Lightweight Aggregates - Commercial Applications

Lightweight aggregates are processed from alightweight concrete has unique properties that
variety of processed and unprocessed materials,make it the perfect construction material for
with the most popular constituent being naturaloffshore constructions, in particular oil rigs, where
materials, including expanded clay, shale and evenlightweight construction materials can be easily
pumice.transported and are characterised with greater
Lightweight aggregates, renowned for theirbuoyancy qualities. Additionally, the material is
strength due to the internal particle density theyemployed where the dead weight of traditional
possess, have been utilised in various commercialconcrete is the major contributing factor to the
applications. Expanded clay lightweight-aggregatesloads being placed on the foundation and building
have been used as a frost insulation material,itself.
lightweight fill and drainage material in the NordicResearch has shown that when the
countries for over forty years.lightweight-aggregates are crushed prior to their
However, the production of concrete has beenintroduction to the concrete mix, the particles
revolutionised since the introduction of lightweightbecome homogenised resulting in an increased
aggregates has been included in the formulation.density of the concrete. Additionally, there have
According to research conducted by the Civil andbeen notable improvements in the drying times.
Mechanical Engineering departments at theThe use of expanded clay lightweight-aggregate in
University of New South Wales, the use ofcivil engineering applications has been the focus of
lightweight aggregate in concrete has manymuch research and development. Expanded clay
advantages, which include the reduction of deadlightweight aggregate is used as frost insulation
load that may result in reduced footings size andmaterial in road pavements, light weight fill for
significant reduction in reinforcement, the ability tostability improvement, reduction of settlement and
create smaller and lighter precast elements, whichreduction of earth pressure, and as drainage
reduces the necessity for high cost transportationmaterial in backfills and drainage ditches.
and handling equipment. A reduction in the size ofThe commercial application of lightweight
columns and structural beams results in thereaggregates is ever expanding. The ability of the
being generously proportioned internal space tomaterial to absorb water and fertilisers has leant it
external structure. Finally, concrete that is formedto applications in the horticultural industry as a
utilising lightweight aggregate possesses highergrowing medium. Not only does the material
thermal properties than concrete with normalprovide a reservoir of water and nutrients for the
ingredients.growing matter, the low density aggregate allows
The University of South Wales noted thatfor a lighter growing medium.