Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 7, 2025

Sandy Soil Improvement through Microbially Induced Calcite Precipitation MICP by Immersion
Published on: September 12, 2019
Effect of Lightweight Aggregate Impregnation on Selected Concrete Properties
Lucyna Domagała1, Agnieszka Podolska1
1Faculty of Civil Engineering, Cracow University of Technology, 31-155 Cracow, Poland.
Abstract:
The impregnation of lightweight aggregate (LWA) is an alternative method to its pre-moistening, which is used to limit the loss of fresh concrete workability due to the aggregate's ability to absorb a great amount of mixing water. The aim of this study was to access the effectiveness, by pre-coating LWAs with cement paste, in modifying the properties of concrete composites. Two types of lightweight aggregates (Lytag and Leca) characterized with a relatively open-structure shell were selected. The other changeable parameters taken into consideration in this research were: LWA size, initial moisture of aggregate before the impregnation process and type of cement paste applied as an impregnant. Sixteen concretes prepared with pre-moistened and pre-coated lightweight aggregates were subject to a density test in different moisture conditions, a water absorption test and a compressive strength test. On the one hand, the pre-coating of LWAs with cement paste resulted in a relatively slight increase in concrete density (by up to 19%) compared to the pre-moistening of LWAs. On the other hand, it caused a very significant reduction (by up to 52%) in the composite's water absorption and an incomparably greater growth (by up to 107%) in compressive strength. The most crucial factors determining the effectiveness of impregnation of LWAs with cement pastes in improvement of composite properties were the aggregate type and its size. The composition of impregnating slurry and the initial moisture content of LWA before pre-coating also mattered.
More Related Videos
06:27Expression of Cementitious Pore Solution and the Analysis of Its Chemical Composition and Resistivity Using X-ray Fluorescence
Published on: September 23, 2018
05:38Production and Analysis of Sporosarcina pasteurii Biocement Bricks Using Custom 3D-Printed Molds for Unconfined Compression Tests
Published on: March 7, 2025
Related Concept Videos
Porosity and Absorption of Aggregate
When all pores in an aggregate are filled with water, the aggregate is considered saturated and surface-dry. If left in dry air, water will evaporate until the...
Factors Affecting Workability
Design Example: Managing Concrete Workability
Impact Strength of Concrete
Bonding and Strength of Aggregate
Effects of Air-entrainment in Concrete