Some popular applications of foam concrete in the Netherlands and other countries:
a) Soil Replacement – This form is often used for site preparation in poor soil conditions. The conventional method of pre-loading with sand (and vertical drainage) leads to high settlement in the first years, and construction cannot begin immediately due to significant consolidation deformations. When foam concrete is used in construction, the weight of the entire structure (highway, railway, building) equals the mass of the excavated soil (principle of ground balance), thus stresses in the soil substrate are not increased and are even minimized. Added to this are time and cost savings, as construction works are much simpler and can start immediately. An additional benefit is low maintenance costs. Applied foam concrete density: 400 – 600 kg/m³.
b) Lateral Load Reduction – Most commonly used for port quay walls. Foam concrete is used as a lightweight material behind the quay wall, thereby reducing vertical load and consequently lateral load on the quay. Construction and maintenance costs are minimized, and stresses on the quay wall are significantly reduced. Applied foam concrete density: 400 – 600 kg/m³.
c) Soil Stabilization – The application of foam concrete is used to improve the stability of embankment slopes. Part of the soil is replaced with foam concrete, resulting in less weight, which is the driving force behind slope instability. Applied foam concrete density: 400 – 600 kg/m³.
d) Load-Bearing Capacity Increase – Mainly used for weak soils. Foam concrete cushions are used to enhance load-bearing capacity and distribute the load of the structure. Applied foam concrete density: 400 – 600 kg/m³.
e) Slab Foundation – Used in residential construction. With this application, foam concrete has two functions: a lightweight foundation and a thermal insulation layer. The top layer of the slab is protected with screed or concrete. Applied foam concrete density: 500 – 600 kg/m³.
f) Roof Coverings – Advantages of using foam concrete on roofs include low weight, high production speed, and low costs. Additionally, foam concrete provides wind and pest protection for the roof and allows for the installation of roof systems (air conditioning, antennas, lightning rods). Slope: 10 mm/m. Thickness: 0.05 – 0.5 m. Applied foam concrete density: 400 – 600 kg/m³.
g) Sports Fields and Athletic Tracks – Foam concrete serves as a lightweight base with high vibration damping capacity. The foam concrete slab is covered with gravel, synthetic turf, or natural grass. Such sports fields are used for hockey, soccer, and tennis. Applied foam concrete density: 600 – 650 kg/m³.
h) Tank Bottom Support – Foam concrete is poured under the bottoms of all storage tanks (oil, chemicals, grains). This provides full support for the entire tank bottom, optimizing stress levels throughout the tank. Full support also allows for the use of thinner steel in tank construction. Full support also allows for any tank bottom shape. Applied foam concrete density depends on the planned loads but typically ranges between 600 – 1000 kg/m³.
i) Various Fillings – Whether for insulation or preventing ground subsidence (unused tunnels, wash-out caverns, unused sewer collectors), fireproof wall fillings, soundproof floor fillings; explosion-proof walls and gas tank casings. Applied foam concrete density: 400 – 600 kg/m³.