Volume Concrete – READY MIX CONCRETE PRODUCTS

Category: LDCC

  • Volume Concrete: Leading Experts in Cellular Grout and Concrete in the Pacific Northwest

    Volume Concrete: Leading Experts in Cellular Grout and Concrete in the Pacific Northwest

    Volume Concrete: Experts in Cellular Grout and Concrete Solutions in the Pacific Northwest
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    Volume Concrete: Pioneering Cellular Grout and Concrete in the Pacific Northwest

    Introduction to Volume Concrete

    Based in the heart of the Pacific Northwest, Volume Concrete (volumeconcrete.com) is your trusted partner for innovative concrete solutions. Specializing in cellular grout and cellular concrete, we deliver high-quality materials and services tailored to meet the diverse needs of construction projects across the region. As a locally owned business, we’re committed to excellence, sustainability, and community-focused operations.

    Our Expertise and Services

    With years of hands-on experience in handling cellular concrete, grout, Controlled Density Fill (CDF), Controlled Low Strength Material (CLSM), and traditional concrete, Volume Concrete stands out for its versatility and reliability. We offer a full spectrum of densities, from lightweight 27 pounds per cubic foot (pcf) all the way up to high-strength concrete formulations—and everything in between.

    • Cellular Grout and Concrete: Ideal for applications requiring lightweight, flowable materials with excellent insulation and load-bearing properties.
    • CLSM Solutions: We provide CLSM that meets stringent state specifications, including ODOT standards, ensuring compliance and performance for your projects.
    • Specialized Applications: Our team has successfully completed numerous jobs, including underground decommissioning and tank abandonment, where precision and safety are paramount.

    Advanced Equipment for Safer, Efficient Jobsites

    At Volume Concrete, we prioritize health, safety, and environmental responsibility. Our clean fleet of equipment is all Tier 4 compliant, minimizing emissions and supporting sustainable practices. We maintain a robust fleet of pumps that allow us to deliver materials directly via hose, reducing the need for heavy equipment on-site. This approach not only enhances jobsite safety but also streamlines operations, making your project more efficient and cost-effective.

    Commitment to Quality and Compliance

    As a locally owned company, we understand the unique demands of the Pacific Northwest’s construction landscape. Our certified payroll ensures seamless handling of prevailing wage jobs, providing transparency and reliability for public and private sector clients alike. Over the years, we’ve built a reputation for delivering successful outcomes on complex projects, backed by our deep expertise and customer-centric approach.

    Why Choose Volume Concrete?

    Whether you’re tackling infrastructure upgrades, environmental remediation, or new builds, Volume Concrete is equipped to handle it all. Our dedication to innovation, quality, and local service makes us the go-to choice for cellular grout and concrete needs in the Pacific Northwest. Contact us today at volumeconcrete.com to discuss how we can support your next project.

    © 2026 Volume Concrete. All rights reserved. | Proudly Locally Owned in the Pacific Northwest, USA

  • How LDCC Works for Insulation

    How LDCC Works for Insulation

    Low-Density Cellular Concrete (LDCC) can be an effective material for foundation insulation, offering unique advantages due to its lightweight, thermal insulating properties, and versatility. Its effectiveness depends on factors like mix design, density, and the specific application, so let’s break it down:

    How LDCC Works for Insulation

    LDCC is a lightweight concrete made by mixing cement, water, and preformed foam, which creates a structure of air cells within the material. These air pockets significantly reduce its density (typically 20–50 lbs/cuft, though it can go up to 90 lbs/cuft) and enhance its thermal insulation properties. The trapped air acts as a barrier to heat transfer, similar to how insulation materials like foam or fiberglass work, making LDCC a viable option for insulating foundations.

