Expanded Clay Concrete – A Lightweight and Durable Building Material
Expanded clay concrete (keramzitobeton) is an innovative lightweight construction material produced by mixing cement mortar with expanded clay gravel — a porous aggregate made from foamed and kiln-fired clay. It offers an ideal balance of high strength and low density, making it a highly sought-after material for the construction of residential, commercial, and industrial buildings.
I. SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNICAL FOUNDATIONS
1. High thermal insulation (Reduces heat loss in high-rise buildings by 30–40%)
Thermal conductivity of LECA concrete: λ = 0.16–0.20 W/m·K Standard heavy concrete: λ = 1.4–1.75 W/m·K
According to SNiP 23-02-2003 and SP 50.13330.2012, heat losses through walls must be strictly limited. LECA concrete meets these requirements without additional insulation.
5. Durability and structural stability
4. Environmental safety and health-friendly composition
3. Lightweight — reduces the total load on the structure (foundation and frame)
2. Fire resistance and absence of toxic emissions
Service life: 50–75 years
Does not crumble, create dust, or degrade
Highly resistant to external conditions due to calcined argillite and high-quality Portland cement
In Russia and Europe, LECA concrete buildings constructed in the 1960s are still in use today.
Composition: fired clay, Portland cement, water
Free from formaldehyde, styrene, phenol, and other toxins
Resistant to mold, dust, and insects
Fully compliant with SanPiN 2.1.2.1002-00 and ISO 14001 environmental standards.
Density of LECA concrete: 800–1200 kg/m³ Standard concrete: 2200–2500 kg/m³ Reduces the structural load by up to 2 times, which results in: ❗ Smaller and cheaper foundation ❗ Less usage of concrete and reinforcement ❗ Better seismic performance According to SP 14.13330.2014, lightweight structural materials are mandatory in seismic zones. LECA concrete is an optimal choice.
LECA concrete is classified as non-combustible (NG) according to GOST 30244
Heat resistance: up to 1100–1200 °C
Does not release smoke or toxic gases when exposed to fire
According to SP 4.13130.2013 and fire safety standards of the Ministry of Emergency Situations (RF), buildings must comply with fire resistance class I or II. LECA concrete fully complies.
Material cost;Medium;Medium +10%;Lower total cost due to weight savings
Transportation & loading;Heavy;40–50% lighter;Shipping cost 20–25% lower
Concrete volume required;High;Lower;10–15% material savings 20% less reinforcement
Energy usage (operation);High;Low;30% seasonal energy savings
Load per slab;550–700 kg/m²;250–400 kg/m²;Cheaper foundations, better seismic performance
Overall economic benefit;–;~20–25%;Total project cost reduction
Key Features and Advantages of Expanded Clay Concrete
Lightweight: Thanks to the use of keramzit (expanded clay), the material is significantly lighter than traditional concrete. This reduces the load on foundations and simplifies transportation and installation.
High Strength: Despite its low weight, keramzit concrete maintains high mechanical strength, making it suitable for load-bearing structural elements.
Excellent Thermal Insulation: The porous structure of the keramzit particles retains heat efficiently, reducing heating and cooling costs.
Sound Insulation: Helps reduce noise levels, providing a more comfortable indoor environment.
Eco-Friendly: Free of toxic substances and completely safe for both human health and the environment.
Resistance to Aggressive Environments: Resistant to moisture, corrosion, and chemicals — ensuring long-term durability.
Fire Resistance: Non-combustible and does not emit harmful substances when exposed to high temperatures.
Technical Characteristics and Grades of Expanded Clay Concrete
🔹 LECA concrete is a lightweight, fire-resistant, eco-friendly, and energy-efficient solution for monolithic construction. 🔹 It reduces construction costs by 20–25% and operating costs by 30–40%. 🔹 Fully compliant with health, seismic, and ecological safety standards.
CONCLUSION & RECOMMENDATION
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