The volumetric weight of concrete is one of the main and most important indicators, on the basis of which a qualitative assessment of its physical and mechanical characteristics and properties, structure and composition is carried out. If technical structures and buildings are built using lighter materials, they become much cheaper during construction, but at the same time retain their strength and durability. It should be noted that in this case not only raw materials are saved, but transport and energy costs are also reduced. The weight of concrete directly depends on the density of the solution, as well as on the indicators that characterize the aggregates used in the process of its production. In other words, with an increase in the mass of the constituent elements, the same indicator of the solution itself increases, and vice versa.
The heaviest concretes
Very heavy mixtures are obtained if the components of the solution are the appropriate materials, usually containing metal. Its role is usually played by iron ore, cast iron shot, barite, limonite and others. In this case, the weight of a cubic meter of concrete can exceed two and a half thousand kilograms. Such mixtures usually serveto protect scientific and industrial buildings and structures from the penetration of radiation. It should be noted that in this case a large amount of hydrant (chemically bound) water is also added to the composition of the solution. In the role of fillers, dense rocks in crushed form can be used. These are quartz, bas alt, limestone or granite sand, as well as gravel and crushed marble. In this case, the weight of a cube of concrete is in the range of 1800 to 2500 kilograms, and the mixture itself is classified as heavy. It should be noted that this is the most common variety, which is more commonly known as "general construction concrete". It is used in the construction of buildings and structures, as well as during the casting of various reinforced concrete products.
Lightweight concrete
The next class are light mixes. The volumetric weight of concrete (one cubic meter) in this case is in the range from 500 to 1800 kilograms. In its manufacture, fillers are porous materials of natural or artificial origin. Their most famous types are considered to be such as expanded clay concrete, tuff concrete, pumice concrete and cinder concrete. In most cases, this class is used for the manufacture of not too loaded floors and large wall blocks.
The lightest types of concrete
Ultralight concretes are a subspecies of the previous class. This includes aerated concrete and foam concrete. Most often they are used for thermal insulation.walls. One cubic meter of them weighs less than five hundred kilograms. This should also include perlite concrete with vermiculite concrete, which are the lightest of the large-porous ones. Their mass of one cubic meter is from 700 to 1200 kilograms. This weight of concrete allows it to be used in the manufacture of reinforced coatings, as well as panels and blocks for the walls of buildings.
