Mineral foam for shock absorption
Mineral foam is a new material that combines the properties of concrete with those of a deformable, shock-absorbing material. As a result, this incredibly light mineral foam is a shock absorber with an extended lifespan (rotproof and resistant to corrosion), that is pourable and pumpable on site and easily recyclable.
Benefits
- Absorbs impacts thanks to its plastic deformation capabilities
- Pourable and pumpable on-site
- Fire resistant
- Adjustable density
- Better durability
- 100% mineral composition, therefore completely recyclable
Issue
Applications where shock absorption is needed, such as the field of road infrastructure, require materials that offer the best compromise between:
- Mechanical and shock resistance
- Durability / resistance to external conditions (rotproof, resistant to corrosion, etc.)
- Simple and flexible to install on-site
- Lightweight
- Heat and fire resistant
The main materials currently in use are metal structures, some simple, some complex (honeycomb structure), used for their ability to deform and thus absorb shocks.
These metal structures are created in factories and can only be installed by assembling pre-fabricated parts transported to the site, leaving few options to adapt the structure once on-site. In addition, these metal materials, even when protected, have limited durability as they are intrinsically affected by corrosion, poor weather, etc.
Poured concrete has the valued properties of durability and being able to be poured on-site, but has a density of 2,300kg/m2, which limits its use for shock absorption applications for protective road elements (guardrails, etc.).
Solution
We have developed a range of mineral foam-based materials of varying densities that combine the advantages of concrete with the properties of a foam capable of absorbing mechanical impacts through plastic deformation:
- Durability (rotproof and not susceptible to corrosion)
- Non-flammable
- Pourable and pumpable on-site
- Easily recycled
Mineral foam is created from a mix of cementitious grout with a "virgin" foam. From this a fresh, pourable "concrete foam" is obtained that dries and gains its mechanical resistance through the hydration reaction of the cement.
The density, consistency, thermal and mechanical resistance and drying time can be adjusted as needed to absorb a wide range of shocks. The range of densities ranges between 80kg/m3 to 1500kg/m3.
Mineral foam can be:
- Manufactured and installed directly on-site
- Delivered fresh in a mixer truck
- Prefabricated in a factory (sheets, blocks, etc.)
- Used as a lightweight aggregate for technical embankments, etc.
Mineral foam can also be used for transporting fragile objects, providing support and thermal insulation for the items being transported.