Keramziton concrete blocks: characteristics, advantages and disadvantages

Expanded clay concrete blocks are rightfully considered boblocks. They consist of clay, cement, sand and gravel. They are used in the construction of buildings and structures, frames and garages. According to the characteristics and pricing policy, they represent close competition to the brick.

Characterization of expanded clay concrete blocks

Modern society constantly builds new buildings and structures for its needs. Years have been spent on the search for the best option for building materials. A high bar is set for them: reliability and durability, accessibility and ease of use.

So, for brick, expanded concrete blocks are alternative analogue. They are widely used in Europe. In countries such as Austria, Germany, Denmark.

The material is made of environmentally friendly raw materials. The main elements of expanded clay concrete are burned clay, water and concrete. When kneading the latter, add sand and/or crushed stone for strength. The result is hard and durable material. But which is characterized by a large level of thermal conductivity. So, he is not able to retain the heat of the room. Therefore, additional material for cladding is used and insulated expanded clay concrete blocks are obtained.

Expanded clay is produced in special spinning furnaces. It is distinguished by the ability to quickly absorb moisture. What is relevant for the construction of greenhouses, for the cultivation of agricultural crops. And the hardness of the structure is achieved by the method of semi -dry press and the next sereni. Each grain of substances is covered with a crust and acquires a form of frozen foam.

So, the average density of the final block varies from 450 to 1750 kg/m³.

Expanded clay concrete blocks are used for the following purposes:

• the construction of the external and internal walls of buildings,
• bookmark of the foundation,
• organization of ventilation mines,
• construction of interior partitions,
• filling out the frame in monolithic construction.

The properties of these blocks are regulated by GOST 6133-99 “Concrete wall stones. Specifications ".

The standard indicates that the surface of the material is corrugated, chopped, polished and smooth.

And as intended, stones are divided into ordinary and facial. The former require processing with additional facing material. The second - make with one or two faces that perform a decorative function.

Expanded clay concrete blocks are usually produced in the form of a rectangular parallelepiped. But in agreement with the customer, other options are possible.

Regardless of the size of the expanded clay concrete block, its weight does not exceed 31 kg.

The sizes of expanded clay concrete blocks

According to GOST 6133-99, blocks of certain sizes are made for construction. Wall expanded clay concrete blocks are produced, focusing on the following parameters:

• height 13.8 cm,
• width from 1.4 to 2.9 cm,
• length from 0.9 to 2.9 cm.

And for the construction of partitions, expanded clay concrete blocks with the following sizes are used:

• height 18.8 cm,
• width 9 cm,
• length from 1.9 to 5.9 cm.

The corners of the blocks are made straight or rounded.

The calculation of expanded clay concrete blocks is carried out at the stage of compiling a construction project.

The material itself is full and hollow. The latter species is formed with vertical through or non -through cavities, which are evenly distributed over the area of \u200b\u200bthe block. Full -bodied expanded clay concrete blocks are characterized by a dense structure. They are without voids and holes. Usually they are used to lay the foundation.

The manufacturer makes the marking of the material where the designations are accepted:

• K - stone,
• C - scope for laying walls,
• P - use for internal partitions,
• L and p - front or ordinary type of block,
• PS - Holiness of the material.

In terms of strength of the grade from heavy concrete, the descending of hardness from marker 300 to 50 is divided in descending, from a light analogue - from 100 to 25.

The level of frost resistance is also indicated, where the F200 is the maximum indicator, and the F15 is the minimum.

Before buying expanded clay concrete blocks, it is necessary to check the compliance of the symbol of the symbols on them with the norms and the actual parameters of the material.

Advantages of expanded clay concrete material

Any building element has its pros and cons. Based on them, you need to choose the best option for a given type of work.

Experts determine a number of advantages of expanded clay concrete blocks. Here are the main ones:

1. Air permeability of the material through granules.
2. Environmentally friendly building material.
3. Thermal insulation retains up to 70% heat indoors compared to a concrete analogue.
4. Moisture resistance, unlike cement material.
5. The minimum amount of the masonry solution for the construction of walls.
6. Savings on hourly wages of workers. Since masonry with this material occurs 4 to 5 times faster than when using brick.
7. Houses from expanded clay concrete are durable. They are not subject to corrosion, rot and do not burn in a fire.
8. The material is characterized by a large level of sound insulation, compared with concrete analogues.
9. Expanded clay concrete is chemical to alkalis and sulfates.
10. The relatively low price of expanded clay concrete blocks with their large volume: one unit replaces 5 - 7 bricks.
11. Unlike foam-concrete, expanded clay concrete holds dowels well without special fasteners.
12. Simplicity of production is available for independent execution.
13. The masonry lends itself to easy cladding and skin on other materials.
14. Strength up to 1800 kg/m³ and frost resistance up to -40 ° C.
15. Due to its strength, in the process of work the material is not deformed and does not give cracks.

High requirements are set to the manufacturing technology of expanded clay blocks. Since carrying walls are being built from them. Therefore, they are characterized by quality and reliability.

It is rightfully considered good building material. 7 % of structures in post -Soviet countries and up to 40 % abroad come to its lot.

