| Abstract: |
This empirical study investigates the structural, economic, and sustainability implications of incorporating Lightweight High-Strength Concrete (LWHSC) into residential building design across urban and semi-urban construction contexts. As contemporary housing demands increasingly prioritize cost efficiency, environmental sustainability, and structural resilience, LWHSC presents a compelling alternative to conventional Normal Weight Concrete (NWC). The study employs a mixed-methods empirical framework involving laboratory-based mechanical testing, field surveys across 12 residential project sites, and statistical analysis of 180 validated data samples. Key performance indicators examined include compressive strength (ranging from 42–68 MPa), unit weight (1,450–1,850 kg/m³), thermal conductivity, load-bearing efficiency, and life-cycle cost metrics. Results demonstrate that LWHSC achieves an average 28.6% reduction in dead load, a 21.4% improvement in thermal resistance, and a 14.7% reduction in total construction cost over conventional systems across a 30-year life cycle. Statistical analysis using ANOVA (F = 18.43, p < 0.001) confirms highly significant differences in structural efficiency between LWHSC and NWC mixes. The findings establish strong empirical support for LWHSC adoption in residential construction, particularly for multi-storey low-to-mid-rise structures. These results align with global sustainable construction goals, offering a technically sound and economically viable pathway for next-generation residential design. |
