Lättballast

Lättballast is a Swedish term that translates to "light ballast" or "lightweight ballast." It refers to a material used as a stabilizing or weighting agent, typically in construction or civil engineering applications, where minimizing overall weight is a primary concern. Unlike traditional dense ballast materials such as gravel or crushed stone, lättballast is characterized by its low density.

Common materials used for lättballast include expanded clay aggregate, perlite, or foamed glass. These materials are often granular or pelletized and have a porous structure that traps air, contributing to their reduced weight. The selection of lättballast depends on the specific requirements of the project, including its load-bearing capacity, thermal insulation properties, and drainage characteristics.

Lättballast finds application in various scenarios. It can be used in roofing systems to provide weight and stability against wind uplift while reducing the load on the building structure. In green roof construction, it serves as a lightweight growing medium or drainage layer. It is also employed in landscaping and as a fill material for lightweight embankments or bridge abutments where reducing the load on underlying soil or structures is critical. The use of lättballast can lead to cost savings in terms of structural design and transportation.