Technical / Properties of Foam Concrete

Typical Properties of Foamcrete

DRY DENSITY
(kg/m3)		 COMPRESSION
STRENGTH
(N/mm2)		 THERMAL
CONDUCTIVITY
(W/mK)		 MODULUS OF
ELASTICITY
(kN/mm2)		 DRYING
SHRINKAGE
(%)
400 0.5 – 1.0 0.10 0.8 – 1.0 0.30 – 0.35
600 1.0 – 1.5 0.11 1.0 – 1.5 0.22 – 0.25
800 1.5 – 2.0 0.17 – 0.23 2.0 – 2.5 0.20 – 0.22
1000 2.5 – 3.0 0.23 – 0.30 2.5 – 3.0 0.18 – 0.15
1200 4.5 – 5.5 0.38 – 0.42 3.5 – 4.0 0.11 – 0.09
1400 6.0 – 8.0 0.50 – 0.55 5.0 – 6.0 0.09 – 0.07
1600 7.5 – 10.0 0.62 – 0.66 10.0 – 12.0 0.07 – 0.06

 

Comprehensive Strength v Dry Density

Strength

As with dense concrete, the compressive strength of foamed concrete will depend on the density, cement content, water/cement ratio properties of aggregates, methods of manufacture and curing.

The density of Foamcrete falls within the range 400–1600kg/m3 and can be produced at a compressive strength of 0.5 to 10N/mm2.

Thermal Conductivity

One of the main advantages of lower density foamed concrete (Foamcrete) is its lower thermal conductivity which gives it better insulation properties. This is due to the great number of closed cavities that form the multi–cellular structure and results in a 50mm layer of foam concrete, with a density of 400kg/m3, having approximately the same excellent heat insulation value as a 25mm thickness of cork.

Fire Resistance

Foamcrete is an inorganic material and therefore unlikely to catch fire. Tests carried out in several countries, including tests to ASTM Standards, show that a load bearing foam concrete slab wall, 15cm thick, has a fire resistance exceeding 7 hours.

Fire Resistance chart

 

Foamcrete :

  • Is cost effective when compared with conventional fill materials due to the elimination of specialist plant such as compactors & vibrators.
  • Can be pumped horizontally & vertically over significant distances without bleeding or segregation.
  • Reduces the dead load of the structure.
  • Can be manufactured to precise specifications of strength and density.
  • Can be nailed, planed, drilled, sawn using conventional tools.
  • Is flowable and easy to place and finish.
  • Will take all traditional surface finishes – paint, tiles, carpet etc.
  • Is vermin & rot proof.
  • Is resistant to moisture.
  • Is fire resistant.

APPLICATIONS

  • Trench Re–instatement – Foamcrete requires no compaction. It readily flows to fill all undercut pockets and does not settle after placing. This means that trenches can be permanently reinstated without the need to revisit the site other than to lay the final wearing surface.
  • Void Filling
    • Foamcrete is ideal for filling redundant pipes and conduits. No bleeding or settlement.
    • Flowable grouts can be easily pumped over long distances.
    • Filling under runners in hillside situations to increase the stability of emabankment slopes. Lime can be added to the flowable mix if required.
  • Thermal Insulation & Sound Absorption – in both new and old houses.
  • Roofing – may be used as a lightweight insulating and leveling layer.
  • Other applications
    • Lightweight insulating bricks, blocks, tiles etc
    • Building panels and partitions (either pre–cast or poured on site)
    • Ceiling panels
    • Pre–cast exterior walls
    • Sub–surfaces for sports arenas eg. tennis courts
    • Infill sections between beams of suspended floors
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Contact Canterbury Foam Concrete now for an obligation free quote and complimentary appraisal of your underfloor ventilation needs.