    • Thermal Conductivity: LDCC’s thermal conductivity is much lower than traditional concrete. For example, at densities of 400–600 kg/m³ (25–37 lbs/cuft), it can achieve a thermal conductivity of around 0.1–0.2 W/m·K, compared to 1.5–2 W/m·K for standard concrete. This makes it highly effective at reducing heat loss or gain through foundation walls or slabs.
    • R-Value: The R-value (thermal resistance) of LDCC varies with density. At lower densities (e.g., 25–30 lbs/cuft), it can provide R-values of 1–2 per inch, which is competitive with some traditional insulation materials like expanded polystyrene (EPS). Higher-density LDCC sacrifices some insulation for strength but still outperforms regular concrete.

    Benefits for Foundation Insulation

    1. Lightweight Load Reduction: LDCC’s low density (often 1/3 to 1/2 the weight of traditional concrete) reduces the structural load on the foundation, which is especially useful in poor soil conditions or retrofits where added weight is a concern.
    2. Seamless Application: As a flowable, self-leveling material, LDCC can be pumped into tight or irregular spaces around foundations, ensuring continuous insulation without gaps—something rigid foam boards struggle to achieve.
    3. Moisture Resistance: Non-pervious LDCC mixes (common in foundation applications) have low water absorption (around 3–7% in some tests), reducing the risk of water infiltration that can degrade insulation performance or damage the foundation.
    4. Durability: Unlike organic insulation materials (e.g., foam boards), LDCC is fire-resistant, termite-proof, and doesn’t degrade over time, offering long-term stability under a foundation.
    5. Dual Purpose: Beyond insulation, LDCC can provide some structural support (compressive strengths from 50 psi to over 1,000 psi, depending on density) and act as a load-reducing fill, combining insulation with geotechnical benefits.

    Limitations

    1. Lower R-Value Than Dedicated Insulation: While LDCC insulates better than regular concrete, its R-value per inch is lower than high-performance materials like rigid foam (e.g., XPS at R-5 per inch). To achieve equivalent insulation, thicker layers may be needed, which could increase costs or space requirements.
    2. Strength Trade-Off: Lower-density LDCC, optimized for insulation, has reduced compressive strength (e.g., 50–200 psi), making it less suitable as a primary structural material under heavy loads. Higher-density mixes (e.g., 75–90 lbs/cuft) balance strength and insulation but sacrifice some thermal performance.
    3. Cost: LDCC can be more expensive than traditional fill materials like gravel or soil, though it’s often cheaper than installing separate insulation layers plus backfill. The cost-effectiveness depends on the project scale and local material prices.
    4. Permeability Variability: Pervious LDCC mixes, while useful for drainage, allow water penetration, which could reduce insulation effectiveness in wet conditions unless paired with waterproofing.

    Practical Applications

    • Under-Slab Insulation: LDCC is often used beneath foundation slabs to insulate against ground temperature fluctuations. For example, a 4–6 inch layer of 30 lbs/cuft LDCC can provide sufficient insulation while supporting light loads, reducing heat loss in cold climates or heat gain in warm ones.
    • Foundation Wall Backfill: When backfilling exterior foundation walls, LDCC reduces lateral earth pressure (due to its low density) and insulates against external temperature changes, protecting basements or crawlspaces.
    • Retrofits: Its pumpability makes LDCC ideal for insulating existing foundations in confined spaces where traditional insulation is hard to install.

    Real-World Effectiveness

    • Case Studies: Projects like the lightweight fill at Louis Armstrong Airport in New Orleans have used LDCC for its insulating and load-reducing properties, though specific insulation data isn’t always highlighted. In colder regions, LDCC has been used under slabs to prevent frost heave, leveraging its thermal resistance and freeze-thaw durability.
    • Comparison: Compared to gravel backfill (negligible insulation) or rigid foam (higher R-value but labor-intensive), LDCC strikes a middle ground, offering moderate insulation with easier installation and added geotechnical benefits.

    Optimizing LDCC for Insulation

    To maximize effectiveness:

    • Use a low-density mix (20–30 lbs/cuft) for insulation-focused applications, accepting lower strength.
    • Pair with a vapor barrier or waterproof membrane in wet climates to maintain thermal performance.
    • Specify mix designs with fly ash or other additives to enhance insulation and sustainability without sacrificing durability.

