1. Use to reduce structural frame requirements
Research commissioned by Lytag demonstrates that designing a concrete or steel structure using Lytag LWA can make significant volume reductions in structural concrete and steel. For a 30-storey concrete building, for example, it can also reduce deadloads by 31%. Using Lytag LWA in concrete can reduce the volume of structural steel required by up to 8%.
2. Use to reduce the volume of floors and foundations
When used in the floors and foundations of buildings, Lytag LWA can significantly reduce the volume of concrete required in each. In a six-storey concrete-framed building, the reduction in concrete needed for the foundations can be up to 56%.
3. Use to reduce weight of beams
Lytag LWA can allow a significant reduction in the weight of concrete beams. The volume of beams cast using Lytag lightweight concrete can be as much as 18% less than those using traditional aggregate, and the amount of structural steel required can be reduced by 21%.
4. Use across several applications
The greatest potential savings can be secured when Lytag LWA is used across several building elements, such as floors and beams. There may also be additional savings in reducing piling costs.
5. It’s not just about weight savings
The use of a high-quality aggregate such as Lytag LWA also has acoustic, thermal and sustainability benefits. Engineers and contractors should talk to their LWA supplier about the advantages.
By Richard Baldry, commercial director of Lytag
