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How Ultra-Lightweight Aggregate in Stucco Base Coat Reduces Labor Costs Beyond Just Material Savings

Contractors focus on material costs because those numbers are easy to calculate. You know exactly what you’re paying per bag, per pallet, per job. But material cost is only part of the equation when you’re pricing a stucco project. Labor is typically your biggest expense, and it’s also the hardest to control — until you […]

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Lightweight Concrete’s Impact on Construction Schedules

Construction timelines are tight. Budgets are tighter. And when you’re working on a project where every day of delay costs money and credibility, the materials you choose matter more than you might think. Most architects, developers, and project managers focus on the obvious factors when evaluating building materials: cost, structural performance, aesthetics. But there’s another

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Why “Popcorning” Occurs in Conventional EPS Beads (and How CityMix Solves It)

EPS is one of the lightest weight materials out there, yet historically it has struggled as an concrete aggregate. That is because, in many lightweight concrete mixes, traditional EPS beads present a recurring challenge – specifically, a phenomenon called “popcorning.” Popcorning occurs when uncoated EPS separates from the cement paste during mixing or curing, migrating

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The Role of Lightweight Aggregates in Reducing Structural Dead Load

In many concrete applications – especially multi-story buildings, large-span structures, and precast components – the weight of the material itself is one of the most important engineering concerns. Concrete is heavy, and yet it is often the best choice for not only structural elements, but also flooring and décor. That means that architects typically have

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Engineering Considerations for Using CityMix® in Lightweight Concrete Applications

The lighter the concrete, the easier the application and the more desirable the product – provided, of course, it does not reduce concrete’s durability, structure, or appearance. Historically, the use of lightweight aggregates has presented challenges related to moisture absorption, batch consistency, and variable compressive strength results. That is where CityMix comes in. CityMix has

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Vibration Stability in EPS-Enhanced Lightweight Concrete

Concrete product manufacturers want to make their products lighter. The lighter the weight, the more popular the product, as they’re easier to install, easier to ship, and more. Yet lightweight concrete formulations often face a significant performance challenge: instability during vibration. When standard lightweight aggregates are introduced into a mix, they can separate from the

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