Engineered stucco with expanded perlite filler for shrinkage resistance

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The use of hygroscopic lightweight aggregates that maintain the relative humidity within cement based systems over time, promises tremendous potential for shrinkage resistance through internal curing in cement-based composites. The proposed study will examine lightweight stucco that contains expanded perlite specially engineered to have a diverse cell wall thickness and moisture release rate. Tests that measure shrinkage in a controlled temperature-humidity chamber will evaluate strains associated with each layer in the application of stucco. At the same time, the water absorption in the cured stucco will also be examined. The proposed study will detail improvements to the dimensional stability, rheology, thermal transport, and mechanical properties of insulating stucco. This proposal will address the use of these lightweight composites in conventional cast-in-place applications, as well as in sprayed concrete technology. In addition, it will help design new test protocols suited for the shrinkage characterization of cement-based systems.