Concrete is one of the most important construction materials due to its strength, durability, and versatility. However, traditional concrete raises environmental concerns because of its high weight and heavy consumption of natural resources like cement, sand, and aggregates. The heavy density increases construction costs and transportation emissions. To address these challenges, lightweight concrete using aggregates such as expanded clay, shale, and pumice has been developed. Pumice, a volcanic, porous material, stands out for its low weight and natural availability, reducing production energy and emissions. This study reviews the application of pumice aggregate (PA) in concrete, focusing on its chemical, physical, and microstructural properties, as well as mechanical and durability performance. Key mechanical properties include compressive strength, flexural strength, and splitting tensile strength. Durability factors studied are water absorption, permeability, sulfate and freeze-thaw resistance, high-temperature resistance, abrasion resistance, drying shrinkage, and alkali-silica reaction mitigation. Using pumice improves workability, sulfate resistance, high-temperature performance, and reduces density and ASR-related expansions. However, it decreases freeze-thaw resistance, abrasion resistance, and several strength parameters, while increasing water absorption and drying shrinkage. These drawbacks highlight the need for further research to enhance the mechanical and durability performance of pumice-based concretes. Future research should focus on additives, treatments, and mix designs that optimize pumice's benefits while minimizing its limitations, promoting more sustainable construction practices.
