IOSR Journal of Mechanical and Civil Engineering (IOSR-JMCE) e-ISSN: 2278-1684,p-ISSN: 2320-334X, Volume 11, Issue 4 Ver. V (Jul- Aug. 2014), PP 58-69 www.iosrjournals.org www.iosrjournals.org 58 | Page Impact of Mix Preparation on Strength and Workability of High Strength Self-Consolidated Lightweight Concrete Sharef Farrag 1 , Sherif Yehia 2 1 (Graduate Research Assistant, Department of Civil Engineering, American University of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates) 2 (Associate Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, American University of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates) Abstract:This paper presents an assessment of the challenges faced and lessons learned during the transfer from the laboratory development to mass production for field implementation of High-strength Self-consolidated Lightweight Concrete (HSSCLWC).The evaluation included mechanical properties, workability, Rapid Chloride Penetration testing, and Scanning Electron Microscope images. Due to the difference in material performance depicted by the difference in microstructural features and durability aspects, structural performance of elements casted will not necessarily follow predicted behavior although they have the same compressive strength. Moreover, although the λ factor is introduced to realize the reduction of tensile properties of lightweight concrete compared to normal weight concrete, it was found that due to the difference in handling and mix preparation, the λ factorbecomes more inexact at capturing actual performance. Keywords:Self-consolidating concrete, SCC, Lightweight aggregate, Field Implementation I. Introduction Concerns aboutthe depletionof natural resources and increasing demand on replacing normal weight aggregate in concrete production for sustainable development, especially in marine construction, have led to the adoption of several alternatives. Such alternatives include recycled aggregates as well as, more common, lightweight aggregates. Lightweight aggregate concrete is a viable substitute to normal weight concrete, for it enhances many of the concrete durability aspects, as well as reducing the dead load[1].Many research efforts prove the superiority of lightweight aggregate concrete in freeze and thaw cycles over normal weight concrete, showing less reduction of concrete strength and higher deformation resistance due to the lower restraint [2, 3]. Moreover, it helps enhance the chloride penetration resistance of concrete due to its cellular structure that traps chlorides ions in its pores [4, 5]. Lightweight aggregates (LWA) mainly are classified into natural aggregates such as pumice and scoria, and manufactured aggregates such as sintered pulverized fuel ash and lightweight expanded clay. Table 1 provides highlights about common lightweight aggregates for structural applications and their properties. Table 1. Common lightweight aggregates for structural application [2, 3, 5] Lightweight aggregate Common application Bulk density (kg/m 3 ) Specific gravity factor Absorption (%) Pumice reinforced concrete slabs 500-800 1.10-1.40 15-60 Foamed Slag suitable for large production of reinforced concrete applications 900 – fine 650 - coarse 1.1 10-50 Expanded Clays capable of achieving high strength for prestressed concrete 650-900 <1 (~0.7) 10-35 Sintered Pulverized– fuel ash aggregate variety of structural applications and is being marketed under the trade name LYTAG 1050 - fine 800 - coarse 1.15-1.30 15-35 Physical properties of lightweight aggregates play an important role in the production of lightweight concrete. Such properties include specific gravity factor, porosity, and shape. These factors require special preparation of the aggregates such as sieving and pre-wetting, which can critically affect the final product. Moreover, high absorption of lightweight aggregates can cause alteration of the effective mixing water, hence alteration in water-to-binder ratio (w/b). Many research efforts are focused on the evaluation of lightweight aggregate properties to improve the mechanical and durability related properties of lightweight concrete [5-8]. On the other hand, field applications of concrete utilizing LWA for actual construction is a crucial factor in the development of lightweight concrete. Aggregate handling and mix preparation procedures of