Producing lightweight aggregate from shale and comparison of their characteristics with lightweight aggregates which is produced in Iran

Lightweight aggregates are being used to reduce weight for making light products such as light concrete, mortar and lined, thermal and acoustic insulation, mortar and lined, bitumen productsand agricultural soil. Shaly formation is abundant in different structural zones of Iran, on the other hand, clay resources needed for producing lightweight aggregates are valuable to environmentally and agriculturaly, and hence shales are good alternative materials for production of lightweight materials. In this paper, chemical analysis on shaley and marly formation in Fars province was carried out. Then, according to these studiesBeckat argillous and Noorabad shale were recognized suitable for production of lightweight materials. In next step some physical, chemical and mechanical properties of lightweight aggregate were determined and compared with lightweight aggregates which were produced in Iran. Results showed that manufactured expanded lightweight aggregates have lower specific gravity and higher water absorption, pressure and impact value than Lica and Liapor. From aspects of grain size analysis and pH, all three types of lightweight aggregates were similar. According to the results,produced expanded shale is lighter than other lightweight aggregates which are produced in Iran. But it has lower strength than Leca and Liapor, so it can be used as bacfill, construction of insulation and lightweight aggregate for discriminant and non-load-bearing walls