Brief
Learn how seismically resilient structures made with structural lightweight concrete (SLC) can contribute to sustainable construction practices by reducing the environmental strain caused by material production, transportation, and construction. Discover the benefits of SLC in seismic design and how it can help mitigate concerns about brittleness while supporting other forms of seismic resilience.
Insight
Seismically resilient structures are essential for sustainable construction, as they reduce environmental strain caused by material production, transportation, and construction.
While concrete provides considerable strength to structures, its brittleness can cause issues during seismic activity. Structural lightweight concrete (SLC) made with expanded shale, clay, or slate (ESCS) can provide more seismic resilience to structures due to its lower density, which reduces dead loads.
Additionally, SLC can lower the material requirements of foundation and support systems without compromising strength, contributing to a structure’s seismic resilience and sustainability. The reduced density of SLC allows for smaller beams, columns, and footings, resulting in improved seismic resistance.
SLC can be adjusted within limits to achieve a desired ratio of strength to total weight for a structure. The benefits of reduced density extend beyond bridge construction, as evidenced in recent Salt Lake City Airport expansion and Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nev.
SLC promotes structurally sound projects that require fewer building material quantities and offers improved insulative qualities, allowing for thinner floor slabs that meet fire code requirements and offer comparable or improved thermal conductivity for energy-efficient structures.
Reduced modulus of elasticity, reduced coefficient of thermal expansion, and internal curing water provided by ESCS aggregate in SLC all contribute to reduced concrete cracking, essential for durable bridge decks.
These qualities can offset the initially high environmental impact of producing SLC from ESCS and reduce the overall carbon footprint of an entire building.
Seismically resilient structures mitigate the chances of environmentally hazardous materials being released into the atmosphere during a seismic event and help cities avoid overburdening landfills with potentially harmful debris by sidelining the need to demolish and rebuild.
Highlight:
- Structural lightweight concrete (SLC) can contribute to sustainable construction practices by reducing dead loads, lowering material requirements, and improving seismic resilience compared to normal weight concrete (NWC).
- SLC can be made with expanded shale, clay, or slate (ESCS) to reduce dead loads and improve seismic resilience without compromising strength.
- SLC’s improved insulative qualities, reduced cracking, and reduced coefficient of thermal expansion contribute to durable bridge decks and energy-efficient structures.
- The reduced mass of SLC mitigates the movement of structures during an earthquake, reducing the risk of failure and the release of environmentally hazardous materials.
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