Cellcore is a composite cellular EPS/polypropylene compressible-fill material. It can be used to prevent potential problems in foundations due to moisture movement in soils which contain a large proportion of mineral particles below 0.002mm ('clay heave'). The material can be used as permanent shuttering for cast in-situ reinforced concrete slabs, piled beams and rafts, reducing upward pressure due to ground heave.
Low loading for ultimate compression Cellcore reaches ultimate compression at much lower loads than standard compressible fills. The fail load can be as low as 12kN/m2 according to grade.
High loading capability Cellcore can accommodate loads up to 55kN/m2, without material compression.
Cost-effective Cellcore provides a rapid, cost-effective solution to ground movement and clay-heave problems, and no specialised trades or equipment are required.
Choice of grades Cellcore is available in a range of grades and facings, and in thicknesses from 100mm.
Permanent Cellcore is rot-proof and durable and will withstand the conditions encountered below ground. It will not degrade in the presence of high levels of ground water or precipitation.
Easy to handle Cellcore is manufactured from expanded polystyrene (EPS) with a laminated polypropylene top surface; it is lightweight and easy to handle. The use of Cellcore satisfies the recommendations of the Building Research Establishment (BRE), and the National House Building Council (NHBC) in using compressible materials below ground beams.
High loading capability Cellcore can accommodate loads up to 55kN/m2, without material compression.
Availability Cellcore is a registered trademark of Cordek Ltd, and is a product developed and manufactured by Cordek Ltd. Further information is available from: Cordek Limited, Spring Copse Business Park, Slinfold, West Sussex RH13 0SZ. Tel: 01403 799600. Fax: 01403 791718.
Approvals There are no specific requirements in the Building Regulations for the use of compressible-fill materials. However, there is a general requirement (Regulation A2) which states that ‘buildings shall be constructed so that ground movement caused by swelling, (or) shrinkage ...of the subsoil... will not impair the stability of any part of the building’. Cellcore has been assessed by the British Board of Agrément according to Regulation A2, and found to reduce the effects of the expansion of clay soils which might impair the stability of a building. It has been approved for use under ground beams and suspended, in-situ, reinforced ground-floorslabs; Certificate number 93/2869. Cellcore has been granted UK Patent numbers 2.241.976 and 2.206.637.
Type Cellcore is available in a range of Types to suit various loadings. Cellcore is produced as Types CC and CP; both types consist of a honeycomb cellular structure ofinterlocking EPS sections with a factorybonded facing. Cellcore Type CC has a facing of heavy-duty polypropylene, 5-8mm thick(1250g/m2); Type CP has a factory-bonded facing of 53mm-thick EPS protected by a 2mm-thick layer of polypropylene (300g/m2). Type CC should be used under piled beams and rafts, or beneath very heavy slabs where the Cellcore will be protected by a layer of 50mm blinding; Type CP should be used under reinforced ground-floor slabs where the EPS board provides sufficient protection to obviate the need for blinding.
Dimensions Standard size, 2440 x 1220mm. Total thickness including facing: Type CC, 100-300mm; Type CP, 150-350mm. Beams; manufactured to suitstandard beam widths.
