"VAC-LITE" is the
trade name for a naturally occurring structural lightweight
aggregate mined by California Lightweight Pumice,
Inc. "VAC-LITE" is produced at
our state-of-the-art vacuum processing plant for pumice
aggregate located in Little Rock, CA and is processed
and distributed exclusively by California Lightweight
Pumice, Inc.
Unfortunately, the general name, "Pumice"
is applied to a variety of material, of different purity
and differing chemical makeup. This particular deposit,
by the workings of nature over a period of time, is of
a uniformity and purity almost unmatched elsewhere in
the world.
"VAC-LITE" is a strong,
durable, porous glass Pumice aggregate of volcanic origin.
An ideal Natural material for use in structural
lightweight concrete. With the continuing increase in
energy costs, the use of a natural aggregate marks a return
to the economic principles associated with the use of
lightweight concrete, pumice was used in ancient Rome
over 2,000 years ago in the construction of the Pantheon,
the Coliseum, and the immense vaults of the public baths
and many other notable structures still standing today.
"VAC-LITE" produced
by California Lightweight Pumice, Inc. meets or exceeds
the requirements established by the American
Society of Testing Materials for use as an
aggregate in structural concrete and concrete block. This
aggregate has been approved for use by the International
Conference of Building Officials and by the Department
of Building and Safety, City of Los Angeles.
A UNIT WEIGHT
as low as 60 pounds per cubic foot are possible with pumice
aggregate concrete. There is a corresponding decrease
in strength as the volume of Pumice is increased.
An excess of 4,000 POUNDS
PER SQUARE INCH, can be attained with Pumice
aggregate concrete at a unit weight in the range of 110
pounds per cubic foot.
The WORKABILITY
of Pumice is excellent even at extremely low slump due
in part to the spherical shape of the aggregate particles.
With properly designed and hatched mixes there is no segregation
or excessive surface water. Hardened pumice aggregate
concrete has the unique capability of being nailed, sawed
or drilled with ordinary hand tools.
"VAC-LITE's" PUMPING
success can be attributed to the VACUUM PROCESS in which
the aggregate is treated. The microstructure of pumice
is a framework of glass pervaded by an extensive and intricate
network of cavities. These cavities have the capability
of being 95% filled with water.
To promote pumpability and to
reduce water demand, the connected voids of the aggregate
are all filled with water with the release of a vacuum,
which is later available for release during hydration.
As a result, "VAC-LITE" is aggregate
that may endure extended periods of storage without significant
loss of moisture and that may be pumped in a lightweight
concrete mix without the slump loss or pumping problems
typical of the expanded shale aggregates.
REPORT OF TESTS
PERFORMED BY AN INDEPENDENT TESTING LABORATORY (Smith-Emory
Company)
Laboratory Trial
Batch: 1/2" VAC-LITE - 3000 PSI Lightweight Mix
LABORATORY TRIAL BATCH PROPORTIONS
(One Cubic Yard Equivalent Weights)
|
MATERIALS
|
BATCH QUANTITY, LBS.
|
SPECIFIC GRAVITY
|
ABSOLUTE VOLUME, CU.FT.
|
| Cement, 6.5 sacks,
Type II |
611
|
3.14
|
3.12
|
| Water, 38.5 gallons |
321
|
1.00
|
5.14
|
| Air, 3.25 percent |
----
|
----
|
0.88
|
| WC Sand |
1483
|
2.664
|
8.92
|
| Vac-Lite, 13.0 cu.ft. |
637
|
1.380
|
7.42
|
| #4 3/8" G |
250
|
2.640
|
1.52
|
| Admixtures |
|
|
|
WDRA 79 (5.0 fl.oz.
per 100 lbs. of cement)
Daravair M (0.5 fl.oz. per 100 lbs. of cement |
| |
TOTAL VOLUME
|
27.00
|
LABORATORY TRIAL BATCH
DATA
Date Made: September 15, 1986
Actual Air Content: 3.25 percent
Actual Slump: 3.25 inches
Plastic Unit Weight: 123.9 PCF
Oven Dry Unit Weight: 109.8
