Mechanical Behaviour, Properties and Characteristics of Foamed Cellular Concrete: A Review

Abstract

Foamed cellular concrete (FCC) is a type of lightweight concrete. Traditionally, it has been used for insulation and void filling. However, in the last years, the possibility of obtaining high strength FCC has motivated the study of its structural use. The novelty and uniqueness of this article is to provide a review of the most important aspect of FCC including component materials, design and mix elaboration, physical properties and mainly, its mechanical behaviour. Also, in order to achieve a global understanding of the material and its characteristics, advances regarding its physical properties are collected: density, porosity, thermal, acoustic and water insulation, durability, fire resistance and drying shrinkage. Then mechanical properties such as elastic modulus, compressive, tensile, bending and shear behaviour, are analysed. The literature review also aims to evaluate the influence of using inert and active mineral additions, fibers and chemical additives to improve its mechanical and physical properties. Based on the work done, research needs have been identified: there are no prediction models for stress-strain behaviour with complete curves for FCC in compression nor in traction, the performed numerical modelling is scarce, use and effect of chemical additives is a not far studied, long-term tests are scarce or nil, the evaluation of resistance in different aggressive environments has not been sufficiently evaluated.