An environmentally friendlier lightweight concrete has been developed in the laboratories of CTCON. This innovative concrete is made from locally available waste materials and recycled aluminum foaming agents.

There is a growing trend towards the use of cellular or aerated concretes due to their benefits such as reduced weight in structures, lower thermal conductivity, and improved resistance to fire. These materials also provide good sound insulation, strength, and durability.

Cellular concrete is a porous, lightweight material with thermal insulation properties. Its production involves a mixture of aggregates, cement, lime, and water. An expansive agent (aluminum) is added to this mixture, which generates hydrogen and, upon expansion, forms micropores inside the concrete, resulting in cellular concrete.

These types of concretes are usually cured in an autoclave for several hours at high temperatures and pressure, which yields good mechanical strength.

Due to the quantities of cement and lime used, this type of concrete typically has a high environmental impact. In order to significantly reduce this issue, researchers at CTCON, within the GEOCEL project, have managed to manufacture this lightweight and insulating concrete using 80% materials sourced from local waste, replacing 100% of the cement and lime. This has resulted in a process that generates approximately 75% fewer pollutant emissions compared to traditional cellular concretes.

This advancement is not only significant for its impact on constructing lighter structures with better thermal insulation but also for the message we want to convey to the construction sector and society at large. It demonstrates that innovation and environmental awareness can go hand in hand, creating solutions that benefit both the industry and the planet.

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