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 cement paste as vibration or compaction begins. This segregation – driven by buoyancy forces and density differences – leads to uneven material distribution, weak points, and inconsistent strength in the finished product.
CityMix addresses this long-standing issue through an engineered approach that ensures aggregate stability under vibration. Our coated Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) aggregate maintains uniform distribution within the cement matrix, even when exposed to high-frequency vibration during placement and consolidation.
Take a look:
Engineered Stability Under Vibration
In testing, a high-frequency internal vibrator is applied directly to the surface of freshly placed CityMix-enhanced concrete. Unlike typical lightweight mixes, the EPS aggregate remains fully suspended and does not rise toward the surface. The mix retains its uniformity and density throughout the vibration phase – an outcome that is rare among lightweight concrete systems.
The result is a cohesive and homogeneous lightweight concrete that maintains its internal structure during consolidation and curing. Even under mechanical vibration, the mix demonstrates exceptional resistance to segregation – ensuring consistent density, strength, and appearance throughout the finished element.
This stability not only simplifies placement and finishing but also enhances the long-term integrity of the cured product. Contractors and manufacturers benefit from predictable performance, reduced rework, and reliable structural behavior in both decorative and load-bearing applications.
Want to see what CityMix’s aggregate can do for you? Reach out to CityMix, today.