Effects of saturated lightweight sand content on key characteristics of ultra-high-performance concrete

In this study, 0 to 75% volume of river sand was replaced by an equivalent amount of pre-saturated lightweight sand (LWS) to enhance mechanical properties and reduce autogenous shrinkage of ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC). The use of LWS is demonstrated to effectively decelerate and reduce the drop in internal relative humidity and autogenous shrinkage of UHPC. Isothermal calorimetry and thermal gravimetry results showed that the use of LWS promoted cement hydration degree after 28 d of hydration. Mercury intrusion porosimetry and scanning electron microscope analyses revealed that the porosity was decreased and interface properties between sand and cement matrix is enhanced by use of LWS up to 25%. The optimum replacement ratio of LWS to river sand was found to be 25%, which resulted in the highest compressive strength (168 MPa at 91 d), flexural strength (24 MPa at 28 d), and autogenous shrinkage limited to 365 μm/m at 28 d.