Evaluation of structural lightweight concrete in terms of energy performance: A case study

• Published in: Pamukkale University Journal of Engineering Sciences Vol. 27; no. 6; pp. 696 - 702
• Main Authors: Nayır, Safa, Bahadır, Ümit, Erdoğdu, Şakir, Toğan, Vedat
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Pamukkale Üniversitesi Mühendislik Bilimleri Dergisi 2021
• Subjects: Eğitim Bilimleri; Mühendislik; Denizli; Unit weight; Structural lightweight concrete; Taşıyıcı hafif beton; Thermal conductivity; Energy performance; Birim hacim ağırlık; Enerji performansı; Isı iletkenlik
• ISSN: 1300-7009
• DOI: 10.5505/pajes.2021.27628

In this study, it is aimed to produce structural lightweight concrete (SLWC) containing pumice aggregate and to evaluate its contribution to energy performance. Fly ash and metakaolin were used as substitutes with cement in the production of lightweight concrete. It was also produced normal weight concrete (NWC) for comparison. The compressive strength, the unit weight and the coefficient of thermal conductivity of the concretes produced were determined in accordance with relevant standards. The unit weights of the lightweight concrete are in the range of 1880-1900 kg/m3, and the compressive strengths are between 20-27 MPa. It was observed that the thermal conductivity coefficients of the SLWCs are ranging from 0.54 to 0.63 W/mK and they decrease as the unit weights decrease. The properties of the SLWCs determined are used in the energy simulation software DesignBuilder to assess the primary energy consumption for a case study. With the use of SLWCs, it can be seen that the annual energy requirement decreases by 15% to 19% compared to NWC. In addition, when monthly heating and cooling loads are analysed, it can be seen that the SLWCs reduces the heating energy requirement significantly. However, the cooling energy needs were not significantly affected due to the type of concrete produced.