Structural Lightweight Concrete

Structural lightweight concrete made with Arcosa Lightweight’s expanded shale and clay aggregates solves weight and durability challenges in buildings and exposed structures.

This specialized concrete offers comparable strength to normal weight concrete, with a density reduction of 20-30%. The reduced weight and enhanced performance of structural lightweight concrete provide significant design flexibility and cost savings for engineers and contractors, particularly in projects requiring reduced dead load and increased durability in challenging environments.

Key Benefits

Arcosa Lightweight aggregates in structural lightweight concrete provide significant weight reduction, enhanced durability through internal curing, and improved efficiency in construction, making it an ideal choice for sustainable, high-performance building projects.

Improved Structural Performance

Structural lightweight concrete achieves strengths comparable to normal weight concrete while offering a lighter solution that reduces dead load by up to 30%.

This reduced load enables design flexibility, longer spans, and slimmer sections, and helps achieve reduced seismic loads, making it ideal for high-rise buildings and seismic zones.

Cost and Efficiency Savings

Lightweight concrete allows for smaller structural members, lower foundation costs, and decreased story heights, which can translate to substantial savings in material and construction costs.

Additionally, lightweight precast elements reduce transportation and placement costs, benefiting both construction timelines and budgets.

Enhanced Durability and Fire Resistance

The ceramic nature of Arcosa’s aggregates enhances the bond with the cementitious matrix, creating a durable and fire-resistant material.

Structural lightweight concrete made with Arcosa aggregates boasts higher fire ratings, better thermal properties, and improved resistance to weathering, making it suitable for exposed structures and environments with extreme conditions.

Featured Case Studies

Truist Park: Maximizing Parking Efficiency and Durability with Lightweight Precast Elements

Like many mixed-use developments, Truist Park thrives on its ability to accommodate the need to live, work, play—and park—all in one location, which is crucial to its success. Arcosa Lightweight provided the essential lightweight aggregate for the park’s parking structures, ensuring efficient use of space while meeting strict fire-rating and structural requirements.

Structural Lightweight Concrete Supports SoFi Stadium’s Grand Design

SoFi Stadium and entertainment complex in Inglewood, California is recognized for its transformation of a former horse racetrack into one of the region’s most iconic developments. Opened in 2020, the $2.6-billion complex is home to the L.A. Rams and features a wide range of amenities, turning the surrounding area into a destination unto itself.

Structural Lightweight Concrete Elevates Houston’s Skyline

Market Square Tower, a 40-story residential building, rises 502 feet over downtown Houston, Texas and features 463 luxury apartments. The impressive height of the skyscraper was made possible through the use of structural lightweight concrete, which allowed the tower to reach its maximum height despite challenging geotechnical conditions.

Density Reduction Without Compromising Strength

Arcosa Lightweight lower concrete density by up to 30% while maintaining essential strength for structural applications.

Enhanced Durability Through Internal Curing

The cellular structure of Arcosa aggregates enables internal curing, reducing shrinkage and increasing concrete durability.

Efficient On-Site Placement and Versatile Applications

Arcosa’s lightweight concrete is pumpable, making it ideal for projects from structural elements to marine applications.

Why Choose Arcosa Lightweight for Structural Lightweight Concrete?

Proven Success: Arcosa Lightweight aggregates have been used in a variety of successful projects, including high-rise buildings, bridge decks, and marine structures, proving their reliability in demanding applications.
Sustainability Commitment: By reducing dead load and improving concrete’s lifespan, Arcosa Lightweight aggregates support sustainable building practices that contribute to long-term environmental goals.
Expert Support: Arcosa offers in-depth technical support and expertise, helping clients optimize their concrete mixes and achieve desired project outcomes.

Ask our Expert: 1-800-342-LITE

Clint Chapman is the Western Region Marketing & Technical Manager for Arcosa Lightweight. Clint is an NRMCA Certified Concrete Technologist – Level 3, with over 20 years’ experience in the concrete industry. The vast majority of which has been in the Lightweight Aggregates industry, with a focus on structural lightweight concrete.

Structural Lightweight Concrete