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For almost 50 years Rotary Kiln-produced Expanded Clay Lightweight Aggregate
has been effectively used to solve Geotechnical engineering problems and to
convert unstable soil into usable land. Lightweight aggregate can reduce the
density of compacted Geotechnical fills by up to one-half. Where thermal
stability is required, lightweight aggregate provides significantly greater
thermal resistance when compared to ordinary soil, sand or gravel fill. It
affords permanent, economical insulation around water lines, steam lines and
any other thermally sensitive vessel. This inert, durable, stable,
free-draining and environmentally friendly lightweight aggregate is extremely
easy to handle and provides economical long term solutions for Geotechnical
challenges.
The Material
Big River expanded clay lightweight aggregate has a long track record of
quality and performance. Since its development in the early 1900s,
lightweight aggregate produced by the rotary kiln process has been used
extensively in asphalt road surfaces, concrete bridge decks, high-rise
buildings, concrete precast/prestressed elements, concrete masonry and
Geotechnical applications. The quality of Big River lightweight aggregate
results from a carefully controlled manufacturing process. In a rotary kiln,
selectively mined clay is fired at temperatures of approximately 2000° F,
producing a lightweight, ceramic aggregate. The aggregate is then processed
to precise gradations for use in a variety of engineered applications. The
result is a high quality, lightweight aggregate that is inert, durable,
tough, stable, highly insulative, and free draining, ready to provide
solutions to complex Geotechnical engineering problems.
Physical Properties
The physical properties of Big River expanded clay lightweight aggregate vary
according to gradation. In general, Big River lightweight aggregates exhibit
very low densities and very high angles of internal friction (phi angle). As
a result, embankment fill using Big River lightweight aggregate produces
lower and more uniform settlement than ordinary fill materials, and
lightweight aggregate backfills exert much lower lateral pressures against
retaining walls and sheet pile structures. For information on representative
unit weight, specific gravity, compacted density, friction angle, thermal
conductivity and the other physical properties, view the Geotechnical
Properties [Link].
Product Documents:
· Rotary Kiln Produced
Lightweight Aggregate for Geotechnical Applications, ESCSI #6600
· Geotech Properties
· Lightweight Aggregate
Backfill - Expanded Shale, Clay and Slate (ESCS)
 
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