Classification & Advantages of Light Weight Concrete

By: Haseeb Jamal / On: Jan 22, 2017 / Advantages, Types of

The concrete whose density is lower than normal concrete (2200 kg/m³ or 140 lb/ft³ ) is known as lightweight concrete. It includes an expanding agent in it to increases the volume of the mixture while giving additional qualities. It is lighter than conventional concrete (Dry Density 300 kg/m³ up to 1840 kg/m³). In place density of 90 to 115 lb/ft³ compared to the normal concrete of 145 to 150 lb/ft³.

Classification of Lightweight concrete:

There are three broad classifications of lightweight concrete based on the method employed for production.

1. Lightweight Aggregate Concrete

In this method a porous lightweight aggregate of low Specific Gravity instead of normal aggregate of Specific Gravity 2.6 is used.

2. Aerated, Cellular, Foamed or Gas Concrete

Large voids (Gas bubbles) are introduced into the concrete or mortar to produce a cellular mass.

3. No-Fines Concrete

In this method the fine aggregates are not used and only coarse aggregates are used in concrete as a result large voids are left reducing the density of concrete and hence the weight.