Functionally Enhanced Foam Concrete for Structural and Non-Structural Applications

Foamed concrete (FC) containing porous microstructure produced by introducing pre-formed foam into the cement or mortar paste has several applications ranging from structural to non-structural applications due to its low density, self-levelling ability, low cost, low thermal conductivity, and fire-resistant properties. Properties of foaming agents and that prefabricated foams (stability, distribution, size, etc.) have become much more important concerns for foamed concrete. It is observed that foamed slurry collapse might be frequently occurred due to the deterioration of prefabricated foams in cement pastes before hardening. Hence, more stable prefabricated foams without bubble growth and bleeding are required to be encapsulated and maintained in fresh and hardened cement pastes in the formation process of foamed concrete. It is found that the addition of nano particles could increase the rigidity of the interfaces and decrease the foams permeability. Nano silica, Nano clay, Nano alumina and carbon nanostructures such as graphene, fullerenes and carbon nanotubes (CNTs), etc are some of the commonly used Nano additives. Several challenges will need to be solved to realize its full potential, including the proper dispersion of the nanoscale additives, scale-up of laboratory results and implementation on larger scale, and a lowering of the cost benefit ratio.

• Used as construction materials for tunnels and underground works to fill voids, sink holes, disused sewage pipes.
• Precast light weight foam concrete blocks/panels can be used in structural and non-structural applicationsfor load reduction in buildings.
• Foam concrete can be used as thermal insulation in the roofs to reduce the heat losses through building envelope layers and therefore reduce the energy consumption in the life cycle of modern civil buildings

Prefabricated foams through foaming agents with nanoparticles improves the properties of foaming agents and that prefabricated foams, further the mechanical properties and the microstructure characteristics of foam concrete.

• FC has been quickly promoted as construction materials for tunnels and underground works. Its excellent self-flowing capacity can be used to fill voids, sink holes, disused sewage pipes and so on. The low and controlled self-weight makes it capable for load reduction in buildings
• Precast light weight foam concrete blocks/panels can be used for structural and non-structural applications