New Residential Area in Vermo in Espoo

Foamit Foam Glass a Great Solution for Roof Ceilings

Foamit foam glass aggregate – a versatile lightening and thermal insulation material typically used for infrastructure and housebuilding – proved to be also suitable for roof ceilings. Foam glass aggregate did not cause corrosion or other structural risks. YIT selected Foamit as a lightening material for the roof ceilings for the Asunto Oy Elegia housing company.

A new residential area was under construction in Vermo, Espoo, where the environment and the use of environmentally friendly materials were key factors. On the Asunto Oy Elegia construction site, where YIT was the contractor, these principles were reinforced by the selection of Foamit foam glass aggregate, which was made from recycled glass.

Foam glass aggregate was a good example of an excellent technical solution that employed recycling. Its lightening and insulating properties were comparable to those of conventional lightening materials

said Jouko Nurmi, the general foreman on the worksite.

Nurmi said that Foamit aggregate formed a sufficiently load-bearing base on which to cast the roof slab, and this was a further factor in YIT’s decision to use Foamit.

Non-corrosive lightener

In addition to the good load-bearing capacity, light weight and insulation characteristics, Jouko Nurmi emphasised the good chemical properties of foam glass. They were particularly valuable on this site from the perspective of structural design.

For the structural design of Asunto Oy Elegia, it was crucial that the foam glass did not promote corrosion, in addition to the other benefits due to its light weight

said Pekka Miettinen, Project Engineer from A-Engineers, who worked on Asunto Oy Elegia’s structural design.

Miettinen said that cost-efficiency was also a factor. Foam glass saved worksite costs because it was easier to handle, highlighting its technical and financial advantages.

In terms of handling and worksite logistics, it was important to have access to a hoisting container developed specifically for Foamit on the worksite. This enabled the foam glass aggregate to be lifted all the way up to the roof structures as efficiently and easily as possible.

It was difficult to create a casting base with enough load-bearing capacity using other solutions. When the surface slab was cast on top of foam glass, hardly any adjustments were needed before the waterproofing membrane was installed.

 

Jouko Nurmi, general foreman on the worksite, YIT