FOAM CONCRETE: A DIFFERENT KIND OF MIX

Abstract

The basic properties of foam concrete and its manufacturing technique are outlined. Foam concrete is composed of cement, water and air pores. The air pores are introduced by agitating air with a foaming agent diluted with water. The foam is blended with the cement slurry or base mix. The fillers that are used for foam concrete include sand, chalk and polystyrene beads. The properties of foam concrete depend on the volume of foam, cement content, filler type and density, and material age. A table is presented of possible foam concrete mixes. Techniques for adding foam to the base mix are outlined. Examples of the use of foam concrete as a road sub-base are presented: the Central Artery project in Boston, USA; a bus lane on the A2 motorway, Utrecht, Netherlands; a road junction in Purmerend in the Netherlands; and two central roads in Canary Wharf, London, UK.