Stress Distribution in Microregion of Core–Shell Structure Lightweight Aggregate Concrete

An in-depth understanding of the effect of cordierite/belite core–shell structure lightweight aggregate (CSLWA) on the mechanical performance of LWA concrete (LWAC) is critical for improving the failure resistance of LWAC. In this study, the stress distribution of the microregion in CSLWA was systematically investigated via a finite element analysis to explore its effect on the mechanical properties of LWAC. In detail, the material components, core–shell thickness ratio, porosity and width of interfacial transition zone (ITZ), and absence or presence of interfacial bonding zone (IBZ) were considered during the stress distribution analysis of the microregion of LWAC. The results showed that a reduction in the material components, with a high-elastic modulus in the core, a decrease in the core–shell thickness ratio, and the formation of the core–shell IBZ are beneficial for optimizing the stress distribution of the microregion and alleviating the stress concentration phenomenon of LWAC. Moreover, due to the continuous hydration of belite shell, the ITZ of CSLWA becomes increasingly dense, thus the stress distribution is more uniform than that of ordinary LWAC, indicating that CSLWA exhibits the potential to improve the failure resistance of LWAC. This study helps to develop an understanding of the role played by the core–shell structure in improving the toughness of LWAC, and provides a new solution and methodology for improving the brittleness of LWAC.