Cellular Lightweight Concrete (CLC): Building Light and Smart

  • Cement Matrix: Similar to standard concrete, CLC uses Portland cement as a binding agent, which provides strength and structure.
  • Lightweight aggregates: To reduce aggregate weight, CLC incorporates lightweight aggregates such as expanded clay, shale or slate. However, the major element contributing to its low density is:
  • Air Voids: The defining characteristic of CLC is the presence of numerous air bubbles dispersed throughout the concrete. These air pockets are achieved in two primary ways:
  • Foaming agents: Chemical foaming agents are introduced during mixing, creating gas bubbles that form permanent air spaces when solidified.
  • Pre-Formed cellular materials: Alternatively, pre-made cellular materials such as aerated aggregates (containing entrapped air) can be used as the aggregate themselves.
  1. Precise mixing of all ingredients (cement, aggregates, foaming agent/aerated aggregate, water) in a controlled environment.
  2. Pouring the mixture into molds to shape the CLC blocks. Using an autoclaved curing process (similar to AAC blocks) where the blocks are exposed to high pressure and steam, accelerating strength development and increasing uniformity.
  3. Demoulding and cutting the cured CLC blocks to desired size.

1.       Using a dry premix containing cement, lightweight aggregates, and sometimes a pre-dosed foaming agent.

2.       Mixing the dry ingredients with water at the construction site.

3.       Pouring the fresh CLC mix into formwork or prefabricated cavities.

The choice between precast and site-mixed CLC depends on factors like project scale, desired properties, and availability of precast options.

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