department of Civil
Engineering, for having provided the necessary facilities for doing the
project.

We wish to express our deep sense of gratitude to our Supervisor

Dr.M.PURUSHOTHAMAN,M.E.,Ph.D., Associate professor (CAS)
department of Civil Engineering, for giving us constant inspiration
through eminent guidance and encouragement to complete this project
successfully.

We express our sincere gratitude to all the faculty members, Department

of Civil Engineering, for their valuable suggestions during the project
review. Finally, yet importantly, we would like to express our heartfelt
thanks to our beloved parents for their blessings, our friends and
classmates for their help and wishes for the successful completion of this
project.

i
 ABSTRACT

The aim of this experimental study is to find the suitability of perlite in

concrete as the replacement material for the fine aggregate. In this study,
the perlite is used to replace the fine aggregate in the levels of 10%, 15%,
20%, and 25% by volume. The strength properties like compressive
strength and tensile strength and water absorption tests were conducted
on the perlite concrete and compared with the strength of
conventional concrete. The tests were conducted for the curing periods
of 7 days and 28 days. This type of concrete will reduce the dead load
and thus it is falling under the category of Light weight concrete. Use of
perlite in concrete, gives various technical, economic and environmental
benefits, it also reduce the cost of construction materials by reducing the
aggregate content.

