Creating Floor Slabs the Smart Way! Ground heave challenges met, as LiteCorp keeps another large-format slab construction project on schedule with the innovative CLAYFORM Void Forming System. 

 

The Challenge 

Ground Heave Risk with large floor slab area 

FKG Group faced ground heave risk at their reactive soil site in Moorooka QLD. Engineering solutions were needed to guarantee the long-term stability of the structure.  Failing to address this issue could lead to catastrophic consequences. Given the extensive floor area of the storage warehouse a cost-effective solution to overcome this reactive soil challenge was imperative. 

The Solution:   

Clayform – The Degradable Void Former with Speedy Installation Benefits 

Clayform Void Form System proves to be a very effective method of mitigating ground heave risk, also offering financial and time saving advantages.  The Clayform Void Form panels degrade after the initial concrete pour, leaving a genuine void to counteract ground movement. Further information about Clayform can be found here. 

The builder for this project reports that they were able to halve the installation process, resulting in significant savings in time, labour and cost. Clayform Void Form Panels are available in large format sizes and are easily cut to size. This translates to hours saved in handling and installing fewer, but larger sheets compared to conventional void form products.  As an Australian manufacturer, Litecorp met demand and provide staged deliveries to site to keep the project on track. Clayform is also available as a pre-bagged option to maintain the integrity of the product in wet weather. FKG shared the benefit of the efficient installation with Clayform: 

“The Litecorp Clayform’s competitive advantage was the ability to pre-bag, pre-cut & provide a larger width sheet. FKG were able to halve the installation process by using a mix of the 1200w sheets and pre-cut lengths to suit set downs and select sizes. When working with the quantities we had, efficiency and mitigating the use of power tools for cutting was key.” 

 

Clayform successfully addressed the soil challenge and enhanced efficiencies in the slab construction with timed deliveries, helping to keep the project on schedule. 

Contact us for a quote on your next reactive soil slab project or follow us on LinkedIn to keep up to date on new developments.  

 

Polystyrene, commonly known as Styrofoam, has long been the go-to material for protecting sensitive goods during shipping and storage. Its lightweight nature and excellent cushioning properties make it a great option for protecting sensitive goods from electronics to delicate glassware. However, this convenience comes at a significant environmental cost. In Australia alone, it’s estimated that 12,000 tonnes of expanded polystyrene (EPS) are disposed of in landfills each year, occupying approximately 240,000 cubic meters of space (epa.nsw.gov.au)

 

The Quest for Sustainable Alternatives

As environmental concerns mount, businesses and consumers are looking for environmentally friendly replacements for polystyrene packaging. Here are some of the most promising alternatives:

 

1. Molded Pulp Packaging

Pros:

• • Eco-Friendly: Crafted from recycled paper and natural fibers, molded pulp is both biodegradable and compostable.

• • Customizable: Can be molded into various shapes to snugly fit and protect products.

• • Durable: Offers good protection for a range of items, including electronics and food products.

Cons:

• • Moisture Sensitivity: Without proper treatment, it can absorb moisture, potentially compromising its structural integrity.

• • Aesthetic Limitations: Typically has a rough texture and limited color options, which might not align with premium branding.

• • Run size: It can require volume production runs to make this option viable.

 

2. Starch-Based Packing Peanuts

Pros:

• • Biodegradable: Made from corn or wheat starch, these peanuts dissolve in water, leaving no toxic residue.

• • Non-Toxic: Safe for both humans and wildlife, reducing environmental hazards.

Cons:

• • Cost: Generally more expensive than traditional polystyrene peanuts.

• • Performance: May offer less cushioning for heavy or fragile items and can be susceptible to moisture.

• • Size constraints: It does not suit large objects such as enclosures.

 

3. Mushroom Packaging

Pros:

• • Innovative: Grown from mycelium and agricultural waste, creating a material that’s both sturdy and sustainable.

• • Compostable: Breaks down naturally in compost environments, leaving no harmful residues.

Cons:

• • Production Time: Requires several days to grow, which may not meet the demands of rapid manufacturing cycles.

• • Scalability: Currently less available on a large scale, potentially limiting widespread adoption.

 

4. Corn-Based Packaging

Pros:

• • Renewable Resource: Derived from abundant corn crops, making it a sustainable option.

• • Versatile: Suitable for various applications, including food containers and protective packaging.

Cons:

Composting Requirements: May require industrial composting facilities to break down effectively.

 

5. Honeycomb Cardboard

Pros:

• • Lightweight but Strong: The hexagonal design distributes weight evenly, offering impressive load-bearing strength.

• • 100% Recyclable & Biodegradable: Made from paper-based materials, it breaks down easily and is widely accepted in recycling programs.

• • Customizable & Versatile: Can be cut, shaped, and layered to create protective inserts, corner protectors, and even pallets.

• • Shock Absorption: the engineered honeycomb structure provides natural cushioning, reducing damage during transit.

Cons:

• • Not Water-Resistant: Can weaken when exposed to moisture unless coated with a water-resistant layer.

• • Bulkier than EPS: May take up more space compared to compact polystyrene solutions.

• • Higher Initial Cost: While sustainable, it can be slightly more expensive than traditional polystyrene in some cases.

 

Embracing a Greener Future

Transitioning away from polystyrene packaging is not just an environmental imperative but also an opportunity for innovation. By adopting these sustainable alternatives, businesses can reduce their ecological footprint, meet evolving consumer expectations, and contribute to a more sustainable future. The path forward is clear: it’s time to embrace packaging solutions that protect our products and our planet.