Product category:
Insulation
News Release from: Vencel Resil | Subject: Claymaster
Edited by the Buildingtalk Editorial
Team on 15 April 2008
Claymaster addresses problems of clay
heave
As developers and civil engineers look for ways to address the problem of clay heave, Vencel Resil has seen an increase in demand for its Claymaster product.
The problem with clay is that it contracts when dry and expands when wet, causing heave Clay heave can also occur as a result of stress 'relief' where the removal of soil from an excavation can cause heave as the clay tries regain its original volume
This article was originally published on Buildingtalk on 7 May 2007 at 8.00am (UK)
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Clay heave can have a devastating effect on structural foundations and is particularly prevalent in areas of the UK where the ground contains a high proportion of tiny mineral particles below 0.002mm.
The expansion of clay soil is a long-term phenomenon and it is necessary for the compressible fill to react in the same timescale.
Claymaster achieves this by creep deformation, reducing the induced pressures to safe levels.
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Vencel Resil's Technical Sales Manager Adrian Walker explains: "Many contractors and engineers are recognising the benefits of Claymaster for addressing the problems of clay heave because it provides a an ideal, cost-effective solution".
"The fact that it doesn't require specialised trades or equipment on site means that it is also quickly and easily installed".
Claymaster is a low density expanded polysytrene, which is coloured pink for ease of identification.
It is a compressible material that has been formulated to reduce pressure on foundations, such as ground beams and at the sides of trench fill up to 3m deep.
Claymaster effectively forms a buffer between the soil and the structure, compressing and expanding with soil movement but leaving the foundations unaffected.
It can be used to the sides of ground beams in piled constructions, as well as along the walls of deep trench foundations to relieve pressures.
Claymaster has a proven track record in the UK for providing solutions to clay heave where conventional materials were unable to meet specification requirements.
In addition to its physical properties, expanded polystyrene is easy to handle and compatible with rapid construction techniques, which is a major benefit for contractors.
Claymaster is BBA Approved (certificate no 90/2543) and like all Vencel Resil's expanded polystyrene products is also environmentally stable as it is HCFC-free and non toxic, enabling customers to achieve their green targets.
It is rot proof and durable and will withstand below ground conditions, ensuring it does not degrade in the presence of high levels of ground water or waterlogging.
Adrian Walker continues: "Claymaster enables civil engineers to turn their design concepts into reality".
"It is quick and simple to install and its compressibility delivers a multitude of benefits which are providing an ideal solution for many projects where clay heave could have caused a problem.".
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