ii
 TABLE OF CONTENT
CHAPTER TITLE PAGE
NO NO
ACKNOWLEDEMENT i

ABSTRACT ii

LIST OF FIGURES iii

LIST OF TABLES iv

LIST OF SYMBOLS AND ABBREVIATIONS v

1 INTRODUCTION 1

1.1 GENERAL 1

1.2 PERLITE 2

1.3 ADVANTAGES OF EPC 3

1.4 APPLICATION OF EPC 3

2 LITERATURE REVIEW 4

3 SCOPE AND OBJECTIVES 6

3.1 SCOPE 7

3.2 OBJECTIVES 7

4 METHODOLOGY 8

5 EXPERIMENTAL PROGRAM 9

5.1 MATEIALS USED 9

5.1.1 CEMENT 9

iii
 5.1.3 PERLITE 10

5.1.4 COARSE AGGREGATE 10

5.2 TESTS FOR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF 11

MATERIALS
5.2.1 SETTING TIME OF CEMENT 11

5.2.2 TESTING ON COARSE AGGREGATE 11

5.2.2.1 SPECIFIC GRAVITY OF COARSE 11

AGGRREGATE
5.2.2.2 WATER ABSORBTION TEST ON 13
COARSE AGGREGATE
5.2.3 TESTING ON FINE AGGREGATE 13

5.2.3.1 SPECIFIC GRAVITY OF FINE 13

AGGREGATE
5.2.3.2 FINENESS MODULES OF FINE 14
AGGREGATE
5.2.4 TESTS ON PERLITE 17

5.2.4.1 PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF 17

PERLITE
5.2.4.2 CHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF 17
PERLITE
5.2.4.4 SIEVE ANALYSIS ON PERLITE 18

5.3 MIX DESIGN 19

5.3.1 MIX PROPORTIONS 19

5.4 CASTING AND CURING 20

5.5 WORKABILITY TEST BY SLUMP CONE 22

5.6 COMPRESSIVE TEST 23

iv
 5.7 FLEXURAL TEST 24

5.8 DENSITY OF CONCRETE 24

5.9 WATER ABSORPTION TEST 25

6 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION 26

6.1 COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH TEST RESULTS 26

6.2 FLEXTURAL TEST RESULTS 27

6.3 DENSITY OF CONCRETE 29

6.4 WATER ABSORPTION 30

7 CONCLUSION 32

8 ANNEXURE 1 33

9 REFERENCE 38

v
 LIST OF TABLES

TABLE NO TITLE PAGE NO

5.1 Specific gravity test on coarse aggregate 12

5.2 Specific gravity test results on fine aggregate 14

5.3 Sieve analysis of fine aggregate 15

5.4 Properties of Materials 16

5.5 Physical properties of perlite 17

5.6 Chemical properties of perlite 17

5.7 Sieve analysis on perlite 18

5.8 Mix proportion for conventional concrete 19

5.9 Mix proportion for EPC 20

5.10 Details of Test Specimens 20

6.1 Compressive strength of conventional concrete 26

6.2 Compressive strength of perlite concrete – 7 days 26

6.3 Compressive strength of perlite concrete – 28 days 26

6.4 Replacement level of perlite concrete 27

6.5 Unit weight and % of replacement of EPA 29

6.6 Water absorption and compressive strength of EPC 30

cubes

vi
 LIST OF FIGURES

FIGURE TITLE PAGE

NO NO

4.1 Flow chart of works to be carried out 8

5.1 Cement 9

5.2 M- sand aggregate 9

5.3 Expanded perlite 10

5.4 Coarse aggregate 10

5.5 Specific gravity of coarse aggregate 12

5.6 Dry weight of Coarse aggregate 13

5.7 Weight of CA immersed in water 13

5.8 Specific gravity of fine aggregate 14

5.9 Sieve analysis of fine aggregate 15

5.10 Grading curve for fine aggregate 16

5.11 Grading curve for perlite 18

5.12 Comparison of Perlite with M sand 19

5.13 Mixing and casting of Perlite Concrete 21

5.14 Cube and Prism specimens cast 21

5.15 Specimens curing for 28 days 21

5.16 Slump cone test 22

vii
5.17 Specimen under compression 23

5.18 Marking of specimen 24

5.19 Specimen under flexural test machine 24

6.1 Compressive strength of EPC cubes at 28 days 27

6.2 Comparison of Flexural strength and compressive 28

strength of EPC -28 days
6.3 Unit weight and % of replacement of Perlite 29

6.4 Water absorption and % of replacement of Perlite 31

6.5 Water absorption and compressive strength of EPC 31

viii
 LIST OF SYMBOLS AND ABBREVIATION

CA Coarse aggregate

CC Conventional concrete

EPA Expended perlite aggregate

EPC Expended perlite concrete

FA Fine aggregate

G Specific gravity

IS Indian standard

OPC Ordinary Portland cement

P Load

ix
 CHAPTER-1

INTRODUCTION

1.1 GENERAL

Concrete is a material produced by mixing coarse and fine aggregates,

Portland cement, and water. Advancements in concrete technology
towards the durability properties. On the other hand, sustainable concrete
technology tries to find alternates for natural resource material for concrete
making.
In conventional concrete, nearly 65-70% volume will occupy the natural
aggregates. By using this much volume of natural aggregates by keeping
in mind and to saving natural materials for future generations, the present
research is mainly focusing the replacing natural aggregates with
sustainable aggregates. Alternative materials for coarse aggregate in
concrete can be rubber, glass, expanded fly ash clay, or plastic materials.
On the other hand, agro-wastes, to industrial by-products, alternative
materials for fine aggregate in concrete can be of a wide variety.
By using the above such solid waste aggregates can reduce the dumping of
waste on the ground, this can reduce groundwater pollution and also can
reduce the density of the concrete to produce lightweight concrete. The
main objective of this project work is to reduce the dead load of the
structure by using waste and sustainable materials.
Perlite is a volcanic rock and it is ideally suited for use as an aggregate in
concrete.

1
1.2 PERLITE

Perlite is an natural hydrated volcanic glass that has a relatively high water
content, typically formed by the hydration of obsidian. It occurs naturally
and has the unusual property of greatly expanding when heated
sufficiently. It is an industrial mineral and a commercial product useful for
its low density after processing. Perlite softens when it reaches
temperatures of 850– 900°C (1,560–1,650 °F).
Water trapped in the structure of the material vaporises and escapes, and
this causes the expansion of the material to 7–16 times its original volume.
It looks and feels like little bits of polystyrene but is actually made from
expanded volcanic glass, heated to 1000°C until it ‘pops’ (like popcorn) to
many times its original size. It's lightweight, sterile, and easy to handle,
and is long-lasting. It's neither alkaline nor acidic. The expanded material
is a brilliant white, due to the reflectivity of the trapped bubbles. It is also
classified into two types based on the expanding property namely
expanded perlite and unexpanded perlite. There are two main processes
that cause hydration of perlite. Primary hydration occurs during formation
of the rock before it is cooled; secondary hydration occurs after the rock
has cooled. In our project expanded perlite has been used.

Figure 1.1: Perlite

2
1.3 ADVANTAGES OF EPC
 EPC has many advantages beyond its light weight. It minimizes
the dead load of the structure.
 Perlite concrete provides better noise reduction and thermal
insulating properties than conventional concrete. Generally
speaking, the lighter the weight, the greater the insulative
properties.
 The use of light weight concrete in the rooms where air
conditioning is to be installed during the building construction
result in good thermal comfort and decrease power usage.
 Compared to conventional concrete, It has high resilience to
freezing and thawing.
 Due to its low density, perlite increases the covering capacity
and enhances workability of mortar, which is important for
reducing cost.
 The addition of medium-weight aggregate (pumice or expanded
shale) will increase the density and compressive strength.
 The addition of fibres increases the tensile and flexural strength
of perlite concrete, thereby reducing shrink cracking.
1.4 APPLICATION OF EPC
EPC is used in many different applications in construction.
These include,
 Lightweight tile mortar
 Decorative stone
 Tank Insulation
 Floor fills
 Firewalls
3
 CHAPTER-2
LITERATURES REVIEW

Yu et al. (2003) studied the changes in the 15 compressive strengths of

samples containing 0 to 40% perlite powder at the ages of 3, 28, and 90
days. Results showed increases of 34, 24, and 8% in the compressive
strengths of samples consisting of 20, 30, and 40% perlite, respectively, at
90 days, compared to the control samples, representing the significant
pozzolanic activity of perlite. They also found that the optimum
replacement percentage of OPC with calcined perlite powder is equal to
15% and 20% for the strengths at 28 and 91 days, respectively. It was
demonstrated that perlite powder, of which only 5.6% remains on the 80-
μm sieve, had the highest activity. In addition, they detected that perlite
powder makes a greater contribution to the improvement of compressive
strength at a higher w/c ratio.

Topcu et al. (2007) This paper investigates the properties of concrete

containing EPAC (expanded Lightweight concrete perlite aggregate
concrete) with replacement ratios (0, 15, 30, 45 and 60). In experiments,
the minimum unit weight of concrete mixture was 1800kg/m3.
compressive strengths of EPAC were obtained between 20 and 30MPa at
the replacement ratios Expanded perlite aggregate of 30%. It was proved
that EPAC can be used as fine aggregate in concrete with appropriate
replacement ratios along with the lightweight property.

