Cellular Concrete (Cell-Crete) is a low-density concrete that is produced by combining pre-formed air cells (micro bubbles) with a cement or cement aggregate mix.
This is accomplished through the use of a special foaming agent that produces and evenly distributes permanent air cells throughout the cement matrix. The resulting material is stable, lightweight cellular concrete (LCC).
With a cast density as low as 400 kilograms per cubic meter, Cell-Crete is ideal for use in a wide range of geotechnical applications:
Low Density Mat Foundations
Cell-Crete is a low density, highly stable material that is ideal for producing a cost-effective raft foundation that effectively distributes and reduces loads over substandard sub-grades.
Eliminating the need for pilings, caissons or pre-loading, a low-density raft foundation is often the most cost effective way to produce a stable platform to build on.
The structural concrete slab is poured directly on the lightweight cellular concrete foundation.
Roadway Fills
Cell-Crete as a roadway fill provides a solid, load reducing base ideal for roads over poor sub-grades.
Once the heavier, unstable soil is removed, Cell-Crete is installed and produces a strong, stable but lightweight concrete base.
The resulting cellular concrete road base significantly reduces differential road settlement and, consequently, the costs associated with road maintenance and repair.
Pressure Reducing Fills
Often retaining walls and other structures are under excessive lateral loads due to substandard backfill materials and drainage systems.
In these cases, replacing existing backfill material with Cell-Crete, a low density, stable, cementitious material, is often the best solution for reducing or eliminating problems associated with active lateral loads.
Bridge Approach Fills
Typically, bridge approaches are constructed on very poor soil next to waterways. The replacement of such soil, as well as the need for additional materials to raise roadway elevations, necessitates the use of Cell-Crete, which is designed to reduce loads and lateral pressure against abutments.
Weight Reducing Fills
When it is necessary to reduce the dead load on an underground structure, or increase the elevation without increasing the load, Cell-Crete is the ideal material for the project.
Void Fills
As a lightweight, pumpable, free flowing material, Cell-Crete is ideal for filling annular spaces, abandoned pipelines, tanks, tunnel cuts, sinkholes and settlement voids under slabs. It can be easily pumped through small openings and over considerable distances.