Arcosa Insights
Insights from Arcosa Experts
Insights from Arcosa Experts features articles written by industry leaders at
Arcosa Lightweight, offering in-depth knowledge on the latest advancements and best practices in
sustainable construction. From innovations in concrete technology and internal curing to the benefits of
lightweight aggregates in various applications, these expert-driven articles provide valuable
information for engineers, contractors, and designers looking to enhance project performance,
sustainability, and efficiency.
- All
- Sustainability
- Rene Aspiron
- Paul Altznauer
- Jack Moore
- Green Roofs
- Clint Chapman
- Bill Wolfe
- Barrett Reese
Lightweight Aggregate Critical Solution for Green Infrastructure
By: Paul Altznauer
As urban areas expand and the effects of climate change become increasingly apparent, the demand
for sustainable construction materials is rising. Expanded shale, clay, and slate (ESCS) have
emerged as a critical solution for green infrastructure, offering a unique blend of water
management, plant support, and environmental sustainability. This lightweight aggregate is
engineered to meet the demands of modern urban development, particularly in green roofs,
bio-retention systems, and urban landscaping.
Environmental Impacts of Lightweight Aggregate
By: Bill Wolfe
As with many construction materials, the manufacturing of lightweight aggregate has been
evaluated for its environmental impact. The Expanded Shale Clay and Slate Institute (ESCSI) has
gathered data for many years to facilitate this process.
FAQs for Sport Field Applications
By: Rene Aspiron
If you’re looking to build your own “Field of Dreams” or simply dry a puddle so the game can go
on, Diamond Pro’s General Manager Rene Asprion has the answers. Since 1989, Texas-based Diamond
Pro has used expanded shale and clay to pioneer infield conditioning, creating smooth, safe, and
consistent ball fields that have become the industry standard. Rene Asprion shares his
expertise, addressing common questions about sports field applications.
Ask our Expert: Internal Curing of Concrete
By: Clint Chapman
Internal curing is an innovative approach that provides concrete with much-needed internal
water, helping prevent early
age shrinkage and enhancing cement hydration. With extensive expertise in lightweight
aggregates, Clint Chapman explains
the mechanics, benefits, and applications of internal curing, sharing insights into how this
process can enhance
concrete durability and performance.
FAQs: Horticultural Applications
By: Paul Altznauer
With a strong background in horticulture and sustainable landscape practices, Paul Altznauer
shares valuable insights into the evolving role of lightweight aggregates in horticulture.
Initially used for green roof media and soil amendments, lightweight aggregates are now
specified in a wide range of applications, from urban landscaping to specialty designer soils.
Here, Paul answers common questions about the effectiveness of lightweight aggregates in
horticultural applications.
Stormwater Management: The Role of Lightweight Aggregates
By: Paul Altznauer
With 28 years of experience in the green industry and a degree in horticulture, Paul Altznauer
brings a unique blend of practical expertise and academic knowledge to his work in sustainable
landscaping and environmental solutions. His passion for eco-friendly practices and landscape
design has led him to explore the versatile applications of lightweight aggregates, particularly
in stormwater management and Low Impact Development (LID) systems.
FAQs: Green Roof Applications
By: Paul Altznauer
Paul Altznauer brings nearly three decades of experience in the green industry, specializing in
horticulture and sustainable landscaping solutions. Here, Paul answers some of the most
frequently asked questions about lightweight aggregates in green roof applications, offering
valuable insights for industry professionals.
FAQs: Asphalt Surface Treatments
By: Barrett Reese
With over 21 years in the lightweight aggregate industry—15 of those specializing in highway and
asphalt
products—Barrett Reese has extensive experience with TXDOT highway construction and maintenance
projects. As a member of
the TXDOT Seal Coat Task Force, AGC Seal Coat Committee, and TXAPA, Barrett answers some of the
most frequently asked
questions about using lightweight aggregate in asphalt applications.
FAQs: Lightweight Concrete Masonry Units
By: Bill Wolfe
Bill Wolfe, Arcosa Lightweight’s Technical Manager, has a Degree in Mechanical Engineering from
the University of
Cincinnati. Based in Saratoga County, New York, Bill shares his expertise on lightweight block
applications, addressing
common questions from the construction industry.
FAQs: Lightweight Geotechnical Fills
By: Jack Moore, P.E.
Jack Moore, P.E., has spent nearly three decades problem-solving in the geotechnical field.
After earning his engineering degree at North Carolina State University, he worked as a
consultant with a regional civil engineering company, obtaining his Professional Engineering
license along the way. Here, Jack answers the most frequently asked questions related to
geotechnical applications of lightweight aggregate.
FAQs: Structural Lightweight Concrete for Ready Mix Producers
By: Clint Chapman
For ready mix customers, structural lightweight concrete presents unique storage, handling, and
pumping considerations.
Clint Chapman, Western Region Marketing & Technical Manager at Arcosa Lightweight, addresses
common questions on
optimizing lightweight concrete for ready mix applications.
FAQs: Structural Lightweight Concrete for the Design Community
By: Clint Chapman
For the design community, structural lightweight concrete offers significant engineering
benefits and versatile
applications. Clint Chapman, Western Region Marketing & Technical Manager at Arcosa Lightweight,
answers common
questions about its performance, durability, and testing requirements.
Lightweight Aggregate Plays a Key Role in Pier Expansion
By: Jack Moore, P.E.
To expand Port Canaveral’s Cruise Terminal 3 (CT-3) in Florida, the engineers faced a daunting
challenge: create
structurally secure land over open water in a cost-effective way. To meet these demands, the
team turned to a
lightweight geotechnical fill made from rotary kiln-produced expanded shale and clay.
Using Lightweight Aggregates in Sustainable Construction
By: Bill Wolfe
When used within structural lightweight concrete mixes or to facilitate internal curing,
lightweight aggregates like expanded shale and clay can offset production footprints and
contribute to more ecologically conscious construction.
Enhancing Performance with Internally Cured Concrete (EPIC2)
By: Bill Wolfe
As part of the Federal Highway Administration’s (FHWA) Every Day Counts Initiative, a program
has been developed to
promote internal curing in concrete. The program, titled Enhancing Performance with
Internally Cured
Concrete (EPIC2), was created to demonstrate technologies that help improve the
durability and
longevity of infrastructure.
The Advantages of Lightweight Concrete Masonry Units (LWT CMU)
By: Bill Wolfe
High-performing lightweight aggregates (LWAs) like expanded shales and clays are key ingredients
in producing excellent lightweight concrete masonry units (LWT CMU). A typical LWT CMU weighs
30-40 percent less than normal weight (NWT) CMU and meets all the requirements of ASTM C90
(Standard Specification for Loadbearing Concrete Masonry Units).
The Benefits of Internal Curing with Arcosa Lightweight Aggregates
By: Clint Chapman
Internally cured concrete more readily resists early age shrinkage, curling, warping, and
cracking by supplying water
throughout the concrete mix over time. Internal curing can also increase concrete’s strength and
reduce its
permeability. These qualities help prolong the concrete’s service life, even when placed in
harsh environments.
The Critical Role of Arcosa Lightweight Aggregates in Green Infrastructure
By: Paul Altznauer
As urban areas expand and the effects of climate change become increasingly apparent, the
demand for sustainable construction materials continues to rise. Arcosa
Lightweight’s expanded shale and clay aggregates have emerged as essential
solutions for green infrastructure, offering a unique blend of water management, plant
support, and environmental sustainability. These lightweight aggregates are engineered to
meet the demands of modern urban development, particularly in green roofs,
bio-retention systems, and urban landscaping.