Bhuvaneshwari. K et al. (2017) studied that the structural light weight

concrete when designed with natural perlite aggregate provides an
advantage of reducing the dead weight of the structure and also the strength
of normal concrete with perlite concrete by partially replacing perlite with
4
sand as a percentage of 5%, 10%, 15%, 20% and 25% in normal concrete
mix. The result shows that the Compressive strength increased by 1.85%,
Split Tensile strength increased by 10.46% and Flexural strength by
10.20% through the optimum replacement of 10% of sand by Perlite.

Dinesh. A et al. (2016) This study states that in the design of Concrete
Structures, Light weight concrete plays a prominent role in reducing the
density and to increase the thermal insulation. Structural light weight
aggregate concrete was designed with the use of Perlite aggregate,
Vermiculite aggregate and expanded clay aggregate. With respect to
Compressive strength and Split tensile strength they concluded that the
replacement of Vermiculite and Perlite aggregate by 50% of weight of
aggregate increases strength with increase in age of concrete and obtain
early strength.

Malek Jedidi et al. (2015): He evaluated in this paper, an experimental

study was carried out in order to provide more data on the effects of EPA
dosage on the compressive strength and thermo physical properties of
lightweight concrete at different ages. The first part of this experimental
study was devoted to the choice of the proper mixing procedure for
expanded perlite concrete (EPC). Thereafter, six sets of cubic specimens
and six sets of parallelepiped specimens were prepared at a w/c ratio of
0.70 with varying replacement percentages of sand by EPA ranging from
0% to 80% by volume of sand. Compressive strength, thermal conductivity
and thermal diffusivity were determined over curing age. Unit weights for
the mixtures prepared varied between 560 and 1510 kg/m3. Compressive
strength was decreased when perlite content was increased. The test results
indicated that replacing natural aggregate by EPA increased the thermal

5
resistance of the lightweight concrete and consequently, improved thermal
insulation.

T. parhizkar al. (2011): In this study, he investigates on the properties

of volcanic pumice lightweight aggregates concretes. To this end, two
groups of lightweight concretes (lightweight coarse with natural fine
aggregates concrete, and lightweight coarse and fine aggregates concrete)
are built and the physical/mechanical and durability aspects of them are
studied. The results of compressive strength, tensile strength and drying
shrinkage show that these lightweight concretes meet the requirements of
the structural lightweight concrete. Also, the cement content is recognized
as a paramount parameter in the performance of lightweight aggregate
concretes. The compressive strength of LCNF concretes is 20 to 40 %
lower than control concrete, whereas they are about 30 % lighter than
control concrete. The compressive strength of LCF concretes is about 50
% lower than control concrete, whereas they are about 40 % lighter than
control concrete. Only mixes with high amount of cement, meet the
strength requirements of structural lightweight concrete. Therefore, these
lightweight aggregates are suitable for structural lightweight concrete
construction. The cement content is a prominent factor in the
physical/mechanical and durability properties of lightweight aggregate
concretes. Increasing the cement content leads to a lower water/cement
ratio in the transition zone; hence increases the mechanical and durability
properties, and decreases capillary absorption, chloride content and sulfate
expansion In lightweight aggregate concretes the rate of capillary
absorption and the water absorption are not directly related. For these
concretes the rate of capillary absorption and the water absorption are
respectively lower and higher than control concrete.

6
 CHAPTER – 3
SCOPE AND OBJECTIVES
3.1 SCOPE
 To minimize the maximum demand for fine aggregate.
 To use industrial mineral and commercial product as
replacement for fine aggregate.
 To protect the natural resources by utilizing the waste product
as replacement materials.

3.2 OBJECTIVES

To examine the performance of concrete made with Expanded perlite

aggregate by replacing the fine aggregate and to achieve the more
economical lightweight aggregate concrete mixture.
 To study the suitability of perlite to produce a light weight
concrete.
 To study the performance of concrete made with perlite by
replacing the fine aggregate at the levels of 10%, 15%, 20% and
25%.
 To find the optimum replacement level of perlite from the
compressive strength.
 To study the mechanical properties like compressive strength,
flexural strength and modulus of elasticity of perlite and
comparing with the properties of conventional concrete.

7
 CHAPTER – 4
METHODOLOGY

The methodology that followed for this work is illustrated in figure 4.1

Collection of materials
materials
Test on physical properties of
materials

Mix proportions by trial and error

methods

Casting of test specimens

Testing on concrete specimens

Analysis of result

Result and conclusions

Figure 4.1: Flow chart of works to be carried out

8
 CHAPTER-5
EXPERIMENTAL PROGRAM
5.1 MATEIALS USED
5.1.1 CEMENT
In this project OPC 53 grade conforming to IS 8112: 1989 was used. The
physical properties of cement is tabulated in Table 5.4

Figure 5.1: Cement

5.1.2 FINE AGGREGATE

In this project manufactured sand was used as the conventional fine
aggregate. Manufactured sand is produced from hard granite stone by
crushing. The crushed sand is of cubical shape with grounded edges,
washed and graded to as a construction material. The size of manufactured
sand is less than 4.75. The properties of the M-sand are tabulated in Table
5.4.

Figure 5.2: M- sand aggregate

9
5.1.3 PERLITE
Expanded Perlite SF II (Fig 5.3) used in this study was obtained from
ASTRRA chemicals, Chennai. The physical and chemical properties of
perlite were supplied by the supplier.

