Economic Evaluation of Using LECA in Building Construction
Selecting construction materials and execution methods requires a precise understanding of tools and objectives. Choosing modern methods, advanced machinery, and more refined materials does not necessarily mean selecting the most suitable technical and economic approach; rather, a combination of social, cultural, and economic factors determines the viability of a construction method or technology.
Project results show that using modern materials without considering their characteristics and the construction culture leads to waste of materials and increased costs. In other words, the overlap of tools, materials, and different work cultures intensifies expenses and reduces quality. The more the selection of materials and construction technology is based on a clear and integrated perspective, the cheaper and faster the final outcome will be.
Reduction of Load-Bearing Structure Costs
The use of Leca products reduces the total dead load of a building by 20 to 30 percent. If this weight reduction is considered before the design stage, it leads to an optimized reduction in the weight of the load-bearing structure. Moreover, if Leca products are used after the design stage and during construction, they increase the safety factor of the structure, compensating for possible execution deficiencies.
Reduction of Construction Material Waste
The workability of Leca blocks helps reduce material waste and the dead load of the building. If this weight reduction is considered before the design phase, it leads to the optimization and reduction of the load-bearing structure’s weight, decreases the consumption of concrete and steel, and improves seismic performance. It also increases the safety factor of the structure, compensating for possible execution deficiencies.
Reduction of Energy Consumption Costs
The use of Leca products significantly reduces the energy required for cooling and heating buildings. Considering the gradual removal of energy subsidies in Iran, this leads to substantial savings in energy costs.
Reduction of Installation Costs
The insulating properties of Leca products allow heating and cooling systems to be purchased with optimized, smaller, and more cost-effective capacities. Additionally, the reduction in system size leads to lower future energy consumption costs for the building.
Reduction of Building Maintenance Costs
LECA products, due to their high durability and lack of destructive effects on other building components, especially installations, play a significant role in reducing building maintenance costs. Moreover, because of their high workability, in case of repairs or modifications, the damage to building components is very limited.
Reduction of Occupied Space Costs
Wall construction with LECA blocks reduces wasted interior spaces in the building. If other walling methods are used (such as double-layer walls), the usable floor area of the building decreases.
Speed in Execution
Given the various suitable sizes and shapes of Leca blocks, the execution speed increases, allowing the capital invested in the construction sector to yield returns sooner. Moreover, due to the larger size of Leca blocks compared to bricks and clay blocks, labor costs for wall construction are significantly reduced.
