Typical Physical Properties of Vermiculite Concrete
Typical Physical Properties of Vermiculite Concrete
Typical Physical Properties of Vermiculite Concrete
Introduction
Vermiculite concrete is a low density non-structural construction product.
It is insulating (both thermally and acoustically) and intrinsically fire resistant.
It is normally made simply by mixing exfoliated vermiculite as the aggregate,
with cement and water, plus additives such as plasticisers if required.
The ratio of exfoliated vermiculite aggregate to cement and the vermiculite grade can be varied to the properties such
as strength and insulation as required for the concrete. The applications for vermiculite concrete are however, all
non-structural. Vermiculite concretes can also be produced containing other lightweight aggregates, such as expanded
perlite, to give differing physical properties.
Normally the type of cement used in these mixes is Ordinary Portland Cement (O.P.C), although a higher initial
strength may be obtained using Rapid Hardening Portland Cement (R.H.P.C).
For high temperature refractory applications, high alumina (luminate in the USA) cements may be used with great
success to manufacture lightweight in-situ cast insulation mixes and back up insulation products. However, these
applications are beyond the scope of this specific application note.
The lower density vermiculite concrete screeds are usually covered with a denser topping mix of 4:1 or 5:1 sand to
cement mix to a minimum depth of 25mm (1 inch); the screed and denser more load distributing topping should
ideally be laid monolithically to prevent dis-bonding and shear fracturing between the screed and the topping.
Alternatively, an unbound topping of 50mm (2 inches) or more, can be used.
Note: The thermal insulation value is a function of bulk density and particle size; generally the lighter the mix the greater the thermal
insulation will be. When the same volume of different grades of exfoliated vermiculite are incorporated into a standard mix, the final density
(and therefore, the thermal insulation) will be influenced by the fact that the finer grade of the vermiculite used the denser the product will
be. Conversely, a mix based on coarse and mid-sized exfoliated vermiculite will generally have the same thermal insulation value at ambient
temperatures, but, at elevated temperatures the finer particle size aggregate concrete will be more insulating due to a lower thermal diffusion.
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Drying and Ventilation of concrete make it ideal for use around flue linings,
Vermiculite Concrete and Screeds behind fire backs and around pipes when fitting room
Some special considerations regarding the use of heaters. In residential/domestic chimneys, vermiculite
vermiculite concrete should be kept in mind. concrete mixes can be used for extra insulation between
Moisture entrapped in a roof such as constructional brickwork flue and liner. For this application a 6:1 mix is
water, rainwater, or condensation is a potential source normally used.
of problems such as blistering and ceiling staining. But
more importantly, it will also detract from the design When radiant heating pipes are laid in buildings they
insulation value of the installation. Consideration may be placed on top of a vermiculite concrete screed
therefore should always be given to measures which before being embedded in dense concrete, thus ensuring
allow the free water or moisture to escape. Suitable the maximum transmission of heat to the room with
measures include drilling of the roof slab at low points, minimum downwards heat loss.
the installation of ventilators in the asphalt or felt Vermiculite concrete normally compresses up to 35%
roofing and the complete venting of the screeds by without disintegrating. This property has been utilized in
means of ducts and suitable ventilators. underground mines where vermiculite concrete has been
used to infill cavities and to build ventilation walls. These
Special Uses of Vermiculite Concretes walls deform and compress without shattering when
The fireproof and insulating properties of vermiculite under pressure from the surrounding strata.
Insulating Concrete
In the construction industry, and in particular in North America, vermiculite concrete is used as an insulating
concrete over galvanized centring or profile sheeting in roof constructions, as well as over pre-cast concrete decking
and polystyrene vent-board.
The roofing construction using galvanized steel centring or profile sheet provides a maintenance free economical roof
system. It consists of the high tensile galvanized profile sheeting fixed to the supporting structural steel framing using
either specialist welded fixings or screws and bolts, together with either a 6:1 or a 8:1 vermiculite concrete mix. The
thickness of the vermiculite concrete may be varied to provide necessary drainage slopes. The minimum thickness of
the vermiculite concrete shall be 50mm (2 inches), over the top pane of the steel centring or profile sheet. A built-up
roofing is then used to provide a weather proof finish over the vermiculite concrete.
The applications for vermiculite concrete over pre-cast concrete decks are to provide high insulation values and
suitable drainage slopes to various types of pre-cast concrete units such as core type structural slabs, channel slabs, and
pre-stressed single and double tees. Vermiculite concrete provides a smooth surface for applying the built-up roofing
membrane. This application usually requires additional venting to be used. Roof vents are required at intervals of one
per 95 m2 (1023 square feet).
When used over polystyrene vent-boards vermiculite concrete provides a system of superior insulation value
comprising of a sandwich construction of the polystyrene boards and the vermiculite concrete applied over the
structural base of regular concrete, metal sheeting or wood roof construction. This composite application gives a
flexibility that meets most design criteria. The insulation values for this system can be varied by changing the
thickness of the polystyrene board. Proper drainage slopes for this system can be formed using the vermiculite
concrete and appropriate denser topping mixes and waterproofing systems on top of this. The minimum thickness
of vermiculite concrete used in this application is 50mm (2 inches).
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Vermiculite Concrete Blocks and Slabs
Blocks and slabs made with exfoliated vermiculite aggregate and
Portland cement have found a variety of uses in the construction
industry where a lightweight, fire-resistant and thermally
insulating product is required. Typical uses are:
• Non-loadbearing partition walls
• Load-bearing walls with dense structural concrete cores
• Insulating slabs on structural roofs
• Permanent insulating shuttering to floors and roofs