ultra light concrete is a form of concrete that has less mass than traditional concrete. It is usually made with aggregates like pumice or recycled glass, and it has a low to moderate compressive strength. It is typically used in applications like planters or rooftop decks where a lighter weight is more important than a high strength. It also has better insulation properties than standard concrete, making it useful for walls in structures where it’s important to keep the temperature stable.

There are several ways to make ultra light concrete, but the most common involves encapsulating small air pockets in the cement paste. This is often done by using a chemical reaction or with the help of an aluminum powder in the batch mix, which produces gas to expand the micro air pockets. Another method is to use a pre-mixed foam that’s stirred into the slurry.

Depending on the type of concrete being used, it can be as much as 20 to 30 percent lighter than standard concrete. This can lead to significant cost savings, especially for transportation and construction equipment. Additionally, it can increase the speed of construction by reducing the load on the frames. It also offers thermal efficiency and sound proofing benefits.

One company that specializes in this type of concrete is Lightweight Concrete Solutions of Etobicoke, Ontario. They’ve been able to create mixes that can save up to 23% of the weight of regular concrete, and their clients have been extremely pleased with the results.