Applications of Foam Concrete
Foam concrete, with its excellent properties, is widely used in energy-saving wall materials and has also found applications in other areas. Currently, the primary applications of foam concrete in China include the on-site casting of foam concrete insulation layers for roofs, foam concrete panels, foam concrete, lightweight wall panels, and foam concrete foundation compensation. However, by fully leveraging the excellent properties of foam concrete, its application areas in construction projects can be continuously expanded, accelerating project progress and improving construction quality. Specifically:

1. Replacing foam plastic as the primary insulation material in building insulation
Foam concrete is cost-effective, made from readily available raw materials, can be quickly poured on-site, and can be manufactured into various products. Additionally, it possesses fire-resistant, sound-insulating, earthquake-resistant, and weather-resistant properties. Replacing foam plastic with foam concrete is the most suitable material.

1. Foam concrete poured walls
   The primary areas for building insulation are exterior walls, while the primary areas for sound insulation are interior walls. Foam concrete used for exterior wall cast-in-place construction achieves self-insulation, while its use for interior wall cast-in-place construction achieves self-sound insulation and sound absorption. It offers advantages in both interior and exterior wall applications.
2. Foam concrete exterior wall insulation panels
   Foam concrete exterior wall insulation panels refer to insulation panels fixed to the exterior wall using adhesive or dry-hanging techniques.
3. Foam concrete exterior wall self-insulating wall panels
   These wall panels include single-sided foam concrete composite wall panels with a decorative or protective layer, as well as double-sided foam concrete sandwich wall panels with a decorative or protective layer on both sides. These wall panels can achieve self-insulation for exterior walls, eliminating the need for additional insulation after installation, and offer excellent fire resistance, durability, and sound insulation.

1. Foam Concrete Integrated Housing
   Integrated housing is a global development trend, and foam concrete self-insulated prefabricated integrated housing is a key area of development. Currently, many domestic companies are actively developing this type of self-insulated prefabricated housing.
2. Foam concrete blocks, expanded clay aggregate blocks, and autoclave-cured blocks
   Foam concrete blocks have long been the top priority product for domestic entities. Currently, domestic companies have shifted their focus to the research and development of expanded clay aggregate foam concrete blocks and autoclave-cured foam concrete blocks. These two types of blocks represent the future direction of development. Overseas companies primarily use autoclave curing. In the 1930s, the Soviet Union employed natural curing processes; however, due to low strength, poor freeze resistance, and significant dry shrinkage, it switched to autoclave curing in the 1940s. Clay aggregate foam concrete blocks are an innovation in China, featuring advanced technology, and should be vigorously developed.
   The functions of foam concrete currently identified exceed 20 types, with its primary applications still concentrated in the civilian sector. Among these, the most promising future application lies in its use as an acoustic insulation material in buildings. The author predicts it will become the most promising new acoustic insulation material. Additionally, it holds broad application prospects in fire-resistant insulation, filtration, waterproofing, and lightweight decorative materials. As more functions of foam concrete are discovered, its application as a functional material will become increasingly prominent.