Lightweight concrete is a mixture made with lightweight coarse aggregates such as shale, clay, or slate, which give it its characteristic low density. Structural lightweight concrete has an in-place density of 90 to 115 lb/ft³, whereas the density of regular weight concrete ranges from 140 to 150 lb/ft³. This makes lightweight concrete ideal for building modern structures that require minimal cross sections in the foundation. It is being increasingly used to build sleek foundations, and has emerged as a viable alternative to regular concrete.

Nevertheless, a higher compressive strength of 7000 to 10,000 psi can be attained with lightweight concrete. However, this may compromise the density of the mixture as it requires the addition of more pozzolans and water-reducing admixtures to the concrete.

In contrast to traditional concrete, lightweight concrete has higher water content. The use of porous aggregates increases the time it takes to dry; hence, to offset this problem, aggregates are pre-soaked in water before being added into the cement.

As mentioned earlier, normal concrete can weigh between 140 to 150 Lbs/ft³ due to the presence of denser aggregates in their natural state. As a result, many believe normal concrete to be cheaper compared to LWC. However, projects made with normal concrete require additional material for framing, cladding, and steel reinforcements – ultimately increasing the overall cost. Hence, LWC remains a cost effective construction material, especially for larger projects.

One of the most popular structures built with lightweight concrete is the Bank of America Building in Charlotte, N.C. This shows how LWC can be used to build formidable structures, especially since the possibility of dead load being transferred from one floor to the next is greatly reduced.

LWC is thus ideal for constructing additional flooring on top of older or even newer structures, as it reduces the risk of collapse. As such, it can be used to successfully build bridges, decks, girders, piers, precast constructions, and high rise buildings with reduced density. For example, utilizing LWC in the Wabash River Bridge allowed builders to reduce project density by 17%, and save 18% in terms of cost – amounting to a whopping $1.7 million.

Due to LWC’s low thermal conductivity and higher heat resistance, it is now commonly used to insulate water pipes, walls, rooftops, etc. It guards against steel corrosion by forming a protective layer, which also works to insulate steel structures against rot. LWC is also commonly used to construct interstate and traffic lanes, without adding dead load to existing structures.

This form of lightweight concrete is produced using porous and lightweight aggregates including Clay, Shale, Slate, Volcanic Pumice, Ash, or Perlite. Weaker aggregates may also be added to the mixture, which has an impact on its thermal conductivity; however, doing so may reduce its strength.

Lightweight aggregate is perfect for pre-cast concrete blocks or steel reinforcements. However, denser varieties show better bonding results between steel and concrete, along with enhanced protection from steel corrosion.

This type of lightweight concrete is also known as gas concrete or foamed concrete, since it is developed by introducing large voids into the mortar mass or concrete. Voids are typically injected through a chemical reaction, or with the use of an air entraining agent.

Aerated or foamed concrete does not require flattening, exhibits appropriate thermal insulation, and is self-compacting. This makes it ideal for use in hard to reach spaces and sewer systems.

This form of concrete is developed by eliminating fine aggregates from the mixture; resulting in concrete which comprises of only large voids and coarse aggregates. This is why No-Fines concrete has better insulation and relatively reduced drying shrinkage.

No-Fines concrete is best-suited for load bearing walls and can be used for both indoor and outdoor constructions. However, this type of lightweight concrete should not be used with reinforced concrete, especially due to its lower density and cement content.

Lightweight concrete is a flexible and easily transportable building material, and requires little support from materials such as steel or additional concrete. This makes it cost effective, especially for larger building projects.

Additionally, due to its low thermal conductivity and fire resistance, LWC is an ideal material for insulating against heat damage.

Despite its reduced density, structures built with LWC are unlikely to collapse. In fact, LWC is less likely to shrink compared to normal concrete and also shows increased resistance to rot and termite infestations.

However, LWC also has a few limitations. Since it has higher water content, it takes longer to dry out. Moreover, adding too much water can result in the formation of laitance layers, while compromising on water to offset this limitation may result in a weaker mixture.

Since LWC is also highly porous, it is difficult to place the mixture correctly. Another issue with LWC is that the cement tends to separate from aggregates if mixed incorrectly.