Figure 5.3: Expanded perlite

5.1.4 COARSE AGGREGATE

Coarse aggregate of size 12.5mm and below were used in this study.
The properties of coarse aggregate are given in Table 6.5.

Figure 5.4: Coarse aggregate

10
5.2 TESTS FOR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF MATERIAL
5.2.1 SETTING TIME OF CEMENT
Take 400g of cement and place it in a bowl or tray. Now add water and
start the stopwatch at the moment of water is added it to the cement. Water
of quantity 0.85p times, where p is the standard consistency of cement.
Now fill the mix in vicat mould. Then, place the vicat mould on non-
porous plate (glass plate) and see that the plunger should touch the surface
of vicat mould gently. Release the plunger and allow it to sink into the test
mould. Repeated the same experiment at different positions on the mould
until the plunger should stop penetrating 5mm from the bottom of the
mould. The time period elapsed between the amount of water added to the
cement and the time, the needle fails to penetrate the mould of 5mm when
measured from the bottom of the mould, is the initial setting time of
cement.
Now replace the needle (plunger) by one with an annular attachment. The
cement is assumed as finally set when, upon applying the needle gently to
the surface of the test mould, the needle makes an impression therein,
while the attachment fails to do so. The time period between the moment
water is added to the cement and the time at which needle makes an
impression on the surface of the mould, while the attachment fails to do
so, is the final setting time of cement.
Initial setting time = 32 min
Final Setting Time of Cement = 11 hrs

5.2.2 TESTING ON COARSE AGGREGATE

5.2.2.1 SPECIFIC GRAVITY OF COARSE AGGRREGATE

The Pycnometer is dried and weighted as W1 gm. The coarse aggregate is

filled with 1/3 of the Pycnometer around and weighted W2gm. Add water
11
to the coarse aggregate up to the top of the Pycnometer and mix well to
remove the air bubbles in it and weight it as W3 gm. The Pycnometer is
dried and filled with water and weighted as W4 gm. The test setup of
specific gravity of coarse aggregate is illustrated in figure 5.4.

Figure 5.5: Specific gravity of coarse aggregate

Specific gravity of coarse aggregate = W2 -W1
(W2 -W1) – (W3 – W4)
The observation of reading during specific gravity test on coarse aggregate
is entered in table 5.1.
Table 5.1: Specific gravity test on coarse aggregate
DESCRIPTION TRIAL 1 TRIAL 2 TRIAL 3
Weight of specific gravity bottle, W1 0.493 0.493 0.493
Weight of specific gravity bottle + 1.095 1.089 1.088
coarse aggregate,W2
Weight of specific gravity bottle + 1.844 1.848 1.888
coarse aggregate+ water,W3
Weight of specific gravity bottle + 1.533 1.533 1.533
water, W4
Specific gravity (G) 1.95 2.18 2.20

Specific gravity of coarse aggregate = 2.31

12
5.2.2.2 WATER ABSORBTION TEST ON COARSE AGGREGATE
Water absorption gives an idea on the internal structure of aggregate.
Aggregate having more absorption are more porous in nature and generally
consider unsuitable, unless found to be acceptable based on strength,
impact, and hardness tests. The water absorption test of aggregate is
carried out to calculate the water absorption capacity of aggregate. The
aggregate used in test is dust free
Dry weight of CA, W₁ = 1 kg
Weight of CA immersed in water, W₂ = 1.031kg

Figure 5.6: Dry weight of CA Figure 5.7: Weight of CA

Immersed in water after 24 hrs

Water absorption for CA = 3.1%

5.2.3 TESTING ON FINE AGGREGATE

5.2.3.1 SPECIFIC GRAVITY OF FINE AGGREGATE

The Pycnometer is dried and weighted as W1 gm. The fine aggregate is

filled with 1/3 of the Pycnometer around and weighted W2 gm. Add water
to the fine aggregate up to the top of the Pycnometer and mix well to
remove the air bubbles in it and weight it as W3 gm. The Pycnometer is
dried and filled with water and weighted as W4 gm. The test setup of
specific gravity of fine aggregate is illustrated in figure 5.7. The specific
gravity test value on fine aggregate is entered in table 5.2.
13
 Figure 5.8: Specific of fine aggregate

Table 5.2: Specific gravity test results on fine aggregate

DESCRIPTION TRIAL TRIAL TRIAL
1 2 3
Weight of empty specific gravity
0.493 0.493 0.493
bottle, W1
Weight of specific gravity bottle +
0.693 0.692 0.692
FA, W2
Weight of density specific gravity +
1.804 1.609 1.609
FA+ Water W3
Weight of specific gravity bottle+
1.484 1.484 1.484
Water
Specific gravity (G) 1.65 2.16 2.23

Specific gravity of fine aggregate = 2.23

5.2.3.2 FINESS MODULES OF FINE AGGREGATE

Take the sieves and arrange them in descending order as with the largest
sieve on top. Take one kg of fine aggregate and place it in the top sieve. If
mechanical shaker is using then put the ordered sieves in position and pour

14
the sample in the top sieve and then close it with sieve plate. Then switch
on the machine and shaking of sieves should be done at least 5 minutes.
After sieving, record the weight of fine aggregate retained on each sieve
and notes the values in the Table 5.3. Then find the cumulative weight
retained. Finally determine the cumulative percentage retained on each
sieves. Add the all cumulative percentage values and divide with 100 then
we will get the value of fineness modulus.

