Microstructure Analysis of the Structure of Materials Used for the Mixture of Expanded – Clay Lightweight Concrete with Additives of Raw Material

Abstract

In order to utilise various waste materials as additives in the production of lightweight concretes efficiently, it is necessary to carry out a detailed analysis, to determine their mineralogical, chemical, granulometric composition. The purpose of this research is to analyse the properties of raw materials, used in the production of expanded-clay lightweight concrete with the catalyst waste, and estimate their influence on the properties of the mixture of lightweight concrete. Microstructure of the analysed Portland cement and catalyst utilised in the reactor of catalytic cracking, X-ray structural analysis of waste material is provided in the research. Additionally, the analysis of the crush resistance of coarse aggregate (expanded-clay) carried out, is described in the research. The granulometric composition of the sand was determined, as well as the particles' size of the catalyst and cement was analysed. The hardened expanded clay – lightweight concrete was analysed during the research. Microstructure analysis of the ex-panded-clay lightweight concrete was carried out.