Light-weight concrete

      Light-weight concrete :- It is prepared by using coke-breez, cinder or slag as aggregate in the cement concrete. This type of concrete possesses high insulating property.

Ø APPLICATION OF LIGHTWEIGHT CONCRETE:-

a)    Decks of long span bridges.

b)    Fire and corrosion protection.

c)    Covering for architectural purposes.

d)    Heat insulation on roofs.

e)    Insulation of water pipes.

f)     Filling for floor and roof slabs.

g)    Construction of partition walls and panel walls in framed structures.

h)   Production precast building blocks and low cost housing.

Ø Advantage:-

a)    It is governed primarily by economic considerations

b)    Reduced Seismic Forces

c)    Improved Structural Efficiency

d)    Reduces the dead load of a structure

e)    Smaller sections as well as smaller sized foundations can be used

f)     Formwork will withstand low pressures

g)    Improved Constructability

h)   Ease of Transport

i)     Pumping to large distances

j)     Self-compaction

k)    Quick production

l)     Improved hydration due to internal curing

m)  Ease of Renovation and repair

n)   Better thermal insulation

o)    Can be used as Designer Dirt for Geotechnical Stabilization.

Ø Disadvantage:-

One of the major disadvantages of lightweight concrete has been the inability to provide consistent compressive strengths and density throughout the entire area. Lightweight concrete derives its compressive strength from the molecules in the foam additive that — when properly mixed — form around the cement and serve as aggregate does in standard concrete mixes. If the foam additive is not properly mixed, there is a probability of foam collapse, which weakens the product’s compressive strength.