Figure 5.9 Sieve analysis of fine aggregate

Table: 5.3 Sieve analysis of fine aggregate

Sieve Wgt %of Cumulative % of
No Retained Wgt % of Wgt Passing
Retained Retained
4.75 4.75 0 0 0 100
2.36 2.36 19.1 1.91 1.91 98.09
1.18 1.18 161 16.1 18.01 81.99
600µ 0.6 378 37.8 55.81 44.19
300µ 0.3 261 26.1 81.91 18.09
150µ 0.15 169 16.9 98.81 1.19
75µ 0.075 11 1.1 99.91 0.09
Pan --- 0.9
1000 99.91 256.45

15
Fineness modulus = Total cumulative weight retained/100
Fineness modulus of fine aggregate = 2.56

FINENESS MODULUS OF M-SAND

120 SIlt Fine Medium Coarse Gravel

100
Percentage passing

80

60

40

20

0
0.01 0.1 1 10
-20

Apperture size

Figure 5.10: Grading curve for fine aggregate

Table 5.4: Properties of Materials

Cement M-sand Coarse aggregate
Specific 3.15 2.23 2.31
gravity
Fineness ----- 2.56 7.33
modulus
Grading ----- Zone II -----
zone
Water ----- ----- 3%
absorption

16
5.2.4 TESTS ON PERLITE

5.2.4.1 PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF PERLITE

Table 5.5: Physical properties of perlite

Product name Perlite

Colour White in colour

Bulk density 60-80 Kgs.per cu.m

Particle size Below 4.75mm

Specific gravity 0.60

Hardness Mohs 5.5

Ph Neutral

Free moisture 0.5% max

5.2.4.2 CHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF PERLITE

Table: 5.6 Chemical properties of perlite

Silicon dioxide (SiO2) 72 -76%

Aluminum oxide (Al2O3) 11-16%

Potassium oxide (K2O) 2-5%

Sodium oxide (Na2O) 1-5%

Calcium oxide (CaO) 0.5-2.5%

Ferric oxide (Fe2O3) 0.5-1.5%

Magnesium oxide (MgO) 0.1-1.0%

17
5.2.4.4 SIEVE ANALYSIS ON PERLITE

Table 5.7: Sieve analysis on perlite

Sieve Wgt % of Cumulative % of
No Retained Wgt % of Wgt Passing
Retained Retained
4.75 4.75 0 0 0 100
2.36 2.36 1.1 0.275 0.275 99.725
1.18 1.18 5.24 1.31 1.585 98.415
600µ 0.6 55.8 13.95 15.535 84.465
300µ 0.3 230 57.5 73.035 26.965
150µ 0.15 91 22.75 95.785 4.215
75µ 0.075 15.9 3.975 99.76 0.24
Pan 0.96
400 99.76 186.215

Fineness modulus = Total cumulative weight retained / 100

= 1.86
FINENESS MODULUS OF PERLITE

120
SIlt Fine Medium Coarse Gravel
100
Percentage passing

80
60
40
20
0
0.01 0.1 1 10
Apperture size

Figure 5.11: Grading curve for perlite

18
 100

80
Perlite

60
M sand
Percentage passing
40

20

0
0.01 0.1 1 10
-20

Apperture size

Figure 5.12: Comparison of Perlite with M sand

5.3 MIX DESIGN
Mix design for M20 grade was prepared for conventional concrete
using the guidelines of IS: 10262 -2009, w/c ratio for conventional
concrete was 0.50. Perlite concrete was made by using trial and error
method. Fine aggregate was replaced in volume with perlite at
different levels 10%, 15%, 20% and 25%. The detail on design mix
is given in Annexure 1.
5.3.1 MIX PROPORTIONS

Table 5.8: Mix proportion for conventional concrete

S.NO MATERIALS WEIGHT VOLUMN
1 Coarse 1120 0.484
aggregate
2 Fine aggregate 566 0.254
3 Perlite 320 0.102
4 Water 1 0.160

19
 Table 5.9: Mix proportion for EPC
CC
By By Fine aggregate replacement level
Material
weight volume EPC EPC EPC EPC
(kg) (m3) 10% 15% 20% 25%
Cement 320 0.102 0.102 0.102 0.102 0.102
FA 566 0.254 0.287 0.255 0.223 0.191
Perlite - - 0.032 0.064 0.096 0.128

CA 1120 0.484 0.484 0.484 0.484 0.484

Water 160 0.160 0.160 0.160 0.160 0.160

5.4 CASTING AND CURING

Through mixing of the material is essential for the production of uniform
concrete. The mixing should ensure that the mass become homogeneous,
uniform in colour and consistency. After the proper mixing of materials,
cube and prism specimens were cast and cured for 28 days.
Table 5.10: Details of Test Specimens
S.No Test Specimen Details IS code No of cubes
1 Compression 15 cm × 15 cm × 15 IS:516- CC-6 cubes
strength cm cubes PC – 6 cubes
1959
2 Flexural 500×100 ×100mm IS:516- CC- 2 prisms
strength prisms 1956 PC– 2 prisms
3 Water 15 cm × 15 cm × 15 IS:1124- CC- 3 cubes
absorption cm cubes 1974 PC – 3 cubes

