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)
17 Street Canal - New Orleans, LA |
Cameron Deepwater |
Cameron Deepwater |
Natchez Bluff, MS |
Natchez Bluff, MS |
Port of Port Arthur, TX |
Port of Port Arthur, TX |
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