Test Surface for Industrial Hall  

The test surface was executed with the purpose to provide information regarding the maximum loadbearing capacity of an Energocell® foam glass insulation layer compacted at a 1:1.3 rate.

Under the foam glass a compacted layer of concrete chips of 160 N/mm² was placed. The highly compact surface made unnecessary the use of any geotextile fabric for separation.

The granules were compacted in two layers. The thickness of each loose layer was 20 cm, that shrinked to 15 cm after compaction. This is how the finished layer-thickness of 30 cm was reached.

For the spreading of the material a JCB excavator was used. Compaction was carried out with the above presented (also see the pictures) vibratory roller, by rolling with no vibrations.

The plate-load testing results (E2 = 94 N/mm²!) are detailed in the annexed measurement report.

Further observations:

Rubber-tyred machines (e. g. front-end loader etc.) did not leave any trace on the compacted layer, but the 24-tonne dumper loaded with stone chips caused the loosening of the granules while traversing, especially when cornering. Therefore, it is very likely that the mixer shouldn't circulate either on the compacted foam glass layer - and a concrete pump may be necessary for the execution of industrial floors.