Is foam better than concrete?

The article aims to answer the question, “Is foam better than concrete?”. It will also discuss the properties and manufacturing of expanding concrete.

Read on to know more:

Is foam better than concrete?

To understand if expanding form is better than concrete or not, we need to look at the properties of both.

Fence posts are traditionally made of concrete. Cement and water are mixed, and an aggregate of sand, gravel, or both are added. It’s critical to pay attention to the ratios. While it may seem like it was tossed together carelessly, the improper ingredients might create a crumbly or cracked structure. It may survive up to 50 years if manufactured correctly.

When it comes to manufacturing and soil pollution, the usage of concrete is commonly seen as environmentally damaging. A fence post should be put in a hole 1/3 of its height to ensure stability. That implies a lot more concrete is required than is apparent at first glance. If an alternative were accessible, many people would choose it.

It is a two-part polymer that makes up the expanding foam post mix. Using expanding foam as a gap filler and insulation is a common choice. It is often dispensed in an aerosol can or pumped using specialised equipment in commercial settings. 

Two-part polyurethane resin is provided in a lightweight package for expanding foam for fence post fastening. There is a reaction between the two components when they are put together. Polyurethane is plastic, but its creators believe it is more ecologically benign than petroleum-based goods and concrete. 

Their manufacturing demands less energy. Fewer resources are needed, and less waste is generated as a result. Fence post mix does not harm endocrine and hormone systems and does not pollute the surrounding soil, according to the scientific method. Also, since post-hole foam does not degrade, it threatens nearby waterways.

What is foam concrete?

“Foam concrete,” which is also known as “Lightweight Cellular Concrete (LCC), Low-Density Cellular Concrete (LDCC), and many other designations, is defined as having at least 20% (per volume) foam in the plastic mortar. 

In the manufacturing of foam concrete, no coarse aggregate is utilised. Hence the right word would be “mortar” or “foamed cement.” Foam concrete typically has a density range of 400 kg/m3 to 1600 kg/m3. The foam may replace all or part of the fine aggregate to alter the density.

Foam concrete’s origins may be traced back to the early 1920s, when autoclaved aerated concrete was first utilised to insulate buildings. Foamed concrete was initially thoroughly studied in the 1950s and 1960s for its composition, physical qualities, and manufacturing process. 

In the late 1970s and early 1980s, new admixtures were created due to this research, and foamed concrete began to be commercially used in building projects. In the Netherlands, it was first used to fill holes and stabilise the ground. 

Foam concrete became more widely used as a construction material in the Netherlands thanks to more research. A continuous foam generator has been used to create foam concrete. “Aircrete” or “foamcrete” is created by stirring a foaming ingredient with compressed air. This substance is resistant to fire, insects, and water. 

It may be carved, drilled, and moulded using wood-working tools and provides excellent thermal and acoustic insulation. To strengthen walls, domes and arches made of this material, construction fabrics may be woven into the subfloor and subfloors of the structure.

How is foam concrete made?

There are several ways to make foamed concrete, but the most common is combining the foaming agent with a mixture of cement or fly ash slurry, sand, and water. This slurry is combined with synthetic aerated foam in a concrete mixing facility. 

A foaming chemical, water, and air from a generator form the foam. Because of the physical and chemical processes involved in the mixing, putting and hardening stages, a foaming agent must be capable of producing air bubbles with high stability.

There are several ways in which foamed concrete may be used in construction. Thixotropic properties of the foam bubbles make it effortlessly possible to pour the slurry into the desired shape or mould. 

Although it may be solidified in as little as two hours with steam curing at temperatures of up to 70 °C, depending on factors such as ambient temperature and humidity, viscous materials often need up to 24 hours to solidify. 

Removing the finished object from the mould after it has been set is possible. Cutting big concrete cakes into different-sized blocks using a cutting machine employing specific steel wires is a novel use in foam concrete manufacture. The concrete is sliced before it has had a chance to dry completely.

Foam concrete is a flexible construction material with a simple manufacturing technique that is relatively affordable compared to autoclave aerated concrete, a more costly alternative. Cost-effective and environmentally friendly, fly ash-based foam concrete is an excellent alternative to traditional concrete. 

Depending on the purpose, foam concrete may be made in densities ranging from 200 kg/m3 to 1,600 kg/m3. Products with a lower density may be cut to various lengths and widths. Since air bubbles replace aggregate in the product, it’s technically classified as “concrete.” 

Still, its superior thermal and acoustic insulation means it may be used in applications where traditional concrete would be ineffective or even harmful.

Is expanding foam more expensive than concrete?

Yes, Expanding foam is significantly lighter but more expensive. Fence posts should be put in concrete using at least two 50-pound bags of pre-mixed concrete for each 44-inch post in a 2-foot deep hole, according to experts (available at The Home Depot). An intelligent approach is to buy concrete like this, which eliminates the guesswork of preparing. It’s as simple as that.

Sika fence post mix (available at The Home Depot) weights just 2.5 pounds each comparable box! These items may be easily seen by using this as an example.

Although polyurethane foam is lighter and more compact, the pricing does not reflect these advantages. The cost is typically three times more than a comparable concrete mix.

Conclusion

Expanding foam is incompatible with most common fence post repair materials on the market. For damaged or decayed wooden fence posts, a variety of brackets and fence post repair spikes may be employed. These products are well-supported by concrete.

Compared to expanded foam, it lacks density and hardness. In typical situations, it is strong enough to support the post, but it lacks structural strength. Expanded foam should not be used as a load-bearing material, and manufacturers advise against hammering a spike into it. At least one company is investigating a structural version of expanding foam for massive driveway gates, although concrete remains the best option.

Frequently asked questions (FAQS): Is foam better than concrete?

Is foam better than concrete?

Fence posts are traditionally made of concrete. Cement and water are mixed, and then an aggregate of sand, gravel, or both are added. It’s critical to pay attention to the ratios. While it may seem like it was tossed together carelessly, the improper ingredients might create a crumbly or cracked structure. It may survive up to 50 years if manufactured correctly.

When it comes to manufacturing and soil pollution, the usage of concrete is commonly seen as environmentally damaging. A fence post should be put in a hole 1/3 of its height to ensure stability. That implies a lot more concrete is required than is apparent at first glance. If an alternative were accessible, many people would choose it.

How is foam concrete made?

There are several ways to make foamed concrete, but the most common is combining the foaming agent with a mixture of cement or fly ash slurry, sand, and water. This slurry is combined with synthetic aerated foam in a concrete mixing facility. 

A foaming chemical, water, and air from a generator form the foam. Because of the physical and chemical processes involved in the mixing, putting and hardening stages, a foaming agent must be capable of producing air bubbles with high stability.

What is foam concrete?

“Foam concrete,” which is also known as “Lightweight Cellular Concrete (LCC), Low-Density Cellular Concrete (LDCC), and many other designations, is defined as having at least 20% (per volume) foam in the plastic mortar. 

In the manufacturing of foam concrete, no coarse aggregate is utilised. Hence the right word would be “mortar” or “foamed cement.” Foam concrete typically has a density range of 400 kg/m3 to 1600 kg/m3. The foam may replace all or part of the fine aggregate to alter the density.

Bibliography

Expanding foam vs concrete. Law&Garden. BobVilla. Retrieved from: https://www.bobvila.com/articles/expanding-foam-vs-concrete-fence-post/