20
Figure 5.13: Mixing and casting of perlite concrete

Figure 5.14: Cube and prism specimen cast

Figure 5.15: Specimen curing for 28 days

21
5.5 WORKABILITY TEST BY SLUMP CONE
The slump test is perhaps the most widely used, primarily because of the
simplicity of the apparatus required and the test procedure. The internal
surface of the mould was thoroughly cleaned and free from superfluous
moisture and any set concrete before commencing the test. The mould was
placed on a metal pan which was smooth, horizontal, rigid and non-
absorbent. The mould was carefully filled in four layers, each
approximately one quarter of the height of the mould. Each layer was
stamped with the tamping rod. The strokes were distributed in a uniform
manner over the cross section of the mould and for the second and
subsequent layers penetrated into the under lying layer. The bottom layer
was tamped throughout the depth. After the top layer was rodded, the
concrete was struck off level with a trowel such that the mould was exactly
filled. The mortar which has leaked out between the mould and base plate
was cleaned away. The mould was removed from the concrete
immediately by raising it slowly and carefully in a vertical direction. This
allowed the slump to sub side and the slump was measured immediately
by determining the difference between the height of the mould and that of
the highest point of the specimen being tested. The slump measured was
recorded in terms of mm of subsidence of the specimen during the test.
Both the concretes CC and PC was maintained to have a constant slump
of 100mm.

Figure 5.16: Slump cone test

22
5.6 COMPRESSIVE TEST
Compressive strength is one of the important properties of concrete. It is
most common test conducted on hardened concrete. Most of the desirable
characteristic properties of concrete are qualitatively related to its
compressive strength. The compressive test is carried out on specimens
cubical or cylindrical in shape. The cube specimen is of the size
150×150×150 mm. Remove the specimen from water after specified
curing time and wipe out excess water from the surface. Take the
dimension of the specimen to the nearest 0.2m. Clean the bearing surface
of the testing machine Place the specimen in the machine in such a manner
that the load shall be applied to the opposite sides of the cube cast. Align
the specimen centrally on the base plate of the machine. Apply the load
gradually without shock and continuously at the rate of 140 kg/cm2/minute
till the specimen fails. Record the maximum load and note any unusual
features in the type of failure.
Compressive strength = Load /area=P/bd

Figure 5.17: Specimen under compression

23
5.7 FLEXURAL TEST
Flexural test evaluates the tensile strength of concrete indirectly. It tests
the ability of unreinforced concrete beam or slab to withstand failure in
bending. The results of flexural test on concrete expressed as a modulus of
rupture which denotes in MPa. The test should be conducted on the
specimen immediately after taken out of the curing condition so as to
prevent surface drying which decline flexural strength. Place the specimen
on the loading points. The hand finished surface of the specimen should
not be in contact with loading points. Center the loading system in relation
to the applied force. Bring the block applying force in contact with the
specimen surface at the loading points. Applying loads between 2 to 6
percent of the computed ultimate load.

Figure 5.18: Marking of specimen Figure 5.19: Specimen under

Flexural test machine

5.8 DENSITY OF CONCRETE

All the cubes were weighed and the unit weight was calculated from the
weight of cube dividing by its corresponding volume. Unit weight of the
normal concrete is 2400kg/m3. The unit weight of light weight aggregate
concrete is 1350-1920 kg/m3.
24
5.9 WATER ABSORPTION TEST
The water absorption is one of the basic characteristic of
concrete which determines the durability aspect of it. 15cm ×15cm ×15cm
cubes were used for this test.
The specimens were weighed and it was kept in oven with the temperature
of 110°c. All the three specimens were oven dried for bone dry condition.
Now the specimens were weighed (w1). Now the specimens were
immersed in water for fully saturated condition and weighed (w 2). From
this water absorption in percentage is calculated.

25
 CHAPTER – 6
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

6.1 COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH TEST RESULTS

Table 6.1: Compressive strength of conventional concrete

S.No 7 DAYS 28DAYS

(N/mm2) (N/mm2)
1 23.11 25.11

2 25.33 26.32

3 26.22 27.45

Avg 24.88 27.88

Table 6.2: Compressive strength (N/mm2) of perlite concrete – 7 days

Replacement levels of Perlite
S.No 10% 15% 20% 25%
1 12.00 12.53 13.07 11.73
2 12.27 12.53 13.60 12.00
3 12.80 12.27 13.07 12.27
Avg 12.36 12.44 13.24 12.00

Table 6.3: Compressive strength (N/mm2) of perlite concrete – 28 days

S.No Replacement levels of Perlite
10% 15% 20% 25%
1 20.00 20.89 21.78 19.56
2 20.44 20.89 22.67 20.00
3 21.33 20.44 21.78 20.44
Avg 20.59 20.74 22.07 20.00
26
 Figure 6.1 Compressive strength of EPC cubes at 28 days

A graph was drawn between the percentage of replacement of perlite and

the corresponding Average compressive strength of EPC cubes. From the
literatures, it was observed that 15% was the optimum level of
replacement. Experimental results show that the 20% perlite can be used
to replace the fine aggregate.

According to the ASTM C330 (2010) standard classification, structural

lightweight concrete should have a minimum 28-day compressive strength
of 21 MPa and 28 MPa. Hence, the concrete prepared in this study with
20% EPA may well be classified as structural lightweight concrete.

