Problems Using Foam Concrete Substructure Building Foundations in Irrigated Soils

Foam concrete is capillary - porous material, formed by mixing cement mortar with foam with relatively good thermal properties and satisfactory compression strength. Recently, foam concrete has been employed to provide foundation frameworks in harsh water and groundwater conditions.In the laboratory of the University of Warmia and Mazury research was conducted on the impact of both moisture and, particularly, water pressure on foam concrete properties. There were defined absorbability of water, porosity with use of two different methods: mercury porosimeter and air void analyzer. The research steps included the use of an X-ray spectrometer that identified chemical composition. Compression strength and frost resistance tests of foam concrete were also performed. The results of this research article relate mainly to the particular material and construction solutions, which led to the construction failure. It was shown that foam concrete has significant limitations and application restrictions, particularly in relation to massive foundations.