Advancements in pumice-based concrete: A comprehensive review

Abstract

This review critically examines the emerging role of pumice as both a lightweight aggregate and a supplementary cementitious material (SCM) in sustainable concrete technologies. Characterized by its high amorphous silica content and porous morphology, pumice exhibits intrinsic pozzolanic reactivity and internal curing potential—enabling enhanced long-term performance across structural and non-structural applications. Experimental findings indicate that cement replacement with pumice up to 25 % can improve late-age compressive strength by 6–11 %, while reducing chloride permeability by 22–35 % and improving sulfate resistance by up to 28 %. When used as an aggregate, pumice reduces autogenous shrinkage by as much as 75 %, and in thermal applications, pumice–PCM systems lower thermal conductivity by 30–56 % and reduce surface temperatures by up to 42 %. Despite these advantages, early-age strength limitations, workability loss, and freeze–thaw vulnerability remain key challenges. The review synthesizes insights from over 60 recent studies, benchmarking pumice performance against fly ash, slag, and alkali-activated systems. It further identifies gaps in calorimetric analysis, ITZ evolution, and application-specific design protocols. Overall, pumice presents a viable, low-carbon material solution for next-generation concrete aligned with circular economy and climate resilience objectives.