Those who've never dealt extensively with concrete creation are often surprised by how diverse the available options are. Low-density cement is one of the more commonly used options.
It's an ideal choice for many projects, but you need to be sure it will be right for you. This is how a low-density concrete contractor determines if their product is right for a job and how to put it to use.
Pouring
Generally, most customers who use low-density materials do so because they need something poured. Likewise, the typical application involves pouring the cement into molds. These molds are often several feet high or even taller. Accumulating cement can get heavy fast, and a low-density material usually takes some of the burden from the structure.
Thanks to the ability to pour the product, low-density concrete is also an option for some aesthetic purposes. You can create molds with particular shapes, let them set, and remove them with relative ease.
People in industries where they have to pour concrete into unpredictably shaped holes also frequently go with the low-density options. For example, oil and gas operations may use them to create casements for pipes. it's also good for many soil stabilization efforts.
Strength
Modern low-density systems often yield good compressive strengths. A standard mixture might yield strength in the range of 500 psi. However, a low-density cement contractor may be able to produce something closer to 1,000 psi with the right mixture.
That's not strong enough to serve as a footing or beam for a heavy structure like a parking garage or warehouse. It will do the job in many less intense applications, though.
As with all concrete projects, the mixture is a big deal. Using different aggregates and sands, a contractor will tailor the mixture to your case to maximize strength and pouring ability. It's a good idea, however, to conduct engineering studies with sample mixtures to confirm they'll meet your specifications.
Shipping Costs
If you need to move materials to distant sites at high transportation costs, low-density concrete may be helpful. The material is lighter by volume than many competing options, and that makes trucking it to sites easier.
Resistance
Low-density concrete products tend to compact less. Likewise, they're less prone to rot. You may want to use it if you're building a wall, for example.
Similarly, they provide better insulation against heat, and they're less reactive with chemicals. If you need to run pipes or conduits through a wall, low-density concrete will have protective value.