    Conclusion

    LDCC works well for foundation insulation, particularly where ease of placement, durability, and combined structural-insulating benefits are priorities. It’s not a replacement for high-R-value materials in extreme climates but excels in moderate conditions or projects needing a multifunctional solution. For a specific project, its effectiveness hinges on tailoring the density and thickness to balance insulation needs with structural demands—something a geotechnical engineer or concrete specialist can fine-tune. Would you like me to dig deeper into a particular aspect, like cost comparisons or mix design specifics?

  • Permeable vs. Non-Permeable Low Density Cellular Concrete LDCC

    Permeable and non-permeable Low-Density Cellular Concrete (LDCC) differ primarily in their ability to allow water to pass through, which is determined by the mix design and intended application. Here’s a breakdown of the two:

    Permeable LDCC

    • Definition: Permeable LDCC is engineered with a higher void content, allowing water to flow through it. The foam and aggregate structure creates interconnected air pockets or pathways.
    • Properties:
      • Permeability: High, typically designed to drain water at rates similar to coarse gravel (e.g., 100-300 inches per hour, depending on the mix).
      • Density: Still lightweight (20-90 pounds per cubic foot), but slightly denser than ultra-low-density non-permeable mixes due to adjustments in foam and cement content.
      • Strength: Lower compressive strength (e.g., 50-200 psi) compared to non-permeable LDCC, as the open structure sacrifices some load-bearing capacity for drainage.
    • Advantages:
      • Excellent for managing stormwater or groundwater around foundations, retaining walls, or pavements.
      • Reduces hydrostatic pressure by allowing water to dissipate quickly.
      • Can act as a drainage layer, eliminating the need for separate gravel or pipe systems in some cases.
    • Applications:
      • Backfill in areas with high water tables or heavy rainfall.
      • Subbase for permeable pavements or green infrastructure projects.
      • Situations where drainage is a priority over maximum strength.
    • Trade-offs: Reduced strength and insulation properties compared to non-permeable LDCC; may not be ideal where water infiltration needs to be minimized.

    Non-Permeable LDCC

    • Definition: Non-permeable LDCC is designed with a denser, closed-cell structure that prevents water from passing through. The foam cells are encapsulated, and the mix often includes less void space.
    • Properties:
      • Permeability: Very low (essentially waterproof once cured), with water absorption rates often below 10% by volume.
      • Density: Still lightweight (20-90 pounds per cubic foot), adjustable based on strength needs.
      • Strength: Higher compressive strength (e.g., 100-500 psi or more), as the closed-cell structure enhances load-bearing capacity.
    • Advantages:
      • Prevents water infiltration, reducing lateral pressure from water on foundation walls or structures.
      • Offers better insulation due to trapped air cells (thermal conductivity typically 0.1-0.3 W/m·K).
      • Provides a stable, uniform fill with no risk of water weakening the material over time.
    • Applications:
      • Backfill for foundations or retaining walls in wet environments where water resistance is critical.
      • Void filling under slabs or in confined spaces where settlement and water exposure must be avoided.
      • Projects requiring lightweight fill with moderate strength and insulation.
    • Trade-offs: Lacks drainage capability, so additional drainage systems (e.g., weep holes, gravel layers) may be needed in high-water areas.

    Key Differences

    FeaturePermeable LDCCNon-Permeable LDCC
    Water FlowAllows water throughBlocks water
    StrengthLower (50-200 psi)Higher (100-500+ psi)
    DensitySlightly higher voidsAdjustable, often denser
    DrainageExcellentNone
    InsulationModerateBetter
    Best UseDrainage-focusedStability-focused

    Choosing Between Them

    • Permeable LDCC is ideal when managing water flow is a priority, such as in flood-prone areas or where foundations need to “breathe” and drain efficiently.
    • Non-Permeable LDCC shines in scenarios where water resistance, higher strength, or insulation is more critical, like below-grade walls or in areas with poor natural drainage requiring separate water management.

