Introduction

This study focused on researching the thermal conductivity on light concrete to assess its function as a building material and whether it should be used over other alternatives. The first step in conducting the test would be the creation of the actual light concrete sample through the mixture of different aggregates and foaming agent, which is then left in a mold to cure for over a month. Then, this sample will be tested by being a connected to sensors, one which will be applied to a neutral or control or side, and one which will be exposed to heat from a nichrome wire receiving energy from a nearby power supply. Finally, the sample will then be left exposed to the heat for a long period of time, gradually increasing the heat to figure out its performance in terms of thermal conductivity.

Making the Lightweight Concrete

1.  Mix the cement and sand.

2. Mix the foaming agent and water.

3. Mix the mixture of cement and sand with the foaming agent solution.

4. Place the whole mixture to a cast and leave to dry for a month.

Comparison between concrete and other materials

-Compared to stone, it is more expensive, difficult to transport and slower to build with.

-Compared to brick, it is more expensive relies on mortar, shift in foundation and difficult to remodel.

-Compared to wood, it is high in maintenance, susceptible to mold and moisture and flammable. 

Result in lighweight concrete

Lighweight concrete is typically more porous and lighter in weight. Usually achieved through use of porous aggregates such as pumice, fly ash, slag, or addition of a foaming agent to insert air bubble into mixture.

• Benefits of lightweight concrete:

• lighter structural weight

• easy to transport

• cheaper production cost

• lower thermal expansion

• higher sound absorption

• Drawback of lightweight concrete:

• longer curing time due to moisture retention

• higher depth of carbonation/corrosion

Conclusion

As seen from the results of the preliminary test, the concrete sample proves to qualify in one of the aspects required for construction material, which is thermal insulation, to keep out the outside heat. However, this result has only been achieved in a preliminary test with the bare minimum of equipment and lack of control. As such, a lot of heat has been lost to the environment and the research lacks the accuracy required to prove its integrity as a building material. Due to that, given more time, I would do further extensive research using the most optimal and efficient equipment. One possible example of this is by using a vacuum to prevent the loss of heat, which in this trial was caused by the exposed setting of test. I would also make a more flat and thinner light concrete slab to have a more defined geometry for analysis.