P.O.

Box 158
Gold Hill, NC 28071
Phone: (704) 279-2325 Perlite Concrete Mix Design
Fax: (704) 279-8818
www.carolinaperlite.com

Below is a chart with mix design information. The 1:6 mix has been used most for lightweight concrete roof deck applications and
the 1:4 mix for interstitial floors. The cement to aggregate ratio is for cubic feet using the old standard 1 ft3 sack of cement. Perlite is
packaged in a 4 ft3 bag.

A plaster type mixer or a ready-mix truck is recommended. (See Transit Mix Perlite Concrete brochure for details). We
recommend adding the perlite last at the job site unless the job is extremely close to the ready-mix plant. DO NOT OVER-MIX. Perlite
particles are fragile and over-mixing will cause the perlite to pulverize, resulting in a loss of yield. CHECK THE TRUCK AT 75
REVOLUTIONS AND PROBABLY DISCHARGE AT 120 REVOLUTIONS. Perlite concrete should have a thick shaving cream texture.

If you have to pump, DO NOT use a piston-type pump as this will destroy the perlite and result in a serious loss of yield. USE A
ROTOR/STATOR (PROGRESSIVE CAVITY) PUMP.

Air entraining agent improves yield and workability and you may wish to use one that you have or we can provide a powder
detergent type air entraining agent (Witconate AOK). Use approximately 2 fluid ounces or less Witconate AOK per bag of perlite
depending upon water quality. Eight fluid ounces per yard of concrete is a good starting point. Always begin with less rather than more.

Please call with any questions and thank you for considering perlite lightweight concrete.

Typical Properties, Specification Properties & Mix Formulations for Perlite Aggregate Insulating Concrete*

TYPICAL PROPERTIES SPECIFICATION PROPERTIES MATERIALS PER CUBIC YARD

Cement to Compressive Thermal Wet Density Compressive

Oven Dry Coefficient Thermal Dry Density Range,
Aggregate Strength, 28 Conductivity, Range, When Strength Range, Cement Sacks Perlite, ft3 Water, gal. A.E.A
Density, pcf Expansion, Per Unit Per F 28 Days, pcf
Ratio (mix) Days, psi k Placed, pcf 28 Days, psi

1:4 36 350 0.83 0.0000061 48-56 36-42 300-520 6.75 27 61 **

1:5 30 230 0.71 0.0000055 42-50 30-36 230-300 5.40 27 59.5 **

1:6 27 140 0.64 0.0000048 38-44 24-30 125-200 4.50 27 54 **

1:8 22 80 0.54 0.0000043 34-40 18-24 80-125 3.38 27 54 **

*Pittsburg Testing Laboratory & R.W. Hunt Company Engineers under sponsorship of Perlite Institute, Inc.
**Air entraining agent: Neutralized vinsol resin or other air entrainment agent as recommended by perlite manufacturer.
From 1985 ASHRE Guide and Data Book at 75F mean temperature.