We are all aware of the many benefits expanded shale & clay lightweight aggregate concrete offers when utilized in elevated metal deck construction, but have you considered other, not so typical, applications where structural lightweight concrete can aid in solving design problems?

True, lightweight concrete will reduce inertial forces in seismic design situations, can allow for the elimination of spray-on fire proofing underneath metal decks, can reduce the amount of steel throughout the structure, can significantly reduce the cost of your foundation, and the list goes on when considering elevated metal deck construction. The everyday use of structural lightweight concrete in pre-cast operations as a means of reducing transportation requirements continues to be more influential in today’s escalating fuel cost environment. The utilization of lightweight aggregate concrete in various applications beyond pre-cast can enhance your bottom line through the efficient use of your already stretched fuel budget. However, the list of applications where structural lightweight aggregate concrete can aid in solving design problems stretches far beyond these everyday applications.

Consider the recently constructed “test section” of the Modular Hybrid Pier cast in Tacoma, WA for the US Navy. This double-deck floating pier utilizes high performance lightweight concrete, and according to the July-August 2005 issue of the PCI Journal, is expected to deliver a 100 year service life while reducing traditional repair costs by as much as 80%. I invite you to take a closer look at this innovative use of lightweight concrete through this PCI Journal article.

Flooding of the dry dock in Tacoma, WA in preparation for floating the test section of the Modular Hybrid Pier.

One of the Modular Hybrid Pier test sections as it is floated into the Port of Tacoma.

I would love to hear some stories about those projects you have been involved with where structural lightweight concrete has solved some “atypical” design problems.

Clint Chapman
Sales Representative

Clint Chapman is a sales representative for TXI Expanded Shale & Clay. He has assisted on the design of various structural lightweight concrete applications for the past eight years.