Due to the rapid advancement in technology, the construction industry has changed a lot. Previously, only a few materials like mud, sand, straw, animal dung, stone, bamboo etc. were used. However, modern construction materials such as concrete, bricks, cement composites etcetera elope the previous construction material. From towering skyscrapers to intricate infrastructure projects, this realm encompasses a spectrum of challenges and triumphs. The new material, Foam Concrete, has expanded its boundaries in no time. This blog post will explore the concept of Aerated lightweight concrete, its benefits and why it is considered a game-changing material in the construction industry. 

Define Foam Concrete

These days, concrete has become the backbone of the construction industry. To manufacture any piece of building structure, concrete plays a major role. Aerated or lightweight concrete has become the first choice when it comes to making insulating floors and roofs, void filling etc. This type of concrete is made with fine aggregates, water, foaming material, cement or fly ash. Both sand and fine aggregates (powder form) come first, then water is added to it to turn it into fine mortar. Meanwhile, air compression and pre-formation are done to make the perfect porous concrete. 

To create lightweight, low-density porous concrete, foaming agents like natural or synthetic are utilised. Aerated or lightweight concrete materials make a more homogenous mixture than regular concrete because there are no course particles. Sometimes people call this porous, aerated or lightweight concrete.

Advantages of the Foam Concrete

Check the following benefits offered by the foam concrete: 

Lightweight Nature

Foam concrete is lightweight by its nature. Traditional concrete is heavy, making transportation and handling challenging. However, porous concrete is significantly lighter in weight, making it easier to handle, transport, and work with during construction. This feature not only reduces the load on supporting structures but also makes it ideal for utilisation where weight is a concern.

Fire Resistance

Aerated or lightweight concrete exhibits good fire resistance due to its mineral composition. It does not release harmful fumes when exposed to high temperatures, contributing to the safety of occupants in case of a fire. This property makes porous concrete a preferred choice in fire-rated construction applications.

Insulating Properties

Lightweight concrete possesses exceptional thermal insulation properties. The air-filled bubbles within the material build a network of voids, which declines the transfer of heat. This insulation capability aids in maintaining comfortable indoor temperatures, making foam concrete suitable for both cold and warm climates. Structures built with Aerated lightweight concrete require less energy for heating or cooling, facilitating energy efficiency.

Improved Workability

This Lightweight concrete has excellent workability, meaning it can be easily molded and shaped to fit specific design requirements. This property makes it suitable for intricate architectural designs and allows for the creation of custom shapes and forms. The material can be pumped into place, reducing the need for extensive formwork.

Reduced Construction Costs

The lightweight nature of porous concrete not only simplifies construction processes but also leads to cost savings. Transportation costs are lower due to reduced weight, and the material’s ease of use can speed up construction, reducing labor expenses. Additionally, the insulation properties of aerated or lightweight concrete contribute to lower energy costs over the lifespan of a building.

High Compressive Strength

Aerated lightweight concrete exhibits impressive compressive strength. This strength is significant for ensuring the stability and sturdiness of structures. This kind of concrete structure can withstand significant loads, making it idle for numerous applications, including commercial, residential, and industrial construction projects.

Disadvantages of Foam Concrete

As every coin has both sides. Similarly, this lightweight concrete also has some drawbacks that have been given below:

• The ratio of the linked pore to the total pore is the primary factor affecting the durability of aerated concrete.
• because it contains more cement than regular concrete. Thus, it gets expensive.
• Since aerated concrete lacks coarse aggregate and has a higher paste content than regular concrete, it will shrink more than regular concrete.
• The compressive and flexural strengths of lightweight concrete decrease as its density rises.
• For aerated concrete, the mixing time is longer. 

The building of structural frames and foundations can be completed more affordably due to the structure’s decreased dead weight. Compaction is also not necessary for it. It can bridge gaps and fractures over great distances. It provides good thermal insulation and good freeze-or-thaw characteristics. Therefore, foam concrete can be used as a substitute for traditional building materials.

Worthy Applications of Foam Concrete

The following are construction projects where this type of concrete is used: 

Building Construction: Porous concrete is widely used in construction for walls, floors, and roofs. Its lightweight nature reduces structural load and simplifies the construction process.

Void Filling: Aerated concrete is an efficient solution for filling voids, such as those left by collapsed pipes or underground spaces, providing stability and support.

Road Construction: In road construction, this lightweight concrete is used to create lightweight, load-bearing fill materials, reducing settlement issues in soft or expansive soils.

Insulation: Due to its excellent thermal insulation properties, porous concrete is often used in insulating walls and floors, helping to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature.

Foam Concrete Benefits Environment

Reduced Carbon Footprint: Aerated concrete production typically requires less energy compared to traditional concrete, resulting in a lower carbon footprint.

Recyclability: This lightweight concrete can be recycled and reused, minimizing waste in construction projects and promoting sustainability.

Resource Effectiveness: The lightweight nature of aerated concrete decreases the amount of raw materials required for construction, contributing to resource efficiency.

The Bottom Line

In terms of sustainability and longevity in construction projects, the name of foam concrete can never be hidden. It has emerged as a versatile and sustainable building material, offering solutions to various challenges in the field of construction. Its thermal insulation properties, lightweight nature, and environmental advantages make it a compelling selection for modern construction projects. As the construction industry is persistently committed to sustainability, foam concrete is likely to play an indispensable role in shaping the buildings of the future. Hope the information above will help you to understand the concept of aerated concrete and how it aids the construction industry.