Clay heave is the term given to the expansion of clay material due to increase in moisture content and can be caused by the re-hydration of desiccated soil, climate, water courses, vegetation/tree roots or the removal of overburden resulting in volume increase.

Solutions to clay heave are either to suspend structures above the expansive soil or incorporate anti-heave materials.

Anti-heave materials can either be collapsible/bio-degradeable cellular materials or compressible materials.

ROMTECH’s solution to potential clay heave problems is to offer our Clients compressible material in the form of Clayshield and Castellated Clayshield.

CLAYSHIELD

Clayshield is manufactured from expanded, low density EPS and is normally used below and to the sides of ground beams, and fixed to the walls in deep trench foundations. It has been designed to form a buffer between the soil and the structure, compressing with the soil movement and thus alleviating the pressure on the foundation. It is light, easy to install in all weathers, does not degrade, is resistant to water, is unaffected by extremes in temperature, remains effective for the life of the building and can either be supplied in sheets, or cut to suit the depth of foundation and beam sides. Various thicknesses are available from 50mm upwards to ensure the correct void requirement is achieved.

Clayshield products are not recommended for use below floor slabs since this could result in serious damage to the slab when clay heave occurs.

• Expanded low density EPS
• Blue Colour = CLAYSHIELD
• Compresses 50% under an applied stress of 35KPa
• Unique compressive properties
• Available cut to suit depth of foundations
• Can be used in conjunction with Beamform
• BBA Certificated

 

 

CASTELLATED CLAYSHIELD

Castellated Clayshield is ideally suited for use beneath ground beams. It is available in a range of widths and thicknesses to suit design requirements and has been specifically designed with recesses manufactured into the board. This design reduces the transmitted pressure to the ground beams where the downward loads are relatively small. Clayshield pile collars are also available in a variety of widths and thicknesses to suit trench dimensions and should be used to avoid the formation of concrete around piles.

• Ideal under ground beams
• Reduce load transfer
• By using 40/50mm thick blinding over the castellated clayshield, any
• damage to the clayshield when placing reinforcement, will be reduced
• Can be used with ground beams up to 600mm deep
• Time saving fixing benefits
• BBA Certificated

ROMTECH offer a full Technical Advisory service relating to these products to ensure that materials ordered are suitable for the application. Clay heave materials are normally available within 7-10 working days.

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