01
An insulating layer
The tested mixture’s low thermal conductivity supports evaluation of its contribution to pavement frost protection.
Technology
BLC offers a lightweight concrete insulating layer for pavements. In buildings, low density creates opportunities for renovation, non-structural fills and precasting, subject to assembly requirements. Value is assessed at asset level: materials replaced, excavation, logistics and maintenance.
What the technology brings to project evaluation.
02
Low density
Material weight is one of the parameters to consider for the selected design and site conditions.
03
Planned placement
The material is proposed as pumpable and self-levelling. Mix suitability and construction methods must be confirmed for each project.
Properties, together with their conditions.
| Property | Result | Reported method |
|---|---|---|
| Density | 584 kg/m³ fresh; 559 kg/m³ dry | CSA A23.2-6C / 11C |
| Compressive strength | 2.0 MPa at 24 h; 3.9 MPa at 28 d; 4.6 MPa at 56 d | CSA A23.2-9C |
| Flexural strength | 1.0 MPa at 28 days | CSA A23.2-8C |
| Elastic modulus | 2.53 GPa at 28 days | ASTM C469 |
| Thermal conductivity | 0.1691 W/(m·K), dry; mean temperature 24.02 °C | ASTM C518-10 |
| Freeze–thaw | 300 cycles; relative dynamic modulus: 86.5% | ASTM C666, Procedure B |
| De-icing salt scaling | 0.22 kg/m² after 56 cycles | NQ 2621-905 |
Values measured on the formulation and samples tested in 2014–2015. They are not universal design values. Project requirements, service conditions and acceptance criteria must be established by the designer.
An evaluated application: pavement insulation.
The BLC dossier references MTQ recognition as a “produit éprouvé” (proven product) for pavement insulation, for the formulation and use evaluated.
That scope does not extend to lightweight fill. Other applications or new formulations require their own application-specific evaluation.
Technical references
- MTQ, Nadia Pouliot, February 3, 2015. Laboratory test results — insulating concrete. Files BC-14-128 and DB-13-47; July 15, 2014 placement.
- Exova, September 30, 2014. Report 14-06-M0326, thermal transmission testing to ASTM C518-10.
- MTQ, GUQ-01788: March 19, 2015 letter and September 15, 2026 correspondence, as referenced in the BLC dossier.
- Baaj, Tavassoti, Dias and Lorena, InnovAct Consulting, September 2020. Innovative high-performance lightweight concrete for insulation of flexible pavements. Pavement design and life-cycle study.
- BLC, Engineering and Infrastructure Owners Meeting Dossier, September 21, 2026. Source of this summary; consult the original reports for their complete scope.
BLC · 2026
MTQ: confirmed status for pavement insulation.
In its replies of September 10, 11 and 15, 2026, MTQ confirms “produit éprouvé” status for pavement insulation. Evaluation of that use is complete; a pilot project was not required to complete it.
Recognition applies to the evaluated formulation and use. It does not cover lightweight fill, classified as “produit non retenu”, and is neither a purchase commitment nor automatic approval of every pavement design. Design and contract requirements remain project-specific.
Source: MTQ correspondence, file GUQ-01788, September 2026; recognition letter dated March 19, 2015.
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