ABSTRACT
After subjecting a material to a constant load maintained over time (creep), it is expected that internal crack growth will occur, resulting in a degradation (decrease) of its strength. This paper analyses the strength of single expanded clay grains after being subjected to constant loads for a period of 40 days. These tests, which, from now on, will be, referred to as creep tests, were performed using three different load magnitudes. To determine whether there is a degradation of the grain strength or not, the results are compared with those obtained in grains tested in simple compression without performing a creep test previously. Expanded clays are a lightweight expanded ceramic aggregate also known as LECA, obtained from heating clay soils in two phases (drying and expanding phases) to high temperatures (above 800ºC and 1100ºC, respectively) in a rotary kiln. The expanded clay obtained is characterized for presenting a very porous and low-density core, and a densely vitrified outer shell, notably more resistant.
