Expanded clay aggregate

Lightweight expanded clay aggregate (LECA) or expanded clay (exclay) is a light weight aggregate made by heating clay to around 1,200 °C (2,190 °F) in a rotary kiln. The yielding gases expand the clay by thousands of small bubbles forming during heating producing a honeycomb structure. LECA has an approximately round or potato shape due to circular movement in the kiln, and is available in different sizes and densities. LECA is used to make lightweight concrete products and other uses.

LECA was developed about 1917 in Kansas City, Missouri, to the production in a rotary kiln of a patented expanded aggregate known as Haydite which was used in the construction of USS Selma, an ocean-going ship launched in 1919. Following in the USA was the development of a series of aggregates known as Gravelite, Perlite, Rocklite, etc. In Europe, LECA commenced in Denmark, Germany, Holland (Netherlands), UK and Middle East.

LECA is usually produced in different sizes and densities from 0.1 millimetres (0.0039 in) up to 25 millimetres (0.98 in),commonly 0-4 mm, 4-10 mm, 10-25 mm and densities of 250, 280, 330, and 510 kg/m3. LECA boulder is the biggest size of LECA with 100–500 mm size and 500 kg/m3 density.

Some characteristics of LECA are: lightness, thermal insulation by low conductivity coefficient (as low as 0.097 W/mK), soundproofing by high acoustic resistance, moisture impermeable, incompressible under permanent pressure and gravity loads, non–decomposition against severe condition, fire resistant, Ph of nearly 7, freezing and melting resistance, easy movement and transportation, lightweight backfill and finishing, reduction of construction dead load and earthquake lateral load, perfect sweet soil for plants, material for drainage and filtration.

Common uses are in concrete blocks, concrete slabs, geotechnical fillings, , water treatment, hydroponics, aquaponics and hydroculture.

LECA is a versatile material, and is utilized in an increasing number of applications. In the construction industry, it is used extensively in the production of lightweight concrete, blocks and precast or incast structural elements (panels, partitions, bricks and light tiles). LECA used in structural backfill against foundations, retaining walls, bridge abutments etc., in addition it can reduce earth pressure by 75% compared with conventional materials, and also increases ground stability while reducing settlement and land deformation. LECA can drainage the surface water and groundwater to control ground water pressure. LECA grout can be used for flooring (finishing) and roofing with thermal and sound insulation.

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