A review of thermomechanical properties of lightweight concrete

During the last 30 years, lightweight concretes (LCs) have been developed in order to decrease the volume of load-bearing components, reduce the consumption of raw materials and obtain better thermal properties than those of conventional concrete. Several production processes can be employed. Lightweight aggregates can be used to decrease the density (lightweight aggregate concrete) or gas can be introduced by various methods (foam concrete (FC)). A wide range of properties can be achieved depending on several parameters (production process, binder choice, water/cement mass ratio, porous structure, admixture or surfactant content etc.). This paper reviews the influence of these parameters on the compressive strength and thermal conductivity of FC, bringing the information together in two overview graphics. Special attention is paid to LC made with calcium sulfate (gypsum) binders. This study shows that the gypsum lightweight materials present acceptable thermomechanical performances.