Is Lightweight Concrete All Wet?
Lightweight concrete is occasionally
thought to be the primary culprit
in moisture-related failures...Learn more!
Environmental and Sustainability Information
The PyroTherm Masonry Wall System is an important sustainable element of modern designed buildings.
The system is made of concrete and concrete is one of the most sustainable and durable materials used in construction today. Its life cycle costs are among the lowest of any wall system. Crushed masonry and concrete waste can be recycled back into the manufacturing process rather than be dumped in a landfill which lowers energy use. This sustains current needs with current resources.
Lightweight Concrete Aggregate for Masonry
ESC lightweight aggregate is made from plentiful natural deposits of select clay or shale. These materials, usually not beneficial for construction aggregates in themselves, are modified by a simple process of firing in a rotary kiln at temperatures of 2000 degrees F. The raw material is transformed into a pyro-plastic condition. The molten material is expanded by very hot internal gases and transformed into a strong ceramic particle. These particles are then crushed and sized according to need. Fine particles are recovered from our primary crushing operations and qualify as a recycled material for LEED Credit 4.1 and 4.2, Recycled Content.
This beneficiation process sustains and extends the lifespan of current and future heavyweight aggregate quarries. Typical quarry acquisitions are getting more difficult to develop. Access to natural resources for typical heavy aggregate continues to decline due to environmental concerns or the fact that these deposits are covered over by real estate development. Very often construction aggregates must be transported vast distances, increasing fuel usage and the carbon footprint.
ESC is Green and Sustainable
Lightweight Aggregate: More lightweight aggregate is shipped to the block producer than heavyweight aggregates per truckload. For example, most truckloads haul about 25 tons of payload on their 18-wheelers. That is about 500 cubic feet of heavyweight material. With lightweight ECS, that same 25-ton load will haul about 833 cubic feet of material. This means 67% more material is shipped per truckload. These trucks typically get about 6 mpg of diesel fuel.
It’s not just he diesel fuel used that is reduced. Fewer trips will be made by that same truck, thus reducing traffic loads and other costs related to operating these vehicles. The carbon footprint generated by transportation is dramatically reduced.
Lightweight Block: More concrete masonry units are shipped to the jobsite because the blocks weigh less than the heavyweight units. Many block producers say they can load 288 to 360 more block per truckload of lightweight ESC block as compared to heavyweight block, filling every space available on the 18-wheeler flatbed trailer. In summary, there are many reasons why using the PyroTherm Masonry Wall System or lightweight block are the sustainable thing to do:
- The system is recyclable because it is concrete.
- Less fuel is used to deliver ESC lightweight aggregate to the block plant facility and delivery efficiencies are realized by using fewer trucks to deliver the same amount. Less carbon footprint.
- Less fuel is used to deliver ESC lightweight block to the jobsite and delivery efficiencies are enhanced by using fewer trucks. Less carbon footprint.
- Turning plentiful clay or shale into a strong, lightweight construction aggregate extends the lifespan of current and future aggregate quarries. Sustainability.
Added sustainable elements include the ease of wall delivery by using lighter units that reduce stress on the masonry contractor and help to ensure the sustainability of the available workforce by increasing productivity and reducing injuries. Total energy used during construction is reduced due to faster completion times. And less reinforcement or concrete could be achieved due to reduced footing and foundation requirements due to less dead load in the structure.
Additional Resources
Recognizing Sustainable Virtues of Quality Lightweight Masonry
Best Practices for Keeping Single-Wythe Concrete Block Masonry Dry
