Cover
Vol. 19 No. 2 (2025)

Published: December 31, 2025

Pages: 27-34

Research Article

Strength, Absorption, and Thermal Properties of Cement and Geopolymer Lightweight Aggregate Concrete

Khadija Hassan Odua* 1 Ameer A. Hilal
1Department of Civil Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Anbar, Ramadi, Iraq
History
  • Received: May 28, 2025
  • Revised: October 6, 2025
  • Accepted: October 12, 2025
  • Available Online: December 31, 2025
DOI

https://doi.org/10.37650/ijce190203

Abstract

A study was undertaken to produce lightweight aggregate concrete using artificial lightweight aggregate (Lytag) made from sintered fly ash. Cement or fly ash-based geopolymer was utilized as binder material, and its effect on the properties (compressive strength, water absorption, and thermal conductivity) of lightweight aggregate concrete was investigated. Two mixes were designed (using the absolute volumes method) and produced at a density of around 1350 kg/m3 as cement lightweight aggregate concrete and geopolymer lightweight aggregate concrete. Fly ash and an alkaline solution (sodium hydroxide and sodium silicate) were used to produce the geopolymer paste. The results indicated that the compressive strength, water absorption, and thermal conductivity of lightweight aggregate concrete made with geopolymer paste were better than those made with cement paste. An increase in compressive strength by about 49% and a decrease in water absorption and thermal conductivity by about 36% and 25%, respectively, were noticed in fly ash-based geopolymer lightweight mix compared to cement lightweight concrete mix.    

Keywords

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