DEVELOPMENT OF TECHNOLOGY FOR PRODUCING THERMALLY STABLE LIGHTWEIGHT CONCRETE BASED ON LOCAL RAW MATERIALS
Keywords:
Lightweight concrete; thermal stability; local raw materials; energy efficiency; heat conductivity; porous structure; sustainable construction; mineral additives; thermal inertia; building materials technology.Abstract
The development of thermally stable lightweight concrete based on locally available raw materials represents a strategic direction for improving energy efficiency in modern construction under conditions of climate variability and rising energy consumption. In regions characterized by sharply continental climates, significant daily and seasonal temperature fluctuations lead to increased thermal loads on building envelopes, which in turn necessitates the use of materials capable of maintaining stable indoor thermal regimes while reducing structural weight and embodied energy. The present research is devoted to the scientific substantiation and experimental development of a technology for producing lightweight concrete using locally sourced mineral and technogenic raw materials, including expanded clay aggregates, volcanic tuff, loess-derived pozzolanic components, ash–slag waste, and natural mineral fillers. The study integrates material science, thermal engineering, and structural performance analysis to determine optimal mix design parameters ensuring low density (900–1400 kg/m³), reduced thermal conductivity (0.18–0.35 W/m·K), sufficient compressive strength (7.5–20 MPa), and enhanced thermal inertia. Experimental investigations included granulometric optimization, water–cement ratio adjustment, pore structure modification through chemical foaming agents, and partial replacement of Portland cement with active mineral additives. Microstructural analysis confirmed the formation of a closed porous system contributing to reduced heat transfer and improved frost resistance. The developed technology enables the production of eco-efficient lightweight concrete suitable for load-bearing and enclosing structures in residential and public buildings, ensuring compliance with contemporary energy-saving standards and sustainable construction principles. The findings demonstrate that the rational utilization of local raw materials not only reduces production costs and environmental impact but also enhances the thermophysical performance of building materials, contributing to national strategies for energy efficiency and resource conservation.
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