Construction from lightweight concrete: an overview of the materials of the group and their scope of application

Lightweight concrete’s special qualities and adaptability are transforming the construction sector. In contrast to conventional concrete, lightweight concrete is made up of several components that drastically lower the material’s density without sacrificing structural integrity. Because of this, it is the best option for many building applications where weight is an important consideration.

Among the ingredients of lightweight concrete are perlite, shale, expanded clay, and slate. Together, these ingredients produce a mixture that is lighter and offers superior acoustic and thermal insulation. These advantages are valued by architects and builders, especially in projects that strive for comfort and energy efficiency.

The construction of high-rise buildings is one of the most popular uses for lightweight concrete. Taller and more creative designs are possible because of the decreased weight’s overall lowering effect on the structure. Furthermore, lightweight concrete is frequently used for bridge decks because lowering the load can greatly increase the structure’s lifespan.

In residential construction, lightweight concrete is also very common. It makes installation quicker and simpler when used in wall and floor blocks and panels. Improved insulation qualities benefit homeowners by reducing energy expenses and improving indoor comfort.

In conclusion, lightweight concrete is a useful material in contemporary construction because it combines efficiency and practicality. Its capacity to blend robust performance with decreased weight gives architects and builders new options, encouraging creative and environmentally friendly building techniques.

With materials that are not only more manageable but also more sustainable and efficient, lightweight concrete is redefining the building industry. This adaptable category comprises a number of varieties, such as foamed, aerated, and lightweight aggregate concrete, each with special qualities appropriate for a range of uses. Lightweight concrete is utilized in everything from large infrastructure projects to residential buildings, including floors, walls, bridges, and insulation. It is becoming a more and more common option in contemporary construction because of its advantages, which include decreased structural load, improved thermal insulation, and frequently, improved fire resistance.

Calculation of the composition of concrete

Let"s get acquainted with the most popular representatives of lightweight concrete

Prior to delving straight into the examination of the technology in use, it is imperative to take a moment to reflect on the distinguishing traits of the most notable members of the group. After all, the emergence of current specifications for completed buildings and the technology used in their construction was made possible by their intrinsic qualities.

Cellular concrete

This is most likely the most widely used content. Additionally, manufacturers are involved in addition to developers. Because of the abundance of options available to them, selecting a product supplier can occasionally be difficult.

But there are benefits to this as well. Strong competition forces producers to raise the material’s quality while keeping prices as low as possible, which surely boosts cellular concrete’s appeal.

Foam concrete, aerated concrete, and a recently developed product called foam aerated concrete—which combines the advantages of both materials—serve as their representatives in the building sector.

These are their primary characteristics:

1. Foam and aerated concrete differ between the composition of the components and a little production technology. Their general is that all products have a cellular structure, which determines the main characteristics.

1. The formation of pores in aerated concrete occurs as a result of the reaction between the gas former and lime. The first is aluminum powder or paste on its basis.
2. In the manufacture of foam concrete, a foaming agent is added to the mixture, which provokes swelling.
3. As a result, the structure of the pores of the foam block is closed, and the gas block is open.
4. This affects primarily the level of hygroscopicity. Penoblock absorbs moisture in smaller quantities, although it still needs to be protected from its effects.
5. In addition to the above components, the composition includes: cement, sand, water, sometimes gypsum is added.

1. Chemical components in the composition are necessary to regulate the properties of finished products. They are individual for each manufacturer.
2. The material has a high ability to retain heat in combination with good density values, allowing the construction of houses up to 3 floors high.
3. The main advantages are: frost resistance, durability, environmental friendliness, non-flammability, ease of processing, low weight and large product sizes.

The following are some drawbacks: shrinkage, brittleness, and lack of tear resistance.

Speaking of which, Fiber foam concrete is a different kind of material. The presence of fiber reinforcement sets it apart. This increases the material’s strength, particularly when bending. Thermal properties are maintained at the same time.

