Lightweight aggregate concrete refers to a type of concrete formulated with lightweight coarse aggregates, lightweight sand (or ordinary sand), cement, and water, featuring a dry bulk density not exceeding 1950 kg/m³.
Characteristics of Lightweight Aggregate Concrete
(2) Its thermal conductivity (≤0.87 W/m·K for density grade 1700) is over 40% lower than NC (1.5 W/m·K). Fire-resistant (4h vs. NC's 1h), it retains 85% strength at 600℃ (NC: 35%–75%).
(3) With better seismic performance (1.3x NC, 1.7x brick masonry), it absorbs seismic energy well. Porosity brings good frost/impermeability; rough aggregate surfaces strengthen interfacial transition zones (ITZ), boosting durability. It cuts project costs by 5%–10% via structural optimization.
Classification by Application
1. Insulating Lightweight Aggregate Concrete: ~LC5.0 strength, ≤800 kg/m³ density. Used for roof/floor insulation and thermal structures, usually cast on-site.
2. Structural-Insulating Lightweight Aggregate Concrete: LC5.0–LC15 strength, 800–1400 kg/m³ density. Applied in load-bearing and insulating enclosures, available as blocks, wall panels or cast on-site.
3. Structural Lightweight Aggregate Concrete: LC15–LC60 strength, 1400–1900 kg/m³ density. For load-bearing components/structures, generally cast on-site or made into precast elements for assembly.
Application Forms of Lightweight Aggregate Concrete
High-rise buildings, bridge projects, cast-in-place projects for roofs, floors and ground, lightweight aggregate concrete blocks, lightweight aggregate concrete panels, sound-absorbing products, artificial cultural stones, vegetation concrete, pervious concrete, vitrified microsphere load-bearing insulation concrete, dry-mixed composite aggregate concrete, polystyrene particle concrete, etc.
Lightweight Aggregate Mixing Equipment
The planetary concrete mixer and lightweight foam concrete mixer are core tools for high-quality lightweight concrete production, each excelling in professional scenarios.
(1) Planetary Concrete Mixer
Ninon's planetary concrete mixer stands out with high mixing precision and uniformity, avoiding segregation entirely. This planetary concrete mixer is efficient, energy-saving, and integrates dispersing, mixing, and granulating functions—handling wet, dry, viscous, granular, and powder materials seamlessly. Even low-dose insoluble powders are easy to process, as pre-mixing before addition is feasible with this planetary concrete mixer.
(2) Lightweight Foam Concrete Mixer
The lightweight foam concrete mixer is tailored for ultra-light, insulating foam concrete. This lightweight foam concrete mixer combines foam processing, mixing, and blending, ensuring stable foam quality and consistent density. Equipped with advanced mixing technology, the lightweight foam concrete mixer achieves perfect homogenization for low-density mixes, adapting to cement, fly ash, and more to produce 300–1600 kg/m³ concrete. Energy-saving and user-friendly, it boosts productivity for insulation and filling projects.