Wood ash versus expanded clay aggregate as internal curing water reservoirs in high performance concrete

Abstract The performances of expanded clay aggregate and wood ash as internal curing water reservoirs were studied in the mortar phase a hypothetical high performance concrete with low water-to-binder ratio. two materials substituted 15 30% sand volume. Two different binders, Portland cement high-volume fly blended cement, used. compressive strength volume stability mortars sealed air-drying conditions studied. Furthermore, desorption capacity humidity inside during first days after casting analysed. results shown that reduction self-desiccation shrinkage was higher when used, even conditions, due to its low-relative-humidity environments comparison ash. However, had stronger beneficial effect on early age autogenous without significantly increasing drying shrinkage. alternative aggregates influenced moderately. Considering technical, economic, environmental implications using lightweight aggregates, is recommended.