Polystyrene concrete

A mixture of cement, sand, water, and filler is used to make polystyrene concrete. Chips made of polystyrene come in last. Its presence results in lower final product weights and thermal conductivity coefficients.

Among all of his rivals, polystyrene concrete stands out for its superior heat efficiency. There is a maximum coefficient of 0.05 W*ms.

Naturally, during operational humidity, this value is not maintained, but it also does not significantly rise.

• The material has a slight density, the maximum value reaches 600 kg/m3.
• This explains the fact that most often polystyrene concrete is used as a heater in liquid form.
• Polystyrene concrete is characterized by an increased value of the frost resistance brand, which can reach 300 cycles.
• Durability in practice has not yet been verified, since the material is relatively new. However, there was no reason not to trust the allegations of manufacturers. They declare a high indicator.
• Like all light concrete, polystyrene concrete is characterized by low weight, products from it are made large. It is easy to process.
• The above composition indicates environmental friendliness.
• According to GOST, the material is non-flammable, like all concrete.

Arbolite

Another example of lightweight concrete is this one. In addition to the well-known cement used in its production, other ingredients include sand, water, and additives. The inclusion of wood chips, a unique filler, is the primary characteristic. Cotton, flax, rice straw, hemp shives, or flax can be used in its place.

Liquid glass, calcium nitrate, calcium chloride, aluminum sulfate, and other specialized chemical additives are added to the mixture to improve the organic component’s adhesion to the concrete and to stop undesirable processes.

Now, a brief discussion of the properties:

• Arbolite is extremely hygroscopic, it intensively absorbs moisture, which is one of the main disadvantages;
• Thermal conductivity is low, it does not exceed 0.4 W * mS. This suggests that the use of the material in the construction of a residential building is extremely effective in terms of heat conservation.
• Strength is sufficient for the construction of low-rise structures.
• Frost resistance, durability, environmental friendliness, fire resistance – the main advantages of wood concrete.
• Like all of the above materials, it is also characterized by low weight and large dimensions of manufactured products.
• Many will wonder: how can a material be non-flammable if it contains a highly flammable wood component?? The answer is simple. Cement mortar will not allow products to catch fire.
• It is also worth mentioning good soundproofing ability and vapor permeability.
• The disadvantage is the poor geometry of the products, which provokes excessive consumption of masonry mortar and complicates the work process.

This is fascinating! Another variation of the material is distinguished by the inclusion of wood filler, albeit in the form of sawdust rather than wood chips. They dubbed it sawdust concrete. It is possible to compare sawdust concrete and arbolite due to their nearly identical properties. There are still some distinctions, though.

This relates to the cost of the final product as well as the performance indicators (sawdust concrete has slightly lower strength, durability, and fragility). The truth is that chips require meticulous preparation, driving up the cost of the material, and sawdust is a waste product. The retail price rises as a result.

Expanded clay concrete

When it comes to strength, expanded clay concrete leads all other lightweight concretes. Its thermal performance is competitive, though, at the same time.

Let’s discuss the subject matter in more detail:

• The components from which the expanded clay concrete mixture is made are cement, water, sand and filler. As a rule, this is expanded clay, but it can be replaced, for example, with algoporite, shungizite or another material with similar properties.
• Again, the composition contains both chemical additives and a plasticizer. The latter increases the plasticity of the mixture and makes it easier to work with.
• When manufacturing any of the materials under consideration, including expanded clay concrete, the properties of finished products can be adjusted by changing the proportions of raw materials.
• So, to obtain a product of greater strength, it is necessary to increase the amount and grade of cement.
• In the case of expanded clay concrete, a filler of a smaller fraction can also be used.
• The density of the material is from 400 to 2000 kg / m3. This is the only representative of lightweight concrete that can be produced in the form of products with a similar specific gravity. This has determined special areas of application, which we will discuss below.
• Expanded clay concrete stands out among competitors not only due to the above indicator, another justification is that the material is not at all prone to shrinkage.
• Frost resistance and durability are increased.
• The main disadvantages are: abrasiveness, which makes it difficult to cut, fragility, hygroscopicity.
• The advantages, in addition to the above, are the following: light weight, large size, the possibility of self-production, affordable price.

