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 constructed using lighter materials, then they become much cheaper during the 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 also transport and energy costs are reduced. The weight of concrete directly depends on the density of the mortar, 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, a similar indicator of the solution itself increases, and vice versa.
The heaviest concrete
Very heavy mixtures are obtained if the components of the solution are appropriate materials, usually containing metal. Its role is usually played by iron ore, cast iron, barite, limonite and others. In this case, the weight of a cubic meter of concrete may exceed the mark of two and a half thousand kilograms. Such mixtures usually serve to 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. Dense rocks in crushed form can be used as fillers. This is quartz, basalt, limestone or granite sand, as well as gravel and marble rubble. In this case, the weight of the 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 building 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 is light mixes. The volumetric weight of concrete (one meter cubic) in this case is in the range from 500 to 1800 kilograms. In its manufacture, the fillers are porous materials of natural or artificial origin. Their most famous types are considered as expanded clay concrete, tuff concrete, pumice concrete and slag concrete. In most cases, this class is used for the manufacture of not too loaded ceilings and large wall blocks.
The lightest types of concrete
Ultralight concrete is a subspecies of the previous class. These include aerated concrete and foam concrete. Most often they are used for thermal insulation of walls. One cubic meter weighs less than five hundred kilograms. This also includes perlite concrete with vermiculite concrete, which are the lightest of large-pore concrete. Their mass per cubic meter is from 700 to 1200 kilograms. This weight of concrete allows its use in the manufacture of reinforced coatings, as well as panels and blocks for walls of buildings.