6.2 FLEXTURAL TEST RESULT

Table 6.4: Replacement level of perlite concrete
S.No Replacement levels of Perlite
10% 15% 20% 25%
1 3.83 3.19 2.75 2.23
2 3.85 3.17 2.71 2.25
Avg 3.84 3.18 2.73 2.20

27
 Comparision of Flexural strength and
compressive strength of EPC -28 days
compressive strength Flexural strength

25
Flexure Strength( MPa)

20
15
10
5
0
EPC 10% EPC 15% EPC 20% EPC 25%
Mixes

Figure 6.2: Comparison of Flexural strength and compressive strength of

EPC -28 days

The flexural strength results followed the similar trend as that of

compressive strength. A maximum flexural strength of 4.32 was obtained
after 28 days of curing in the control mixture, whereas, it was lowest in the
concrete prepared with 20% EPA. There was gradual reduction in the
flexural strength as the EPA content was increased in the concrete mixture
which was about 11.11, 26.39, 36.81 and 49.07% in the concrete prepared
with 10, 15, 20 and 25% EPA. The reduction in flexural strength of
concrete produced with EPA may well be attributed to the weaker bond
between the adjacent aggregates resulting in the weaker planes.

28
 6.3 DENSITY OF CONCRETE
Table 6.5: Unit weight and % of replacement of EPA
S.No % of unit
EPA weight
1 10% 2396.05
2 15% 2387.16
3 20% 2335.70
4 25% 2330.07

Unit weight Vs % of Perlite

2400
2390
2380
Unit weight

2370
2360
2350
2340
2330
2320
0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30%
% of Perlite

Figure 6.3: Unit weight and % of replacement of Perlite

The unit weight of concrete was reduced progressively as the quantity of

EPA was increased in the concrete mix as noted in Fig. 5. There was about
20 to 30% reduction in the unit weight of concrete prepared with EPA
compared to the conventional concrete.

29
6.4 WATER ABSORPTION
Table 6.6: Water absorption and compressive strength of EPC cubes
Replacement WA 28
days
levels
10% 0.061 20.59
15% 0.073 20.74
20% 0.075 22.07
25% 0.082 20

The water absorption of 28 days cured

concrete produced in this study ranged between 6.01
to 8.22%. It was lowest in the conventional concrete and highest in the
25% EPC concrete. The higher water absorption of EPC concrete was due
to the excessive air voids in the concrete and aggregate which makes it
absorptive in nature. Generally, the water absorption of lightweight
concrete was reported to be between 6 to 12%. The experimental results
of water absorption could be considered as moderate comparing the results
of previous studies. Addition of SF or GGBFS with the cement may reduce
the water absorption of EPC.

30
 Water absorption and % of
replacement of Perlite
0.090
0.080
0.070
0.060
0.050
0.040
0.030
0.020
0.010
0.000
0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30%

Figure 6.4: Water absorption and % of replacement of Perlite

Water absorption and compressive

strength of EPC
0.090
0.080
0.070
0.060
0.050
0.040
0.030
0.020
0.010
0.000
19.5 20 20.5 21 21.5 22 22.5

Figure 6.5: Water absorption and compressive strength of

EPC

31
 CHAPTER-7
CONCLUSIONS
1. From the test results, it is observed that the density of the
concrete is just less than the density of the normal concrete.
This can further be reduced by use of light weight coarse
aggregate like slag.
2. Perlite is the suitable material for making the Light weight
concrete.
3. According to compressive strength, optimum replacement
level of fine aggregate by Perlite is 20%.
4. Perlite absorbs more water during mixing but releases during
the compaction. Therefore a small quantity of designed water
is added to the perlite before mixing with other materials.
5. Perlite improves the workability, it may be due to balling
shape of particles.

32
 ANNEXURE 1
MIX DESIGN

GENERAL

The mix design methods being used in different countries are mostly
based on empirical relationships, charts and graphs developed from
extensiveexperimental investigations. A properly designed concrete mix
should have minimum possible cement concrete without sacrificing
quality in order to make in concrete mix. The ultimate aim of studying
the various properties of material of concrete, plastic concrete and
hardened concrete is to enable a concrete technologist is to design a
concrete mix for a particular strength and durability.

ABSOLUTE VOLUME METHOD OF MIX DESIGN

Step 1: class of concrete. Determine the minimum amount of cement required
and the maximum w/c ratio.

Step 2: water content.

Step 3: absolute volumes. vft3=absolute volume of material, ft3.

Step 4: weight of material. Wlbs=weight of materials. lbs.

Step 5: unit weight of mix. Ulbs/ft3=unit weight of mix, lbs/ft3

MIX DESIGN

(ABSOLUTE VOLUME METHOD IS:10262)

Design stipulations for proportioning

Grade of concrete : M20
Type of cement : OPC 53 grade
Max. Nominal size of aggregate : 12mm
33
 Minimum cement content : 300kg/m3
Maximum water cement ratio : 0.5
Workability slump : 75mm
Exposure condition : Moderate
Maximum cement content : 450kg/m3
Standard deviation : 4.0N/mm2
Fine aggregate zone : Zone II
Type of aggregate : Crushed angular
aggregate
Method of placing : Manual
Degree of supervision : Good

Test data for materials

Specific gravity
i. Cement : 3.15
ii. Fine aggregate : 2.23
iii. Coarse aggregate : 2.31

