01
Substantially lower weight
584 kg/m³ fresh for the historical sample: approximately 76% less mass than a normal-weight concrete reference of 2,400 kg/m³, at equal volume.
Advantages matched to function
Lower weight and insulation.
Two functions, one material.
The value of BLC lightweight insulating concrete lies in its combination of functions. A meaningful comparison considers systems providing equivalent service, with measurable criteria.
Four performance considerations.
02
Insulation within the material
Measured dry conductivity: 0.16910 W/(m·K). The material can contribute a thermal function within a purpose-designed fill or layer.
03
Documented early strength
2.0 MPa at 24 hours and 3.9 MPa at 28 days for the tested mix. These values help plan application-specific assessment.
04
Potential life-cycle value
The 2020 pavement study models a lower life-cycle cost in its medium scenario, despite a higher initial cost. Prices and assumptions require updating.
Illustrating weight reduction at equal volume.
BLC · fresh condition58.4 kg/m²
Normal-weight concrete · illustrative reference240 kg/m²
Calculated example for a uniform 100 mm thickness: mass per area = density × thickness. Difference: 181.6 kg/m². This compares mass alone, excluding reinforcement and facings; it does not establish equivalent strength or function. Design weight accounts for service moisture conditions.
MTQ · 2015 · Mechanics and durability · French PDFCompare using the right criteria.
| Criterion | BLC value | Decision point |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | Lower weight than a normal-weight concrete reference at equal volume. | Compare elements serving the same function; check loading and moisture. |
| Insulation | Measured conductivity supports sizing of a thermal contribution. | A dedicated insulation product may insulate better at equal thickness. Compare complete assemblies. |
| Mechanical strength | Early-age and later-age strengths are documented. | The insulating mix does not automatically replace structural concrete. |
| Freeze–thaw | 300 laboratory cycles, with 86.5% relative dynamic modulus. | No superiority ranking without comparison under the same test conditions. |
| Cost and environment | Scenarios can identify advantages at project level. | Update prices, transport, service life, maintenance and life-cycle data. |
Choose the functions that matter.
For buildings: added weight, thickness, thermal needs, interfaces and assembly requirements. For roads: frost, drainage, traffic and life-cycle cost. For precasting: component weight, demoulding, lifting and repeatability. The preferred solution emerges from the full set of criteria.
Let’s compare your application.
A section, loading requirements and a performance objective provide the basis for a useful comparison.