SEMINAR ON

“FOAM CONCRETE”

BY
JAISY.K
8TH SEM CIVIL
INTRODUCTION
One of the methods of reducing the
density of concrete relies on the
introduction of stable voids within the
hardened cement paste or mortar.
The voids can be produced by gas or by
air. Because a foaming agent introduces
the air, the concrete produced is called
foam concrete.
FOAM CONCRETE…
WHAT IS FOAM CONCRETE?
 Foam concrete is a very fluid,
lightweight cellular concrete fill
material, produced by blending a
cement paste, with a separately
manufactured, pre-formed foam.

 The density of foam concrete is

determined by the ratio of foam to
slurry and densities range typically
between 300 and 1600 kg/m3.
FOAM CONCRETE..…
Foam concrete is created by
uniform distribution of air bubbles
throughout the mass of concrete.
The foam cells must have walls,
which remain stable during mixing,
transportation, pumping and placing of
fresh concrete
The foam cells, or bubbles are
discrete and range in size between 0.1
and1mm..
HOW FOAM CONCRETE IS MADE?

Raw materials used are…

 Binding agent
 Aggregates and
 Foaming agents
HOW FOAM CONCRETE IS MADE?
Cement is the most commonly used
binding agent. Other binder materials like
quarry dust and fly ash can also be used in
conjunction with cement.

For constructing and heat insulating foam

concrete production with density grade D500
and higher as well as for constructive foam
concrete aggregates are used. Quartz sand is
usually used.
HOW FOAM CONCRETE IS MADE?

Foaming agents…

Foaming agents can be divided into two

main groups:

 Natural foaming agents

 Synthetic foaming agents
 
 HOW FOAM CONCRETE IS MADE?

Batching equipment for the production and placement of foam concrete

PRORERTIES…
PRORERTIES…

Compressive strength:
PRORERTIES…

Thermal conductivity:
PRORERTIES…
Thermal conductivity:
 Foamed concrete processes lower
thermal conductivity, which gives it
better insulation properties. This is due
to the great number of closed cavities
that form the multi–cellular structure.

 50mm thick layer of foam concrete, with

a density of 400kg/m3, has approximately
the same excellent heat insulation value
as a 25mm thickness of cork.
PRORERTIES…
Fire resistance:
Characteristics...

The main characteristic features of foam

concrete are:

 Low coefficient of permeability.

 Low water absorption.
 Freeze and thaw resistance.
 Energy absorbing qualities.
 Susceptibility to breakdown.
Advantages…
 ADVANTAGES….

 Low density and high strength.

 Self-Leveling and self-compacting
 High fluidity.
 Well-bonded body.
 Reliability.
 ADVANTAGES….

 Microclimate.
 Acoustic-insulation.
 Superior fire resistant.
 Eco compatibility.
Operational & Cost Efficiencies…

 Settlement free construction.

 Cost saving.
 Time saving.
APPLICATIONS
In the construction of roof and walls
Void fill
1.Tank infill

Depot of a waste and recycling contractor in south London

2.Culvert infill under a railway bridge

A project in South Dakota, USA.

BEFORE AFTER
3.Subway infill

A project in Milton Keynes, UK.

3.Tunnel infill
A project in Kent, UK.

AFTER
BEFORE
Light weight foundations

Low density foam concrete imposes little vertical

stresses on surrounding sub-structure, particularly
in areas sensitive to settlement.
Pre casting
Foam concrete is used in the production of precast
panels of any dimension for commercial and
industrial use, in-situ casting of walls, garden
ornaments and other uses where structural concrete
of light weight is an advantage.
Road construction

BEFORE

AFTER
CONCLUSION …
Foam concrete requires no vibration or
compaction and it fills all cavities, voids and
seams over a long distance. It offers fast and
settlement free construction with good heat
insulation and air content. It has good
thermal insulation, good freeze/thawing
properties and has excellent fire resistance
properties. Foam concrete used to build light,
yet more durable and economic structures.
Designers should be encouraged to utilize
these materials based on its unique
characteristics