Step 1: Target mean strength

The characteristic strength fck is given by the relation

f 'ck = fck + 1.65 s(or)f 'ck = fck+ x
where,
f 'ck = Target average compressive strength at 28 days

fck = Characteristic compressive strength at 28 days

s = Standard deviation = 4N/mm2 (table-2)

x = 5.5N/mm2 (table- 1)

f'ck =20+ (1.65×4) or f'ck = 20.5 +5.5

34
 f’ck = 26.66N/mm2 or f’ck = 25.5N/mm2

take high value fck=26.66N/mm2

Step 2: Water Cement ratio

Exposure condition –moderate
IS 456, 2000 Table 3 &5 page no 20
Water cement ratio- 0.50
It can be reduced since we use, admixture
W/C ratio = 0.50-0.05
= 0.45
IS 10262, 2019 Table -4 pg no 8
12 mm aggregate -195 Kg (for 50 mm slump)
Taken 100mm slump
For every 25 mm slump add 3 % (IS 10262-cl 15. 3 )
195+6% of 195 = 206 kg
For super plasticizer reduce 20%
=206 – (20% of 206)
= 206 - 41.2
= 164.8 Kg
Water content = 164.8 Kg
Step 3: Calculation of cement content:
Water cement ratio = water content / cement content
Cement content = water content/ water cement ratio
= 164.8/0.5
= 329.6 Kg/m3
329.6 Kg/m3 > 300 Kg/m3
Cement content = 329.6Kg/m3
Step 4: Aggregate proportion b/w C.A and F.A
IS 10262, table -5 pg no 6 cl 5.5.1
35
 M20, for zone II
W/C = 0.45 which is lesser than 0.5
So, 0.63 (W/C-0.45)
Every 0.05 increase reduce 0.01
W/C –0.55
0.45 -0.55 = - 0.10
0.63- 0.02 = 0.61
For pumpable concrete C.A can be reduced up to 10% (IS10262, Cl
5.5.2)
Volume of coarse aggregate =0.61 – (10% of 0.61)
Volume of coarse aggregate =0.549
Step 5: Mix calculation
a) Volume of concrete take 1 m3
b) Volume of cement= mass / specific gravity ×1/1000
=329.6/3.16× (1/1000)
=0.104m3
Volume of cement= 0.1043m3
c) Volume of water =mass/S.G× (1/1000)
=164.8/1× (1/1000)
=0.16m3
d) Volume of all in aggregate=1- (b+c+d)
=1-(0.1043+0.16+0.003)
=0.740
e) Weight of coarse aggregate
=volume of all in aggregate ×volume of C.A
× S.G of C.A×1000
=0.740×0.549×2.73×1000
=1110Kg
f) Mass of fine aggregate
36
 =volume of all in aggregate× volume of F.A
×S.G of F.A ×1000
=0.740× 0.451× 2.46× 1000
=821 Kg
M20 grade = 1:1.5:3
MATERIALS WEIGHT VOLUME
CA 1120 0.484
FA 566 0.254
Cement 320 0.102
Water 160 0.160
MATERIALS: Cement: Fine aggregate: Coarse aggregate
BY WEIGHT: 320:566:1120
RATIO: 1:1.76:3.5
Based on workability and after number of trials, using the absolute volume
method Expanded perlite concrete EPC mix proportions were arrived as
below. The Expanded perlite aggregate EPA is used to replace in the levels
of 10%, 15%, 20% and 25%.
CC
By By Fine aggregate replacement level
Material
weight volume EPC EPC EPC EPC
(kg) (m3) 10% 15% 20% 25%
Cement 320 0.102 0.102 0.102 0.102 0.102
FA 566 0.254 0.287 0.255 0.223 0.191
Perlite - - 0.032 0.064 0.096 0.128
CA
1120 0.484 0.484 0.484 0.484 0.484

Water 160 0.160 0.160 0.160 0.160 0.160

37
 CHAPTER-8

REFERENCE

1. Maqsood ur rehman mansoodi1, Tapeshwar kalra2, Nadeem gulzar

shahmir3 “Laboratory investigation light weight concrete with natural
perlite aggregate and perlite powder” international research journal of
engineering & technology volume :05, issue
03/march 2018
2. Malek jedidi, Omrane benjeddou and Chokri soussi. “Effect of
expanded perlite aggregate dosage on properties of light weight concrete”
Jordan journal of civil engineering volume 9, No.3, 2015.
3. Bhuvaneswari.k1, Dr.dhanalakshmi.G2, kaleeswari.G3. (2017),
“Experimental study on light weight concrete usingperlite”volume,4.
4. Ibrahim turkmen (2006).Effects of expanded perilite aggregate and
different curing condition on the drying shrinkage of self-compacting
concrete. Indian journal of engineering & materials sciences Vol.13, pages
247-252.
5. IS10262-2019 Indian standard ‘Concrete mix proportioning –
Guidelines’ (Second Revision), Bureau of Indian Standards Publications,
New Delhi, January 2019
6. IS2386 (Part-1) – 1963 Indian standard ‘Methods of test for aggregates
for concrete’, Bureau of Indian Standards Publications, New Delhi,
October 1963.
7. IS383-1979 Indian standard ‘Specification for coarse and fine
aggregates from natural sources for concrete (Second Revision)’, Bureau
of Indian Standards Publications, New Delhi, April 1971.

38
8. IS456-2000 Indian standard ‘Plain and reinforced concrete-Code of
practice’, (Fourth Revision), Bureau of Indian Standards Publications,
New Delhi, July 2000.
9. IS516-1959 Indian standard ‘Methods of tests for strength of concrete’,
Bureau of Indian Standards Publications, December 1959.74
10. IS8112:2013 Indian standard ‘Ordinary Portland cement, 53 Grade –
Specification’, (Second Revision), Bureau of Indian Standards
Publications, New Delhi, May 2013.

39