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Chapter 1: Introduction 1.1: Preface Aggregate And Cement Concrete Play A ...

Chapter 1: Introduction
1.1: Preface
Aggregate and cement concrete play a vital role in the civil engineering where the construction of structures both for domestic and commercial purpose is dependant upon the quality and scientific characteristics of the concrete used as argued by Leif Berntsson Satish Chandra (2002). This is evident from the fact that concrete is used in many applications apart from structural applications including insulation, filling etc
In this report a critical analysis on the lightweight aggregate concrete (LAC) is presented to the reader. The research will provide a comprehensive insight on the scientific aspects surrounding LAC and the need for using LAC in structural applications.
1.2: Aim and Objectives
The aim of this report is to present a critical analysis on the Lightweight Aggregate Concrete (LAC) and research on its structural applications and further developments.
The above aim is achieved by embracing the report on the following objectives
To conduct a comprehensive overview on the Lightweight Aggregate Concrete (LAC) by providing the history, definitions and economic factors surrounding the applications and use of LAC in civil structures.
To provide a critical overview on the production of cement and its properties in the light of LAC and its application in civil structures.
To present a scientific analysis on the properties of LAC using different composition materials including both the mechanical and chemical properties.
To investigate on the regulations pertaining to LAC and their effects on a specific composition of LAC in a given geographical region.
To investigate on the LAC production and use in Greece.
1.3: Research Scope
The presence of concrete in civil engineering is exhaustive in nature and hence the research scope is limited to the composition of the LAC and its application in civil structure applications. The key aspects of the LAC and its manufacture in Greece is also included in the scope of the research although a global research on the LAC manufacture and regulations pertaining to LAC is out of scope of this project.
The research scope also includes the investigation of the general regulations adhered in the Europe including the ACI-318 and design considerations in the light of Seismic Design.
1.4: Research methodology
The nature of the research is dependant on the analysis and findings surrounding the LAC which is used in civil structures. Since building a civil structure is not part of the project due to cost and resource constraints, the research methodology is purely dependant on qualitative analysis using secondary research data. The qualitative approach to research in cases of the engineering analysis is advised as a reliable approach as the findings from the research on the secondary resources are already published thus providing a validated source of information for analysis. This is further justified by John W. Creswell (2002).


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