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Clint Chapman
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Bill Wolfe
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As urban areas expand and the effects of climate change become increasingly apparent, the demand for sustainable construction materials is rising.
As with many construction materials, the manufacturing of lightweight aggregate has been evaluated for its environmental impact. The Expanded Shale Clay and Slate Institute (ESCSI) has gathered data for many years to facilitate this process.
With 28 years of experience in the green industry and a degree in horticulture, Paul Altznauer brings a unique blend of practical expertise and academic knowledge to his work in sustainable landscaping and environmental solutions. His passion for eco-friendly practices and landscape design has led him to explore the versatile applications of lightweight aggregates, particularly in stormwater management and Low Impact Development (LID) systems.
To expand Port Canaveral’s Cruise Terminal 3 (CT-3) in Florida, the engineers faced a daunting challenge: create structurally secure land over open water in a cost-effective way. To meet these demands, the team turned to a lightweight geotechnical fill made from rotary kiln-produced expanded shale and clay.
When used within structural lightweight concrete mixes or to facilitate internal curing, lightweight aggregates like expanded shale and clay can offset production footprints and contribute to more ecologically conscious construction.
As part of the Federal Highway Administration’s (FHWA) Every Day Counts Initiative, a program has been developed to promote internal curing in concrete. The program, titled Enhancing Performance with Internally Cured Concrete (EPIC2), was created to demonstrate technologies that help improve the durability and longevity of infrastructure.
High-performing lightweight aggregates (LWAs) like expanded shales and clays are key ingredients in producing excellent lightweight concrete masonry units (LWT CMU). A typical LWT CMU weighs 30-40 percent less than normal weight (NWT) CMU and meets all the requirements of ASTM C90 (Standard Specification for Loadbearing Concrete Masonry Units).
Internally cured concrete more readily resists early age shrinkage, curling, warping, and cracking by supplying water throughout the concrete mix over time. Internal curing can also increase concrete’s strength and reduce its permeability. These qualities help prolong the concrete’s service life, even when placed in harsh environments.
As urban areas expand and the effects of climate change become increasingly apparent, the demand for sustainable construction materials continues to rise. Arcosa Lightweight’s expanded shale and clay aggregates have emerged as essential solutions for green infrastructure, offering a unique blend of water management, plant support, and environmental sustainability.