Ultralight mortar subfloor

E + F + ASC, 2022.

This mortar subfloor was part of flooring and hydraulic service executed by Fabián and Ernesto as main workforce.

The solution found for the client was to elevate a pavement by around 11cm (4"1/8), aiming to erase from once and definitively, infiltration problems due to an existent level inconsistency left by Pintos Risso engineering company in 1998, at the time of the original construction.

With core piping columns at the center of the floorplan and this rooftop slab poured at the same level, it was impossible to pitch the water to the aforementioned core. Many repairs took place before the client and I decided to open up the floor, to precisely diagnose the problematic rainwater pipes drain.

After analyzing possibilities, elevating that portion of the rooftop was deemed ok. Elevating abut 11cm demanded nevertheless, pouring an 'ultra lightweight concrete'.

The solution included 2 layers: the lower one, EPS pearls, sand and water, was poured on the existent carpet, and many EPS entire pieces were set within, diminishing total weight (650kg/m3). The second one, was a traditionally lightweight concrete with EPS pearls (900kg/m3)

One particularity was that the Mestre Ernesto did not show up in the first pouring day. So Fabián and I (ASC) proceeded. I helped Fabián carrying sand, mortar and setting EPS pieces within the pouring mortar, completing the lower layer.

This ultralight layer is performing well after 3 years. The pathology was extinguished thank to the waterproofing layer set above this lightweight strategy.

Dosage of the second layer:

Perimeter ribbons: 1 cement, 6 sands, 5 EPS pearls

Fill: 1 Portland cement, 5 sand, 6 EPS pearls

Related Content