Lytag® LWA is specifically designed and manufactured to meet all the requirements of modern construction practice, whilst overcoming the prime disadvantage of concrete - it’s weight.
Structural concrete can be produced with an effective reduction in dead weight over that of normal weight concrete. This reduction in dead weight means that considerable savings can be made in foundation and reinforcement costs. It allows for longer cantilevers or thinner sections, enabling buildings to be constructed that would not be possible with traditional materials.
Architects and structural engineers can therefore enjoy wider opportunities in design options.
Lytag® LWA has been specified for use in structural concrete in a wide range of important construction projects where its lighter weight has been an important factor in achieving the required design solution. Such projects include a variety of high-rise, sports stadia, commercial and other important developments in major cities.
Typical concrete densities
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Fresh wet (kg/m3) |
Oven dry
(kg/m3) |
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LC20 / 22 - LC45 / 50 |
1910 - 2000 |
1600 - 1800 D1.8 |
*Using Lytag® LWA coarse aggregate & natural fine aggregate
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25% lighter
Using Lytag® LWA means the weight of structural concrete can be reduced by around 25% over natural aggregate concrete. Including Lytag® LWA fines can result in further weight reductions.
Structural strength
Using Lytag® LWA means the same level of structural integrity can be maintained. This allows designers to use Lytag® LWA concrete in exactly the same way as normal weight aggregate concrete. Using Lytag® LWA enhances many durability aspects of concrete such as chemical resistance, frost resistance, fire resistance and permeability reduction.
Coefficient of thermal expansion
Using Lytag® LWA reduces the coefficient of thermal expansion by around 1/3rd that of normal weight concrete. The value for Lytag® LWA can be taken as 7x10-6 / ºC.
Easier placing, compacting and finishing
Using Lytag® LWA can help with placing due to the rounded nature of the particles assisting in natural movement. Coupled with the lower weight of the concrete, placing and compaction is easier than normal weight concrete. Finishing processes that are used for normal concrete can be applied to Lytag® LWA concrete.
Insulating
Using Lytag® LWA reduces the density of the concrete and therefore improves its insulating properties. Thermal conductivity can be reduced by over 25% by using lightweight aggregate concrete.
Fire resistance
Using Lytag® LWA improves fire resistance, partly due to particle stability at elevated temperatures having undergone heating processes during manufacture, a lower expansion coefficient and a lower reduction of strength at elevated temperatures
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