In general, domestic masters leave approving reviews about expanded clay concrete blocks. By focusing on the fact that it will take another 10 - 15 years to ensure that they fix their positions in the construction business.

The advantages of expanded clay concrete blocks allow you to reduce the price and save construction time. At the same time, having received a reliable and durable building.

Disadvantages of expanded clay concrete blocks

With the positive aspects of expanded clay concrete, relative disadvantages are also characteristic:

1. Increased porosity compared to solid monolithic concrete. By virtue of which the physical and mechanical characteristics of the material are reduced. Including density. Therefore, when laying the foundation and building high -rise buildings, the use of pure concrete is preferable.
2. The need for external thermal insulation to maintain comfort in the cold season.
3. The dishonesty of the manufacture of blocks. Sometimes manufacturers use poor -quality raw materials and do not withstand GOST's requirements. And in the public domain there is no complete technology of independent manufacture.
4. Despite the relatively small weight of the material, clay -concrete buildings require a strong foundation. So, it will not be possible to save on the supporting structure.

Expitable concrete blocks with your own hands

To save money, craftsmen make expanded clay blocks on their own. You can also make good money on this. The process is not complicated, but requires the observance of proportions and instructions.

For self -preparation, the following material will be required:

• sand 35 kg,
• wooden boards for formwork,
• expanded clay with fractions of 5 - 7 mm weighing 70.85 kg,
• cement 12 kg,
• water 11.7 l,
• metal plate for laying out the material,
• a 150 liter container and a tool for kneading the mixture.

Please note that the ratio of raw materials for the manufacture of 12 - 13 hollow blocks is given. Make appropriate calculations for the amount of the final material you need.

First, make a mold for blocks of wood or metal with a thickness of 4 - 5 mm. For the formation of internal cavities, 3 mm material is enough.

Knead a mixture of expanded clay concrete to a plasticine state. This can be done independently in the container with a shovel. For large production, it is better to rent a machine for expanded clay concrete blocks, shown in the photo.

Pour the mold with a mixture.

For drying, the blocks are placed on a metal base. Within a week, moisture and straight sunlight should not fall on them. In the heat, they must be wetted with water and covered with polyethylene on top.

In fact, the material dries in 48 hours. But the masters argue that only after 3 to 4 weeks, expanded clay concrete acquires maximum strength.

How to put expanded clay concrete blocks

The masonry process of expanded clay concrete blocks is largely similar to the masonry of brick. But it differs a number of features. For example, the need to dress seams.

The following tools and material will be required to lay:

• meried roulette,
• capacity and tool for kneading glue, for example: a bucket and a shovel,
• level for aligning blocks,
• plumb,
• wooden rails,
• keramziton concrete blocks,
• ruberoid,
• beach rope,
• rubber or wooden hammer for styling,
• water,
• glue,
• saw for carving for building materials.

1. The foundation is aligned with the help of a level and a cement mixture. After not it, the roofing material in two layers creeps. It will perform the function of waterproofing. The surface is a second time using a level or level.
2. It is necessary to start styling with the corners of the structure. They place level rails with a twine tied to them, which will serve as a guide for the next rows of blocks.
3. Blocks are treated with water, after which an adhesive solution is applied to them. A layer of 2 cm of substances is enough. This is done so that porous material minimally absorbs a pantry.
4. The next expanded clay concrete block is laid at a distance of 4 - 5 cm from the end of the previous one. After pressing down and towards the junction, the blocks are aligned. The strength of their fasteners is given by tapping the surface with a hammer.
5. Every 4 - 5 rows, a reinforcing mesh is attached to give the design of greater strength.
6. If necessary, reduce the size of the material use a special saw.

Experts recommend in parallel to build the internal and external walls.

After laying each row, its parallelity relative to the Earth is checked by the leveling.

Recommendations when designing stone structures from blocks

1. When erecting low buildings, it is necessary to use coarse expanded clay concrete blocks. For external walls, their frost resistance should be not lower than F50. During the construction of an additional internal series, there is no similar requirement.
2. To fasten the blocks, thin layer pantry is used. In this case, the thickness of the joints is maintained in the amount of 1 - 2.5 mm.
3. It is also possible to use heavy adhesive mixtures. The thickness of the seams between expanded clay blocks in this case reaches 1 - 1.2 cm.
4. Walls of 30 cm wide, it is necessary to design in one row of stone. With a larger size - in one or two blocks.
5. The execution of two -level masonry is a dress and a teak type of dressing. The size of the first species should be at least 1/5 of the wall thickness.
6. The adjacency of the walls to each other must be carried out by the VST with strict or sliding compounds. For example, using metal guides and profiles.
7. To ensure the required level of silence in the room, use a special soundproof material.
8. Depending on the size of the load on the structure, equip it with ordinary or hard reinforcement.
9. The design and construction of the structure is best provided to a specialist. And for high -quality and timely execution, control the process.
10. Make sure that the technical documentation is compiled correctly, taking into account the norms of safe construction.
11. When designing and building stone structures, refer to video reviews on laying expanded clay concrete blocks.