Today we have a very powerful and distinct concrete aggregate. When we replace the complete or a section of the ordinary aggregate we get this concrete. The aggregate is replaced with the artificial lightweight aggregate. Such lightweight aggregates are created from expanded clay.
Builders usually use some natural aggregates such as stones and gravel. The ‘artificial’ aggregate, is built from expanded clay aggregates. These expanded clay aggregate in India have many names. The names are also known as ECA, LECA and Lightweight Expanded Clay Aggregate.
Huge potential lies from building light formations like floors, piles and beams. We can also build cast on site or prefabricated if we replace the bigger sections of the conventional aggregate.
How are structural lightweight concrete created?
A rotary kiln produces these concrete. The concrete offers many benefits for buildings and exposed structures. Such expanded structural lightweight concrete solve durability and weight issues in these structures.
Structural lightweight concrete is twenty-five to thirty-five percent lighter than ordinary concrete. Yet they have the same strength of any normal weight concrete. The structural lightweight concrete also gives other benefits. They give design flexibility and considerable cost savings through their unique qualities.
These are some of their other biggest qualities:
- Less dead load
- Enhanced seismic structural reaction
- Long life spans
- Superior fire resistance
- Neat and thin parts
- Low storey height
- Low size structural parts
- Low reinforcing steel
- Low foundation expenditure
Structural lightweight concrete precast fundamentals also lower trucking and placement expenditure. What gives this concrete such powers? The concrete has a ceramic character. Alongside it has brilliant bonding power and elastic compatibility with the cement matrix. These qualities give it this outstanding durability feat. The structural lightweight concrete is also known as expanded clay, slate and shale structural lightweight aggregate.
Tough Mega Structures in the Sea
The powerful lightweight aggregate is significant to build crucial elements. These elements help in constructing huge structures in the sea. This is only possible because of the light weight of this structure. The offshore platforms are usually built at shipyards. Then they float and tow towards the construction complex. After that, they are installed on particular spots.
Expanded Clay Aggregate 