What Is Foamed Concrete & Different Methods To Produce It
Concrete is one of the most durable construction materials known for its high strength. But for some construction applications, the concrete is just required as a filler to occupy the empty spaces. For such use cases, foamed concrete is a suitable construction material. It has comparatively low strength and is specifically used for void filling.
Foam concrete offers multiple advantages in construction which we have explained below and also described the different methods to produce it. But, first of all, let’s have a detailed look at what is foamed concrete.
What is Foamed Concrete?
Foamed concrete or foam concrete is also known as air-entrained cement. Because a considerable part of this construction material is air trapped between the concrete particles. Depending upon the construction requirements the percentage of foam (air bubbles) can be increased if required.
So, the density of this concrete variant is comparatively lower than other types of concrete available in the market. In some cases, the air is entrapped in the construction material using a pre-prepared foam, depending on the method used to prepare it. Let’s check out the different methods to produce foamed concrete, with their respective pros and cons.
Different Methods To Produce Foam Concrete
Pre-Foam Method
It is a versatile method to prepare foamed concrete as it can be used both on-site and off-site. The foam is simply created by the drum’s blades when the ready-mix concrete is mixed. So, it is a comparatively simpler way of producing foamed concrete as no high-end machinery is required for it. After the material is ready, a separate pumping mechanism is used to pour the concrete wherever required.
Pros
- Can be produced with a basic foam generator.
- Suitable for construction applications that require less foam in concrete.
Cons
- The quality of mixing is heavily dependent on the drum’s blades.
- No option to change the material density during the production process.
Inline Method
As the name suggests, a dedicated inline foam generator is used in this method for material production. The foam generation and pumping process are followed simultaneously, so there is an option to change the densities of different batches in real-time. With the help of an inline foam generator, the construction material is injected with the required foam amounts before pumping.
Pros
- Option to get concrete batches with different densities.
- Fast production and delivery of concrete batches.
Cons
- Specific bespoke machines and tools are needed.
- The charges for the equipment used in the process are comparatively high.
Advantages of Using Foamed Concrete in Construction
High Rate Of Expansion
Due to its ability to expand, this type of material is also termed as expanding foam concrete in the construction industry. It can easily fill the empty space by expanding even if its quantity is low. Thus, you don’t need to invest a huge amount of money in construction material as it is only required in a limited quantity.
Ability To Flow Easily
Foamed concrete is known for its fluid property. It can easily flow and reach all the corners and parts of the required area. Moreover, it can be easily pumped without any issues as it doesn’t become hard during the process. On top of that, it can settle on its own. So, there is less need for human efforts for the same.
Economical Construction Material
Foamed concrete is a very economical construction material. For this reason, reputable foam concrete suppliers like The Thames Concrete recommend it. There is less requirement for compaction and it is needed in limited quantities as mentioned above. So, you can easily finish a construction project with it, if you are on a tight budget.
Conclusion
Foamed concrete is a good low-strength construction material with a high percentage of air entrapped within it. It can be used for precast blocks, trench backfills, floor screed insulation, and more. After going through the above information, you can figure out if your construction application requires foamed concrete or not.
If you need foamed concrete supply for your project, look no further than The Thames Concrete. We deliver high-quality concrete mixes all across the United Kingdom. We have a highly helpful team with the best concrete-carrying trucks and equipment to serve construction projects of all scales. With the help of our services, you can complete your construction projects within the desired time and budget.
