Expanded Clay Aggregate

History[edit]
LECA was developed about 1917 in Kansas City, Missouri, to the production in a rotary kiln of a
patented expanded aggregate known as Haydite which was used in the construction of USS
Selma, an ocean-going ship launched in 1919. Following in the USA was the development of a
series of aggregates known as Gravelite, Perlite, Rocklite, etc. In Europe, LECA commenced
in Denmark, Germany, Netherlands, UK and Middle East.

Characteristics[edit]
LECA is usually produced in different sizes and densities from 0.1 millimetres (0.004 in) up to 25
millimetres (1.0 in), commonly 0–4 mm, 4–10 mm, 10–25 mm and densities of 250, 280, 330,
and 510 kg/m3. LECA boulder is the biggest size of LECA with 100–500 mm size and
500 kg/m3 density.
Some characteristics of LECA are lightness, thermal insulation by low thermal conductivity
coefficient (as low as 0.097 W/mK[1]), soundproofing by high acoustic insulation, moisture
impermeability, being incompressible under permanent pressure and gravity loads,
not decomposing in severe conditions, fire resistance, a pH of nearly
7, freezing and melting resistance, easy movement and transportation, lightweight backfill and
finishing, reduction of construction dead load and earthquake lateral load, being perfect sweet
soil for plants, and as a material for drainage and filtration.

Uses[edit]
Common uses are in concrete blocks, concrete slabs, geotechnical fillings, lightweight concrete,
water treatment, hydroponics, aquaponics and hydroculture.

LECA can be easily used for plant-growing substrate.

LECA is a versatile material and is utilized in an increasing number of applications. In

the construction industry, it is used extensively in the production of lightweight concrete, blocks
and precast or incast structural elements (panels, partitions, bricks and light tiles). LECA used in
structural backfill against foundations, retaining walls, bridge abutments etc., in addition, it can
reduce earth pressure by 75% compared with conventional materials, and also increases ground
stability while reducing settlement and land deformation. LECA can drain the surface water and
groundwater to control groundwater pressure. LECA grout can be used for flooring (finishing) and
roofing with thermal and sound insulation.
LECA is also used in water treatment facilities for the filtration and purification of
municipal wastewater and drinking water as well as in other filtering processes, including those
for dealing with industrial wastewater and fish farms.
LECA has uses in agriculture and landscapes. It can alter soil mechanics. It is used as a growing
medium in hydroponics systems since blended with other growing mediums such
as soil and peat, it can improve drainage, retain water during periods of drought, insulate roots
during frost, and provide roots with increased oxygen levels promoting very vigorous growth.
LECA can be mixed with heavy soil to improve its aeration and drainage.