Structural Light-weight Concrete

The Conco Companies have always been on the leading edge of technological advances in the industry as demonstrated by our purchase of the new state-of-the art electric pump that we are using on the Wilshire Grand project in L.A.  The high pressure, high powered pump is the only electric pump of its size being used on the West Coast to pump concrete.  It will allow us to pump concrete 400 ft. horizontally and then 1,000 ft. vertically to reach the upper levels of the Wilshire tower. 

While the equipment used by the industry continues to become more and more sophisticated, so have the advancements in concrete practices and technology that help to improve the durability and strength of concrete.  High-performance concrete (HPC) and structural light-weight concrete have contributed to the versatility and functionality of concrete.   

Structural light-weight concrete is often used on skyscrapers and bridge decks as well as other projects where weight is a factor.  Light-weight concrete allows the concrete to be verticallypumped to great heights.  The process for making the concrete is to replace all or some of the ordinary aggregate with a lighter weight aggregate.  The light-weight aggregates used are natural materials such as pumice or scoria or processed aggregates that include shales, clays, slates and slags.   

Light-weight concrete generally has a density that is not greater than 1850 kg/m. and conforms to ASTM C 330.  It has a “compressive strength in excess of 2500 psi at 28 days when tested in accordance with methods stated in ASTM C 330.”  An article from Concrete Construction, states that, “Since it is generally 20% to 40% lighter than normal weight concrete, a structure’s dead load can be reduced, its foundation cost lowered, and it’s concrete and rebar needs lessened.” 

Sources:

concretecountertopinstitute.com/modules/smartsection/item.php?itemid=33

escsi.org/uploadedFiles/Technical_Docs/Structural_Lightweight_Concrete/4600.1%20SLWC%20-%20Concrete%20Construction%2007-95.pdf

Conco is a leading supplier of concrete services for the Western United States. We got our start in the Bay Area in 1959 by offering clients the best value on a wide range of concrete services and products.  Since that time, we have taken a leading role as one of the top concrete contractors in the region. We have four regional offices serving California, Washington, Oregon, Nevada and Colorado.