Extra Light Foam Gypsum as a Promising Material for Frame Buildings Thermal Insulation

An overview and brief analysis of cellular concrete usage in modern construction is presented. It is noted that piece-by-piece wall products based on autoclaved aerated concrete, despite their cheapness and adaptability, do not cover the need for insulation of low-rise buildings, primarily in light steel and wooden frames. It is shown that cement-based non-autoclaved aerated concrete in most cases cannot be recommended for mass use due to its high shrinkage and the presence of plenty shrink cracks. The strength and thermal characteristics of extra light foam concrete, as well as its' sorptive water absorption at different relative humidity of ambient air are determined. The effectiveness of extra light gypsum foam usage in modern structural systems of low-rise buildings based on lightweight steel and wooden frames is substantiated.