Plasmor Aglite Ultima The Future of Lightweight Aggregate Blockwork

PlasmorAgliteUltima is a premium lightweight aggregate (LWA) block system designed for modern construction where speed, sustainability, and structural efficiency are paramount. Manufactured with a patented process that fuses silica sand, flyash, and a proprietary polymer matrix, the resulting blocks are up to 40% lighter than conventional concrete masonry yet retain, and in many cases exceed, the strength and durability required for a wide range of applications.

Why Choose Lightweight Aggregate Blockwork?

Lightweight aggregate blockwork offers several tangible benefits compared with traditional dense concrete or clay masonry:

• Reduced structural loads: Lower deadweight translates into smaller foundations, slimmer columns, and slimmer floor slabs, which can dramatically cut a projects overall material cost.
• Improved thermal performance: The closedcell texture of LWA blocks creates natural insulation, reducing heating and cooling loads by up to 30%.
• Enhanced sound insulation: The porous structure dissipates acoustic energy, delivering superior soundproofing in residential and commercial environments.
• Speed of erection: Blocks are dimensionally consistent, lightweight, and easy to handle, which reduces labor time and improves site safety.
• Sustainability: Utilising industrial byproducts such as flyash reduces the carbon footprint of the concrete mix and supports circulareconomy principles.

Key Technical Characteristics of Aglite Ultima

Property	Typical Value	Unit
Density (dry)	1,800 2,100	kg/m
Compressive Strength	12 28	MPa
Flexural Strength	3.5 5.5	MPa
Thermal Conductivity	0.12 0.15	W/mK
Water Absorption (20min)	<12	% by mass
Surface Finish	Hollow, smooth, or textured

Dimensional Options

AgliteUltima blocks are produced in a broad range of dimensions to suit common wall thicknesses and architectural requirements. Standard sizes include:

• 120mm240mm240mm
• 190mm240mm240mm
• 240mm240mm240mm
• 300mm240mm240mm

Custom molds are also available for projects that demand nonstandard profiles, such as arches, curved walls, or integrated conduit channels.

Construction Applications

Because of its versatility, AgliteUltima is employed in a wide spectrum of building types and structural systems:

1. Residential Buildings

From singlefamily homes to multistorey apartments, the lightweight nature of AgliteUltima allows for faster floortofloor construction, lower foundation dimensions, and better acoustic comfort between units.

2. Commercial & Office Structures

For office blocks or retail centres, the materials fireresistance (up to REI 120) and thermal efficiency help meet stringent building regulations while delivering a sleek, modern aesthetic when left exposed.

3. Industrial Facilities

Industrial warehouses benefit from the reduced dead load, which permits larger spans and eliminates the need for heavy steel columns. The blocks also resist chemical aggressors when sealed, making them suitable for harsh environments.

4. Renovations & Retrofitting

Because the blocks are lighter, they are ideal for retrofitting or adding floors to existing structures where the original foundation cannot bear additional load.

Installation Guidelines

While the material is engineered for simplicity, following proper installation practices ensures optimal performance.

1. Preparation: Verify that the subbase is level and compacted. Moisture content of the substrate should be within the range recommended by the mix designer.
2. Mortar Selection: Use a compatible mortar mix (e.g., TypeS or TypeN with a watertocement ratio of 0.450.50). Polymermodified mortar can enhance bond strength and reduce cracking.
3. Handling: The blocks can be lifted manually with a single worker up to 25kg. For larger batch lifts, use a pallet jack or lightweight crane to maintain safety.
4. Jointing: Maintain a joint width of 1012mm. Apply mortar evenly and press the block firmly to achieve full contact. Use a trowel to finish joints to the desired texture.
5. Curing: Protect the wall from direct sunlight and wind for at least 48hours. If ambient temperatures fall below 5C, use curing blankets or temporary enclosures.
6. Finishing: The block surface can be painted, rendered, or left exposed. When using a render, apply a primer designed for lightweight aggregates to improve adhesion.

Sustainability Profile

Plasmors AgliteUltima aligns with contemporary sustainability goals in several ways:

• Reduced CO Emissions: The inclusion of flyash reduces cement consumption by up to 30%, which directly lowers embodied carbon.
• Recyclability: At endoflife, the blocks can be crushed and reused as aggregate for new concrete or as backfill material, contributing to circular construction.
• Energy Efficiency: The high insulating properties of the blocks decrease operational energy demand for heating and cooling, leading to lower carbon footprints over the building's lifecycle.
• Low Waste Generation: Nearnetshape production minimizes offcuts, and any scrap material is suitable for reuse as subbase material.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1 How does the compressive strength of Aglite Ultima compare to normal-weight concrete?

AgliteUltima achieves compressive strengths ranging from 12MPa (suitable for nonloadbearing walls) to 28MPa (compatible with structural loadbearing applications). In many cases, the strength is on par with traditional concrete of comparable class, while the density is markedly lower.

Q2 Is the material compatible with reinforcement?

Yes. Steel reinforcement can be placed within the hollow cores of the blocks. The polymer matrix provides excellent anchorage, and the blocks maintain sufficient shear capacity to transfer loads to the reinforcement.

Q3 What fire rating can be achieved?

When used with a suitable plaster or fireprotective coating, AgliteUltima walls can achieve REI120 (120minutes fire resistance) and meet the requirements of most European firesafety regulations.

Q4 Does the material support highrise construction?

Definitely. The reduced dead load enables taller structures with less massive foundations, making it a favourite for highrise residential towers and mixeduse developments.

Q5 Can the blocks be used for seismicresistant design?

Lightweight aggregate blockwork, when combined with proper detailing, ductile reinforcement, and adequate connection design, contributes positively to seismic performance by reducing mass and therefore seismic forces.

Case Studies

Urban EcoResidence, Berlin

Fourstorey residential blocks were constructed using AgliteUltima 190mm blocks. The project reported a 28% reduction in foundation volume, a 15% improvement in wall thermal performance, and an overall construction time cut by 20% compared with a conventional concrete solution.

GreenTech Manufacturing Plant, Manchester

The plants 12,000m rooftop warehouse was erected with AgliteUltima 300mm blocks, allowing for a 30% lighter roof structure. The lightweight system enabled the use of prefabricated steel trusses with a 25% smaller steel section, saving both material costs and site crane time.

Get Started Today

If you are looking for a modern, sustainable, and highperforming masonry solution, Plasmor Aglite Ultima offers the perfect balance of strength, lightness, and ease of installation. Our technical team is ready to assist with design calculations, material selection, and onsite support.

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