Three times lighter, modern and unique concrete

By Mr. Christopher B. Yousuf

The construction industry is always in search for materials to produce strong, durable and cost-effective concrete. It has always been a challenge for engineers to develop a concrete product which can be fast and easy to install with minimum amount of money, energy and efforts. There are many raw materials available in Pakistan which have already been used by the construction industry, but all these raw materials have few benefits and some drawbacks, due to which they can’t be completely utilized in construction work.

There have been many studies and searches conducted by scientists and engineers all over the world to provide lightweight, heat, water and acid resistant material in order to produce concrete. However, as the saying goes “Old is Gold”. There are a few materials that have been used for thousands of years by the world’s top architectural engineers and it is proven by many old Roman architectural buildings that have been standing for thousands of years and are still standing up till today. This is because of the specially selected raw materials such as pumice stone and volcanic ash Fly Ash.

In the past there were less opportunities for builders and engineers to use such raw materials since they weren’t that widely available but now in the present day these materials are much more easily accessible thus, providing more opportunities to build better and reliable building structures.

LIGHWEIGHT CONCRETE AND WALL PANELS

With the combination of fly ash, pumice stone, cement and water, engineers can now produce lightweight concrete and wall panels by using different ratios and methods. For example, fly ash can be used as a replacement for sand and pumice can be used as a replacement for aggregate. Majority of people are aware and familiar with fly ash but there are still many who are left in the dark.

WHAT IS FLY ASH?

Fly ash is by-product of coal combustion power plant and is similar to volcanic ash. It has increased strength and durability which means it can handle greater loads and is more resilient and lasts longer. It is less vulnerable to chemical such as de-icing salts, soil sulfates, etc. Fly ash concrete is easier to work with because of its spherical shape and its ability to moderate early concrete at times. It is used to mitigate problem called alkali silica reaction. This is a major issue for some states and fly ash is mainly used to combat this problem.

PUMICE STONE

Pumice stone is a lightweight, porous igneous rock that forms during explosive volcanic eruptions. It is also employed as a lightweight aggregate in precast masonry units, poured concrete, insulation and acoustic tile, and plaster. One of the most significant of the advantages of pumice aggregate concrete is its lightweight quality which is up to one-third lighter than conventional sand and gravel concrete. This trait contributes to a decrease in structural steel costs and, consequently, job costs.

We, Tradeworth International are your ultimate partner in the construction industry and are always keen to search for those raw materials that can bring improvement in concrete in the most cost-effective prices.

We are actively busy suppling following materials that may take your attention.