Lightweight concrete is made of cement, sand and millions of small air bubbles. These air bubbles give lightweight concrete many unique features and benefits and make it ideal for a wide variety of uses and applications. For example:
K Block Lightweight Concrete is produced by adding millions of micro-sized air bubbles into a cement/ sand mixture. The amount of cement, sand, water and air bubbles included in the lightweight concrete mix design depends on what properties are desired - ie. strength, low weight, thermal conductivity, sound protection or durability.
K Block Lightweight Concrete behaves like ordinary concrete in most aspects, such as curing or strength gain over time but its lightweight nature provides many additional benefits.
Low water absorption: With a closed cell air bubble system water needs some force to penetrated deep into K Block Lightweight Concrete. This means:
1. Normal mortar and plaster can be used with lightweight blocks
Low cost : in comparison to other methods producing lightweight concrete, K Block Lightweight Concrete is significantly less expensive. And compared to other building materials (red brick, normal weight block), K Block is at least the same price per m2 and in many cases less expensive and quicker to build.
Excellent Thermal insulation : Low weight and closed cell structure enable K Block to achieve very low thermal conductivity (high insulation value).
Fire Protection : The low thermal conductivity also means enhanced fire protection – K Block walls typically provides at least twice, if not more, fire protection than concrete, brick or block walls. Lightweight Concrete will not burn, or give off hazardous fumes.
Sound Protection : As sound waves pass through air the air causes the sound waves to reduce their intensity (resulting in lower sound volume). The air bubbles in K Block Lightweight Concrete cause the same effect the same. Air bubbles are especially good for the reduction of low frequency sound (ie. bass sound from music)
Flexibility : once it has been made, it can be pumped or poured. That means you can use it like a topping for roof and floor slabs or for almost any casting application on site or in a factory.
Helps keep Homes Healthy : Since K Block Lightweight Concrete has low water absorption and high pH values, moulds, fungi, and bacteria have a harder time moving through or living on/ in K Block products. Making homes more healthy
Transportation : Freight costs greatly reduced – either by casting the product on site (eliminating the need for freight) or by weight reduction – more pieces are loaded onto a truck , thereby reducing cost per mt.
Weight reduction : Weight reductions of 10% to 90% compared to normal weight concrete are possible.
Equipment Savings : A reduction in crane size is possible because of the lightweight weight.
Labour : Given the lighter weight, less labour is needed. Lightweight block walls are typically built 3-5 times faster than brick walls and lightweight cast-in-place walls are completed 15-20 times faster that brick walls.
Foundation Costs : A lower building weight means significant savings in foundation costs. Such savings are often many times more than the Lightweight Concrete cost.
Toppings : K Block Lightweight Concrete is extremely easy to screed, and may be place in layers down to a minimum thickness of 40 mm