Types of lightweight concrete and their use

Since different products can be used in a particular area of construction according to their technical characteristics and other factors, the scope of application is largely dependent on the type of material.

Let us examine the primary GOST classifications for lightweight concrete and familiarize ourselves with the options available for manufactured goods.

General classification of materials in accordance with GOST

Table 1 lists various lightweight concrete types based on their intended use.

For the aforementioned purposes, structures can be insulated, soundproofed, and filled with removable or permanent formwork frames.

Buildings with three to four stories and load-bearing structures that will eventually be subject to heavy loads are being constructed.

Take note! Structurally porous materials are more resilient. It has a specific gravity of up to 2000 kg/m3. Foam concrete, for instance, can be used to create this kind of product. They are typically made to order.

Determination of the estimated resistance of the base soil

Concrete’s structure enables us to discern between different materials:

• Large-porous;
• Porized;
• Dense.

Based on the pore formation technique, the following materials are identified:

Types of manufactured products and their application in construction

Let’s examine the product variations made from lightweight concrete mixtures using the table.

Table 2 lists lightweight concrete products along with their range of uses.

The conclusion is self-evident: even when compared to manufactured goods, the materials are remarkably similar to one another. They also have comparable fields of application. Additionally, most construction technology is cloned.

For instance, the technology used to build country homes composed of expanded clay concrete blocks is the same as that used to build structures of a similar nature out of any other lightweight concrete representative.

Features of the construction of structures from lightweight concrete

Let’s now familiarize ourselves with the process of pouring monolithic structures and learn about the technology involved in creating block products from lightweight concrete.

Practical advice and recommendations

We focused on the material’s characteristics at the outset of our review. They are the ones who choose the characteristics of a structure’s construction. Read the advice carefully before beginning any construction work. It will help you avoid unfavorable outcomes.

These are the principal ones:

• Be sure to use the material only for its intended purpose. The overview of product types located above will help you with this. First of all, this means that, for example, low-density products should not be used in the construction of load-bearing walls.
• Follow the construction technology. This applies not only to the use of blocks, but also to the liquid version of the material.
• Consider the weather conditions and the permissible temperature regime.
• The same can be said about the masonry mixtures used: in winter, it is necessary to use a specialized composition designed for work at temperatures below +5 degrees.

• Do not forget that all products made of lightweight concrete are fragile. Be careful when transporting and using.
• Purchase the material with a small reserve.
• If you have to store the products, follow certain rules. Remember, the material is hygroscopic, which means that covering it from snow and rain is a prerequisite. The blocks should be placed on pallets.
• When choosing between mortar and glue, consider the purpose of the building and the geometry of the block.

Kindly take note! The foundation device, which is the first step, needs special attention. The quality of execution has a major impact on the future structure’s strength, integrity, and durability. You can use a strip, slab, or occasionally even a columnar configuration. This is dependent on a number of variables, including the building’s height, the kind of soil, its mobility, the water’s depth, and the existence of a basement.

Overview of masonry work

Calculation of the composition of the mortar for masonry work

A similar technology, previously mentioned, is used in the construction of cottages made of foam concrete, expanded clay concrete, and other materials in the group.

Particularly when comparing ceramics and foam concrete, the procedure is not too complicated. Bricklaying is labor-intensive, labor-intensive, and requires a great deal of time.

However, the situation with lightweight concrete is entirely different. You don’t need to hire experts to complete the installation if all the guidelines are followed.

Whatever material is utilized—foam concrete, expanded clay blocks, or arbolite—the basic steps of the procedure will always be the same:

Table 3 outlines the steps involved in building walls out of lightweight concrete.

