Prof. Dr. Mike Schlaich on Infra-Lightweight Concrete

Infra-lightweight concrete is load-bearing thermal insulation. It promises durable, sustainable and attractive fair-faced concrete structures. The prefix "infra" (latin for "below") stems from the fact that it has a dry bulk density of less than 800 kg per cubic metre. In this interview Prof. Dr. Mike Schlaich (TU Berlin / sbp schlaich bergermann partner) relates about the developement of the monolithic building material that started back in 2005. "The secret is actually no secret: all you do is to substitue heavy weight aggregates like gravel by lightweight aggregates" the experienced structural engineer says. He talks about possible applications of infra-lightweight concrete, explains current projects being built with it in Berlin and gives an outlook on how this new way of building could influence architecture. Mike Schlaich is convinced: "This very lightweight material is a serious alternative. After twelve years of testing and investigating we are ready to go!"