Promising Performance of SusMax's Lightweight Aggregate in Internal Curing Applications

Schuster Concrete recently tested SusMaX's lightweight aggregate, SPORA, for internal curing applications. Two types of concrete mixes were prepared: a typical control mix and a mix with a 15% replacement of coarse aggregates using saturated SPORA to promote internal curing. The evaluation of fresh properties revealed that the SPORA-incorporated concrete achieved a 17% higher slump, enhancing workability due to the spherical shape of SPORA, which has a low surface-to-volume ratio. Furthermore, SPORA-incorporated concrete samples achieved 14% and 22% higher strength at 7 and 28 days, respectively, compared to control samples. This increase in early-age strength is attributed to the internal curing effect, as SPORA's absorption capacity of 25% provided extra water for cement hydration. The promising results highlight SusMaX's product potential to improve concrete performance in internal curing applications.