This paper aims to evaluate the influence of calcined clay lightweight aggregates on the performance of structural concretes. Firstly, soil samples from different places in the state of São Paulo were collected and characterised. After that, calcined clay specimens were made using those soil samples. The specimens made from these ceramic materials, burned at900 ºC, were characterised by assessing water absorption, apparent porosity, specific mass, moisture expansion and compressive strength. After that, concrete specimens were made using calcined clay lightweight aggregates produced with ceramic masses from Itu - SP and Porto Ferreira - SP, expanded clay and basalt. Specimens were characterised by fresh specific mass, slump test (fresh condition), compressive strength, tensile strength, modulus of elasticity and specific mass (cured state). The results indicated the feasibility of producing calcined clay lightweight aggregates for use in concrete, since the performance of concrete produced with calcined clay lightweight aggregates was similar to the performance of concretes produced with expanded clay and basalt.
Ceramic masse; Calcined clay lightweight aggregates; Lightweight concrete
