The Microstructure and Modification of the Interfacial Transition Zone in Lightweight Aggregate Concrete: A Review
The interfacial transition zone (ITZ) significantly influences the mechanical properties and durability of lightweight aggregate concrete (LWAC), yet existing research on the ITZ in LWAC remains fragmented due to varied characterization techniques, inconsistent definitions of ITZ thickness and poros...
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| Language: | English |
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MDPI AG
2025-08-01
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| Series: | Buildings |
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| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2075-5309/15/15/2784 |
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| author | Jian Zhou Yiding Dong Tong Qiu Jiaojiao Lv Peng Guo Xi Liu |
| author_facet | Jian Zhou Yiding Dong Tong Qiu Jiaojiao Lv Peng Guo Xi Liu |
| author_sort | Jian Zhou |
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| description | The interfacial transition zone (ITZ) significantly influences the mechanical properties and durability of lightweight aggregate concrete (LWAC), yet existing research on the ITZ in LWAC remains fragmented due to varied characterization techniques, inconsistent definitions of ITZ thickness and porosity, and the absence of standardized performance metrics. This review focuses primarily on structural LWAC produced with artificial and natural lightweight aggregates, with intended applications in high-performance civil engineering structures. This review systematically analyzes the microstructure, composition, and physical properties of the ITZ, including porosity, microhardness, and hydration product distribution. Quantitative data from recent studies are highlighted—for instance, incorporating 3% nano-silica increased ITZ bond strength by 134.12% at 3 days and 108.54% at 28 days, while using 10% metakaolin enhanced 28-day compressive strength by 24.6% and reduced chloride diffusion by 81.9%. The review categorizes current ITZ enhancement strategies such as mineral admixtures, nanomaterials, surface coatings, and aggregate pretreatment methods, evaluating their mechanisms, effectiveness, and limitations. By identifying key trends and research gaps—particularly the lack of predictive models and standardized characterization methods—this review aims to synthesize key findings and identify knowledge gaps to support future material design in LWAC. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-8c4b4e232cc2417e83a8f08f9475df58 |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 2075-5309 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-08-01 |
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| series | Buildings |
| spelling | doaj-art-8c4b4e232cc2417e83a8f08f9475df582025-08-20T03:36:39ZengMDPI AGBuildings2075-53092025-08-011515278410.3390/buildings15152784The Microstructure and Modification of the Interfacial Transition Zone in Lightweight Aggregate Concrete: A ReviewJian Zhou0Yiding Dong1Tong Qiu2Jiaojiao Lv3Peng Guo4Xi Liu5Northwest Engineering Co., Ltd., Xi’an 710065, ChinaSchool of Architectural Engineering, Chang’an University, Xi’an 710064, ChinaNorthwest Engineering Co., Ltd., Xi’an 710065, ChinaNorthwest Engineering Co., Ltd., Xi’an 710065, ChinaNorthwest Engineering Co., Ltd., Xi’an 710065, ChinaSchool of Architectural Engineering, Chang’an University, Xi’an 710064, ChinaThe interfacial transition zone (ITZ) significantly influences the mechanical properties and durability of lightweight aggregate concrete (LWAC), yet existing research on the ITZ in LWAC remains fragmented due to varied characterization techniques, inconsistent definitions of ITZ thickness and porosity, and the absence of standardized performance metrics. This review focuses primarily on structural LWAC produced with artificial and natural lightweight aggregates, with intended applications in high-performance civil engineering structures. This review systematically analyzes the microstructure, composition, and physical properties of the ITZ, including porosity, microhardness, and hydration product distribution. Quantitative data from recent studies are highlighted—for instance, incorporating 3% nano-silica increased ITZ bond strength by 134.12% at 3 days and 108.54% at 28 days, while using 10% metakaolin enhanced 28-day compressive strength by 24.6% and reduced chloride diffusion by 81.9%. The review categorizes current ITZ enhancement strategies such as mineral admixtures, nanomaterials, surface coatings, and aggregate pretreatment methods, evaluating their mechanisms, effectiveness, and limitations. By identifying key trends and research gaps—particularly the lack of predictive models and standardized characterization methods—this review aims to synthesize key findings and identify knowledge gaps to support future material design in LWAC.https://www.mdpi.com/2075-5309/15/15/2784lightweight aggregate concreteinterfacial transition zonemicrostructuremineral admixturenanomaterialssurface treatment |
| spellingShingle | Jian Zhou Yiding Dong Tong Qiu Jiaojiao Lv Peng Guo Xi Liu The Microstructure and Modification of the Interfacial Transition Zone in Lightweight Aggregate Concrete: A Review Buildings lightweight aggregate concrete interfacial transition zone microstructure mineral admixture nanomaterials surface treatment |
| title | The Microstructure and Modification of the Interfacial Transition Zone in Lightweight Aggregate Concrete: A Review |
| title_full | The Microstructure and Modification of the Interfacial Transition Zone in Lightweight Aggregate Concrete: A Review |
| title_fullStr | The Microstructure and Modification of the Interfacial Transition Zone in Lightweight Aggregate Concrete: A Review |
| title_full_unstemmed | The Microstructure and Modification of the Interfacial Transition Zone in Lightweight Aggregate Concrete: A Review |
| title_short | The Microstructure and Modification of the Interfacial Transition Zone in Lightweight Aggregate Concrete: A Review |
| title_sort | microstructure and modification of the interfacial transition zone in lightweight aggregate concrete a review |
| topic | lightweight aggregate concrete interfacial transition zone microstructure mineral admixture nanomaterials surface treatment |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/2075-5309/15/15/2784 |
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