A review on the mechanical performance and durability of fiber reinforced lightweight concrete

Fiber reinforced lightweight concrete (FRLWC) containing lightweight aggregates has been appreciated in recent years because of satisfactory mechanics and durability, reduced structural self-weight, and enhanced thermal insulation. Therefore, this review made an effort to systematically appraise the mechanical properties (e.g., compressive behaviors, splitting tensile strength, shear strength, flexural behaviors and impact behaviors) and durability (e.g., fire resistance, shrinkage behaviors, permeability, freeze-thaw resistance and carbonation resistance) of FRLWC containing lightweight aggregates. Moreover, the workability of fresh FRLWC and engineering applications were also reviewed. It is noteworthy that the influences of fiber and lightweight aggregate on the mechanical behaviors and durability of FRLWC were reviewed. Generally, adding steel fibers slightly enhanced the compression strength of FRLWC, while using synthetic fibers had adverse effects on compression strength. The flexural and impact behaviors of FRLWC were improved by increasing fiber content. In addition, the use of steel fibers was beneficial for increasing the tensile and compressive strength of FRLWC after being exposed to high temperatures. More importantly, based on the previous literature, the future research directions for FRLWC were proposed. This critical review will provide implications for the further research and engineering applications of FRLWC containing lightweight aggregates.