The Characteristics and Applications of Foamed Concrete
CSA cement is a special cement with high strength, rapid setting time and low shrinkage. The main minerals of CSA cement is dicalcium silicate (C2S) and calcium sulfoaluminate (C4A3S). It is widely used to chemical construction materials such as dry-mix mortars, shot concrete, concrete repair and etc.
The Characteristics and Applications of Foamed Concrete
Foamed concrete is also known as foam concrete or light concrete. Foamed concrete is a kind of new light thermal insulation material with a large number of closed pores, which is formed by natural curing after the foaming agent is fully and mechanically foamed through the foaming system of the foaming machine, mixing the foam evenly with the cement slurry, and then carrying out cast-in-place construction or mold forming through the pumping system of the foaming machine; Foamed concrete is a polymer of double set continuous structure which is produced by stirring blowing agents, cements, fly ashes, mountain flours and other materials together to form the organic binder and contains uniform pores; foamed concrete is used as an energy saving material in roof insulation slope making, ground insulation cushion, foundation pit filling of upturned beams, wall casting, etc.
There are a lot of closed pores in foamed concrete, which makes it have the following good physical and mechanical properties.
1. Light weight
The density of foam concrete is low, and the density grade is generally 300-1800kg/m3. The density grade of commonly used foamed concrete is 300-1200 kg/m3. In recent years, ultra-light foamed concrete whose density is 160 kg/m3 has also been applied in construction projects. Due to the low density of foamed concrete, the application of this material in internal and external walls, levels, floors, uprights and other building structures can generally reduce the weight of the building by about 25%. For the structural elements, the cutting capacity can be improved if we substitute foamed concrete for ordinary concretes.
2. Good heat insulation performance
Due to a large number of small closed pores in the foamed concrete, it has good thermal performance, which also means good heat insulation performance. Generally, the density of foamed concrete is in the range of 300-1200 kg/m3, the thermal conductivity is between 0.08-0.3 W /(m·K), and the thermal resistance is about 10-20 times that of ordinary concretes.
3. Good sound insulation and fire resistance
Foamed concrete belongs to porous materials, and it is also a good sound insulation material, which can be used as the acoustic panels for building floors, expressways and the top floors of underground buildings. Foamed concrete is an inorganic material and will not burn, so it has good fire resistance, which can improve the fireproof performance of buildings in the application of constructions.
4. Low elasticity and good vibration reducing performance
The porosity of foamed concrete gives it low elasticity modulus, which makes it have good absorption and dispersion effect on impulse loads.
5. Strong waterproof performance
With low water absorption, relatively independent closed bubbles and good integrity, cast-in-place foamed concrete has a certain waterproof performance.
6. Good durability
The life of foamed concrete is the same as that of the main project.
7. Convenient production and processing
Foamed concrete can not only be produced into a variety of products in the factory, but also directly poured into the roofs, floors and walls in on-site constructions.
8. Good environmental performance
Cements and foaming agents are needed raw materials of foamed concrete. Foaming agent is neutral and does not contain benzene, formaldehyde and other harmful substances, so it avoids environmental pollution and fire hazards.
