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In this experimental study, nine different lightweight aggregate concrete (LWAC) specimens - in which natural lightweight scoria aggregate was used as coarse aggregate - were prepared for investigating the size of portlandite crystals in their interfacial transition zone (ITZ). Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) was used to determine the size of portlandite crystals in ITZ of LWAC specimens. The size of portlandite crystals in ITZ of these LWAC specimens was determined quantitatively in order to identify its relation with ratios of ingredients and properties of LWAC that were investigated. It was determined that the size of portlandite crystals in ITZ of nine LWAC specimens is in the range of (0.91-2.047) µm. The size of portlandite crystals in ITZ is found to be increased when the water/cement (W/C) and coarse aggregate/total aggregate (Ac/A) ratios of LWAC get increased. On the other hand, the compressive strength and the oven-dry density of LWAC are found to be decreased when the size of portlandite crystals in ITZ gets increased. The best way to make portlandite beneficial from mechanical, physical and durability points of view is to transform it into so-called secondary hydration products by making it react with materials that have proper chemical properties for this transformation. In this case, the small portlandite crystals dissolve entirely, and the large portlandite crystals become smaller. Lightweight scoria aggregate used in this study is thought to have chemical properties to assist such a transformation in ITZ.

In this experimental study, lightweight aggregate concrete (LWAC) and normal-weight aggregate concrete (NWAC) were compared within the contexts of the size of calcium hydroxide (CH) crystals in interfacial transition zone (ITZ), compressive strength, and oven-dry density. Six LWAC and NWAC mixtures were prepared for this study. Thirty-six images obtained from Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) were used to determine the size of CH crystals in ITZ of LWAC and NWAC. Eighteen test specimens (three for each of the six LWAC and NWAC mixtures) were prepared in 150x300 mm sizes and in the form of cylinders for the compressive strength tests and also eighteen test specimens in 100x100x100 mm sizes and in the form of cubes for the oven-dry density tests. It was determined that the size of CH crystals in ITZ of LWAC is 8.43% less than (on average), compressive strength of LWAC is 39.09% more than (on average), and oven-dry density of LWAC is 10.97% less than (on average) the NWAC’s that has the same volumetric proportions of ingredients. The findings of this study show that lightweight aggregate that has high particle density, angular shape, rough surface texture, and a structure that enables chemical reaction with CH crystals will be beneficial for the ITZ microstructure and properties of concrete. It is considered that these properties should be taken into consideration in the selection of lightweight aggregate for structural concrete production.