Foam concrete is a cement-based material with three different types of porosity: gel pores, capillary pores and air pores [82]. The strength properties of foam concrete are directly related to the size and distribution of these pores. Foam concrete has a high permeability and a good strength-to-weight ratio. It is a very interesting construction material, and it has potential for use in applications such as underground tunnels, floors and walls.
The foam is produced by using a protein or synthetic foaming agent that is dissolved in water. The foaming agent has a higher expansion than the water, which makes it possible to produce large volumes of foam. The foam is agitated in the mixing chamber with compressor air, which causes the bubbles to expand and create a structure of interconnected bubbles. The foam concrete is mixed with other base materials such as fly ash, ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBFS) and silica fume.
The foam concrete is poured into steel molds and covered with cellophane to prevent water evaporation. The hardened specimens are tested for compressive strength. The results show that the density of the concrete has a direct effect on its compression strength, and that a higher density generally leads to a lower compressive strength. The pore size and distribution of the foam is also a significant factor, but there is a trade-off between pore size and strength. Foam concrete with a narrower pore distribution has better strength characteristics.
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