It is important to understand how well building materials insulate against heat. Popular options with distinct qualities are foam concrete and sand-lime bricks. When building a house or a commercial building, you can make more informed decisions about your construction projects by comparing their thermal performance.
Foam concrete is renowned for its excellent insulation qualities and low weight. It is produced by mixing a foaming agent into a concrete mixture to produce a material that has air pockets to help slow down the transfer of heat. It is therefore a great option for insulating floors and walls. Sand-lime bricks, sometimes referred to as calcium silicate bricks, are more substantial and dense. Although they are strong and long-lasting, they don’t always have the same heat-insulating properties as foam concrete.
We examine the thermal conductivity and heat transfer coefficients of these two materials to compare them. A material’s ability to conduct heat is measured by its thermal conductivity, but its ability to insulate a space is better shown by its heat transfer coefficient. Based on your unique insulation requirements, we can better determine which material might be more appropriate for various applications by looking at these factors.
This article will explain these ideas in detail and offer helpful advice on how foam concrete and sand-lime bricks compare. Whether you’re thinking about upgrading or building something new, this comparison will equip you with the information you need to select the best material for maximum thermal performance.
| Property | Foam Concrete | Sand-Lime Brick |
| Thermal Conductivity | Low (around 0.10 to 0.20 W/m·K) | Higher (around 0.60 to 1.00 W/m·K) |
| Heat Transfer Coefficient | Better insulating properties | Less effective as an insulator |
| Application | Used where good insulation is needed | Used for structural walls and load-bearing applications |
Types of foam blocks
One technology is used to produce foam concrete: the main ingredients are mixed, the mixture is poured into molds, it is dried under pressure and at a high temperature in an autoclave, and it is then cut and stored. Although only one technology is used for production, the pouring solution’s composition might vary. The material will be denser, stronger, and heavier the less foaming agent is added to the mixture.
However, because there are fewer pores in such a material, its capacity to hold heat diminishes proportionately with the number of voids in the structure decreasing. Foam concrete is classified into three main categories based on its density, which determines its weight, strength, and thermal conductivity: construction, thermal insulation, and a combined type.
(brands D900-1200) – density and weight, strength are maximum due to the small number of pores in the structure, the material can be used for laying foundations, creating basements, load-bearing structures. Thermal conductivity is the highest, in the range of 0.29-0.38 W / m * K. Blocks require mandatory thermal insulation measures.
It’s crucial to comprehend how each material manages heat differently when comparing the heat transfer coefficient of sand-lime brick and the thermal conductivity of foam concrete. Because foam concrete is lighter and more insulating than sand-lime brick, it can withstand heat flow better because it has a lower thermal conductivity. However, because it is denser and more substantial, sand-lime brick typically has a higher heat transfer coefficient, which means that it conducts heat more easily. This comparison aids in selecting the appropriate material for energy-efficient building while weighing structural and insulation requirements.
Dependence of heat transfer resistance on concrete density
Air is a natural thermal insulator that works well. Foam blocks have a low thermal conductivity and good heat retention because of their porous structure (compared to other building materials). As a result, it is far less valuable than brick or concrete.
Since the thermal conductivity values are meaningless to the general public, the following example can be used to compare building materials: In order to achieve a wall that can exhibit a thermal conductivity of 0.18 W/m*K, D700 foam blocks with dimensions of 600x300x200 millimeters must be used. When building with cinder blocks, the wall thickness should be at least 108 centimeters, and when building with brick, it should be roughly 140 centimeters, to achieve a comparable value.
The density level of foam concrete, denoted by the brand and the letter D, is taken into consideration when calculating the heat transfer coefficient. For instance, the index D900 indicates that one cubic meter of foam concrete of this brand weighs 900 kilograms.
Brand-to-brand variations in the thermal conductivity coefficient have a direct impact on the material’s density and strength. Low-strength and lightweight blocks are used for thermal insulation; they are appropriate for building interior partitions that will not be subjected to heavy loads. These blocks ought to have a density of 400–500 kg/m3.
Due to the smaller and fewer number of cells in the structure, foam concrete with a high density (between 1000 and 1200 kg/m3) is more durable and dense, but heat transfer is increased. This material is used to build low-rise buildings’ load-bearing walls. Medium-density foam blocks (600–700 kg/m3) exhibit average qualities; they can support ideal loads and have a high degree of heat resistance.
Knowing a building material’s thermal characteristics is essential when selecting it. Sand-lime bricks and foam concrete are two common choices, each with benefits of their own. We can assess how well a material insulates against heat transfer—a critical component of building energy efficiency—by comparing its thermal conductivity.
Due to its low thermal conductivity, foam concrete is unique in that it offers superior insulation, keeping homes warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. Because of its porous nature and low weight, it is an excellent material for energy-efficient building.
On the other hand, sand-lime bricks offer a different set of benefits. While they have a higher thermal conductivity compared to foam concrete, they still provide decent insulation. Their durability and strength make them a reliable option for various building needs, especially where structural integrity is a priority.
The decision between sand-lime bricks and foam concrete ultimately comes down to the particular needs of your project. Foam concrete might be a better choice if creating better insulation is the primary objective. In case you require a blend of structural strength and insulation, sand-lime bricks might be a better option. Assessing the thermal characteristics of both materials will help you make an informed choice that suits the requirements of your building.