    Volume Concrete LLC tailors the LDCC mix to project specs, so the choice depends on site conditions (e.g., soil type, groundwater), structural demands, and whether drainage or water resistance takes precedence.

    LDCC Pump Video

  • LDCC Low Density Cellular Concrete

    Low-Density Cellular Concrete (LDCC) from Volume Concrete LLC offers several advantages over traditional backfill materials like gravel or dirt for foundation backfilling, depending on the specific project needs. LDCC is a lightweight, flowable material made from a mixture of cement, water, and preformed foam, which creates air cells that reduce its density while maintaining sufficient strength. Here’s how it compares to gravel or dirt:

    1. Weight and Load Reduction: LDCC is significantly lighter than gravel or dirt, typically ranging from 20 to 90 pounds per cubic foot, compared to gravel (around 100-120 pounds per cubic foot) or compacted dirt (around 90-120 pounds per cubic foot). This reduced weight minimizes the vertical and lateral loads on foundation walls, which can be critical in areas with weak soils or where additional structural loading needs to be avoided.
    2. Flowability and Ease of Placement: Unlike gravel or dirt, which require mechanical compaction in layers, LDCC is highly flowable and self-compacting. It can be pumped into place, filling irregular voids and tight spaces around foundations without the need for heavy equipment or extensive labor. This makes it faster and more efficient to install, especially in confined or hard-to-access areas.
    3. Stability and Settlement: Gravel and dirt can settle over time if not properly compacted, potentially leading to uneven support under or around a foundation. LDCC hardens into a stable, uniform mass with minimal shrinkage, eliminating settlement concerns and providing consistent long-term support.
    4. Drainage and Permeability: Gravel is often chosen for its excellent drainage properties, allowing water to flow away from foundations. LDCC can be engineered to be either pervious or non-pervious, depending on the mix design. Non-pervious LDCC has very low permeability, reducing water infiltration and associated lateral pressure on foundation walls, which can be an advantage over gravel in wet conditions. However, if drainage is a priority, gravel might still be preferred unless a pervious LDCC mix is specified.
    5. Lateral Pressure: Gravel and compacted dirt exert lateral pressure on foundation walls, requiring robust structural design to resist these forces. Once cured, LDCC exerts no lateral pressure, offering a significant advantage for retaining walls or foundations where minimizing stress on adjacent structures is key.
    6. Cost and Time Efficiency: While gravel and dirt are generally less expensive upfront, LDCC can save costs in labor, equipment, and time due to its rapid placement and lack of compaction needs. Volume Concrete LLC’s LDCC, produced on-site with mobile batch plants, can further enhance efficiency by tailoring the mix to specific project requirements.

    That said, gravel or dirt might still be preferable in some scenarios. Gravel excels in drainage-critical applications, and dirt is a cost-effective option for simple projects with stable, well-draining soils. However, for foundations needing lightweight fill, reduced lateral pressure, or quick installation with minimal settlement risk, LDCC from Volume Concrete LLC stands out as a superior choice due to its unique properties and versatility. Project-specific factors like soil conditions, water table, and budget should ultimately guide the decision.

    Cellular Insulation
    Read More about Cellular
    Permeable vs. Non-Permeable
    Cellular for Pipe Abandonment

  • LDCC low density cellular concrete

    LDCC low density cellular concrete

    Volume Concrete llc, supplies LDCC low density cellular concrete in both permeable and non-permeable with densities as low as 27 lbs. per cubic foot (pcf) up to 110 pcf..

    Recent jobs include pipe abandonment, and sewer abandonment. With production capacities exceeding 250 cubic yards in a normal work shift.

    For jobs requiring backfill; LDCC is the ideal candidate with the lowest impact to the surrounding environment with installations utilizing a hose.