Lightweight concrete
has been used for building for centuries, but it became more popular today due
to the development of better light
weight bricks. Modern technology has enabled the creation of reliable,
consistent, and high-quality materials that are more cost-effective and
environmentally friendly. To date, there are different kinds of lightweight
concrete bricks for various applications. Often times, they are made of slate,
clay, or expanded shale that have been kiln-fired to create porous bricks, but
there are also low-density options, such as cellular concrete, which is made of
other materials with higher air voids. Here is an overview of the types of light weight bricks and their uses:
- Lightweight
aggregate – This type of concrete was developed and produced
when lightweight concrete became acceptable in the UK for constructing
cavity walls and their load-bearing inner leaf. It comes in different
types, too, such as pumice (for reinforced concrete roof slabs &
industrial roofs), foamed slag, sintered pulverised ash aggregate, and
expanded shales and clays.
- Aerated
concrete – These light
weight bricks have the lowest density, strength, and thermal
conductivity. It can be nailed, screwed, and sawn like timber.
- Autoclaved
aerated concrete – Also called, ‘AAC’, it was developed
by Johan Axel Eriksson in 1923 as an environmentally friendly and
cost-effective substitute to red clay bricks used for building walls. AAC light weight bricks have excellent sound and thermal
insulation, and despite being lightweight, they possess a high load-bearing
capacity and strength that is greater than that of clay bricks. Using them
can help reduce construction costs while providing energy-efficient
installation. They are resistant to fire, earthquakes, extreme
temperatures, pests, and mould, too.
- No
fines concrete – The term means that the light weight bricks are made of
coarse aggregates and cement, resulting in voids, which are uniformly
distributed throughout the mass. The material is mainly applied for load
bearing internal and external walls, underfloor filling, and non-load
bearing walls.
