If you have never heard of cellular concrete or if you have basic questions about it, this is an excellent place to begin. If you are still unsure about typical concrete, then you should check out this article. In this article, we will discuss what cellular concrete is along with some of its properties and what it is used for.
What is cellular concrete?
Cellular concrete is concrete made with hydraulic cement, water, and preformed foam to form a hardened material. This hardened material has a density of 50 pounds per cubic foot (PCF) or less. Cellular concrete can range in density from 20 PCF to 120 PCF.
There are many alternatives to cellular concrete. However, the major difference is use of externally generated foam to reduce density. Another key difference is that cellular concrete happens to be a more versatile material at a fraction of the cost.
What is cellular concrete used for?
Cellular concrete has many advantages including thermal and acoustical insulative properties, pumpability/flowability, ease of handling from lightweight, or as a cost-saving alternative to fill materials. Here are some of the more specific uses:
- Void Filling: Sinkholes, wells, tunnels, cisterns, abandoned utility pipes, annular grouting.
- Soil Remediation: Cellular concrete can be used to create a powerful base while also reducing burden on subsoils.
- Retaining Wall/MSE Wall Backfill: The lateral load reduction is the primary advantage. Cellular concrete can also greatly reduce potential damage to the geogrid during the backfill process.
- Floor Decks: Reduces structural weight while maintaining quality of concrete floor.
- Roof Decks: Reduces weight and provides thermal and sound insulation.
- Interior Walls: Cast on site tilt-up or panel assemblies. Reduces weight and cost below full density concrete wall. More soundproof and fire resistant than stud wall.
- Retaining Wall Base: Proper mix design will be self-leveling and can speed base construction and improve load capacity.
Are you interested in using cellular concrete in your project? Contact Sabio Engineering Services! Talk to our engineers to determine if cellular concrete is right for you!
Contact us at (929) 381-0030 or visit our website.
