This study aimed to compare mechanical and thermal properties of lightweight aggregate concrete with
two kinds of lightweight aggregates, vermiculite and Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) and using air-entraining
agent and superplasticizer admixture. For better reliability, a statistical analysis of the results compressive
strength and density was used. The factors of the 22 full factorial design were: amount of
lightweight aggregate (55% and 65%) and quantity of air-entraining agent (0.5% and 1.0%). The results
showed that the addition of air-entraining agent left the lightweight concretes even lighter, but less resistant.
EPS lightweight concrete has higher strength and is lighter than with vermiculite. Vermiculite lightweight
concrete had lower thermal conductivity than with EPS. The better lightweight aggregate content
was 55%.