Abstract
In this study, the freeze-thaw resistance of concretes made up of different mixtures of expanded perlite and pumice aggregates was determined. The effect of silica fume and fly ash on the freeze-thaw resistance of lightweight concrete was carried out. Silica fume and fly ash were added into the mixture in the replacement of cement, separately, (10%, 20% and 30% respectively). It was observed that increasing perlite ratio in the mixture increased the freeze-thaw resistance of the lightweight aggregate concrete up to 130%. Silica fume and fly ash, replacement of portland cement, also increased the freeze-thaw resistance of the samples up to 83% and 18% respectively. However, with the increasing expanded perlite aggregate for replacement of pumice aggregate in the mixture, the effect of mineral admixtures decreased drastically and for some replacements of silica fume and fly ash reductions occurred up to 23% and 27% respectively. The expanded perlite aggregate, silica fume and fly ash can be used in construction industry to improve freeze-thaw resistance; and therefore to decrease environmental pollution caused by silica fume and fly ash.