It is necessary to buy a bucket-scraper beforehand, which is used for applying glue.

Calculation of the pile foundation

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m.m 2 .m 2 .m 3 .22266.02 kg.kg/cm 2 .mm.mm.kg.33.54 mm.1.00 m.pcs.m.m 3 .kg.

• Facing with ventilated facade;
• Plastering;
• Tiling;
• Brick cladding;
• Combined solutions.

Use of monolithic material

Do you know how to construct a foam concrete house that is monolithic? Actually, it’s not at all complicated.

Following the installation of the foundation and preparation of the base, the following steps should be taken:

• First of all, the formwork is constructed. It can be removable or non-removable.
• In the first case, you can use a lightweight plastic version.
• When constructing permanent formwork, it is mounted metal or wooden frame.
• GKL sheets can be mounted on it, for example. You can also use a porous block or brick.
• The next step will be filling.
• If the formwork is permanent, then various communications are installed into it before pouring.
• The result is a finished wall with cladding.

A similar principle applies to the use of other lightweight concrete-representative materials.

Gallery of finished buildings made of lightweight concrete

You can construct many different types of buildings, including garages, cabins, utility buildings, cottages, bathhouses, and much more, with lightweight concrete products.

In general, have a look for yourself; some options will be shown in the image gallery.

Comparison of the materials considered with each other and with the main competitors

We discovered that the materials are interchangeable. There are, nevertheless, important distinctions between the two. This includes technical features, which we will focus on, in addition to composition and manufacturing technology.

Table 4 shows how the characteristics of lightweight concrete samples compare to those of other materials and to each other.

Name	Cellular concrete	Expanded clay block	Polystyrene concrete	Arbolite	Brick	Ceramic block
Thermal conductivity, W*mC	0.08-0.4	0.14-0.5	0.048-0.15	0.17-0.3	0.5-0.7	About 0.3-0.4
Density, kg_m3	300-1200	400-2000	150-600	400-800	1550-2200	800
Frost resistance, cycles	15-150	15-200	15-300	15-50	Up to 300	Up to 200
Ecological friendliness	+	+	+	+	+	+
Fire resistance	+	+	+	+	+	+
Moisture absorption, %	10-25	18	8	15	10	10-15

Many people are unsure about which is preferable: foam concrete or ceramic blocks. Even with all of the benefits of the latter, ceramic blocks have certain advantages over them as well. It is robust, resistant to earthquakes, and heat-efficient. Why, therefore, do so many developers favor lightweight concrete over foam block?

The response is straightforward: ceramic goods are not inexpensive. They cost roughly 1.5 times as much. Generally speaking, a higher thermal conductivity coefficient is another argument.

Material	Application
Aerated Concrete	Used in residential buildings for walls and partitions due to its good insulation properties
Foam Concrete	Ideal for insulating roofs and floors because of its lightweight and thermal insulation capabilities
Lightweight Aggregate Concrete	Commonly used for constructing bridges and high-rise buildings because of its strength and reduced weight
Cellular Concrete	Often used for soundproofing and fireproofing in commercial buildings due to its air-filled cells

In contemporary construction, lightweight concrete provides a creative and adaptable solution by combining the advantages of regular concrete with improved qualities that cater to particular building requirements. This group of materials offers several benefits, such as decreased structural load, enhanced thermal insulation, and superior sound absorption. Examples of these materials are aerated concrete, expanded polystyrene concrete, and lightweight aggregate concrete.

These lightweight concrete materials are especially well-suited for bridges, tall buildings, and other structures where it is essential to minimize weight without sacrificing structural integrity. They also perform exceptionally well in the building of homes and businesses, where environmental sustainability and energy efficiency are becoming more and more important. These materials shorten project timelines and save labor and resource costs due to their simple handling and speedy installation.

The range of applications for lightweight concrete keeps growing as construction needs change and technology progresses. It’s

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