Mechanical properties of ultra-lightweight cement composite at low temperatures of 0 to −60 °C

Abstract

This paper presents an experimental study on mechanical properties of an innovative ultra-lightweight cement composite (ULCC) at low temperatures down to −60 °C in comparison with those at ambient temperature. Those properties include stress-strain curve, ultimate strength, elastic modulus, Poisson ratio, and flexural tensile behavior. Effect of curing condition is also evaluated. In addition, the performance of the ULCC is compared with that of a normal weight concrete (NWC) and a lightweight concrete (LWC) with similar 28-day compressive strength. The cylindrical compressive strength of the NWC and LWC was increased generally with the reduction in temperature. However, the same phenomenon ..