Foam Concrete Properties: Low Density, High Strength
Typical cast densities of foam concrete range between 350 and 1600 kg/m3, giving 28 day compressive strengths of 0.2 to upwards of 12.0 N/mm2.
Due to its low density, foam concrete imposes little vertical stress on the substructure - a particularly important attribute in areas sensitive to settlement. Foam concrete is a viable solution for reducing loading on burden soil and, in its hardened state, is less susceptible to differential settlement.
Heavier density (1000 kg/m3+) foam concrete is mainly used for applications where water ingress would be an issue - infilling cellars, or in the construction of roof slabs for example.
To download an article explaining more about the properties of foam concrete, which originally appeared in Concrete magazine in February 2002, please click here
