Blocks of cellular concrete: characteristics, dimensions

Cellular concrete is a porous building material made on the basis of siliceous aggregate and an astringent component. It acts as one of the varieties of lightweight concrete. The material used for thermal insulation, insulation of reinforced concrete floors and attic spaces, as well as in the role of a thermal insulation layer of wall constructions of buildings for different purposes. It can be used for thermal insulation of pipeline surfaces and equipment at temperatures up to 400 degrees.

Recently, cellular concrete is gaining popularity as a structural wall material. Private houses and multi-storey buildings erected from it have higher thermal characteristics than brick ones. This was achieved thanks to the correct geometry of modern blocks, due to the precise dimensions, deviation from the standard of which can be 2 millimeters in both directions. Products can be laid on a special glue, which allows you to form joints with a thickness of not more than 3 millimeters.

If we consider blocks of cellular concrete, we should divide them according to their functional purpose. They can be heat-insulating, while the volumetric mass varies from 300 to 500 kilograms per cubic meter; Structural and thermal insulation (the mentioned parameter is in the range from 500 to 900 kg per cubic meter); As well as structural - their bulk weight is not more than 1200 kilograms per cubic meter. The last of the listed materials is used for the erection of agricultural buildings and structural elements for residential purposes.

Characteristics of non-autoclave foam concrete blocks

As one of the varieties of cellular concrete products, there are foam blocks that are capable of keeping heat well. If you compare with a brick, this material has a 3 times lower coefficient of thermal conductivity. The weight of these products is insignificant, compared to claydite-concrete, it is 2.5 times less. Blocks of cellular concrete are easy to transport and install, this is their advantage over conventional building materials.

Using them, it is possible to build houses at home without first laying down a heavy buried foundation, which has a positive effect on the speed and simplicity of construction. We are talking about buildings of low-rise type, whereas in high-rise buildings the foundation must still be thorough. Blocks of foam concrete are worthy of durability. For example, from products of mark D900 it is possible to lay bearing walls of three-storeyed houses.

Positive features of foam concrete blocks

Blocks of cellular concrete are characterized by resistance to frost. Inside there is enough room for water, which can expand freely when freezing, without damaging the structure of the products. That is why at low temperatures there will be no raspiraniya inside and outside. Foam concrete is chosen because of its fire resistance. Under the influence of open fire, the material can be kept for 4 hours, while it will not be damaged, the structure will not be covered by cracks and explosions will not occur.

Biostability and environmental friendliness are also on top. Foam concrete blocks are not putrefied, and in time do not deteriorate. During the installation and operation, the foam concrete does not emit harmful substances. If compared with gas silicate, the latter in this respect is less safe. This is due to the fact that in the autoclave during foaming, the small elements of aluminum and lime react, resulting in the formation of hydrogen. It is released in small quantities even later, while for the production of foam blocks, blowing agents are used in which no dangerous gases are contained. The pores of this material are hermetic, therefore in structure they resemble cells of polystyrene foam.

For reference

Blocks of cellular concrete can be used in the construction of monolithic buildings. They are manufactured on site, it will be enough to use special equipment for this. With the help of the compressor, pressure is created, and the material is brought to the place where construction work is being carried out.

Ease of processing

It is very easy to process foam concrete, it can easily be crushed, cut and drilled. Special tools for this are not required, as are physical efforts. Due to the ease of the material can be moved from place to place, which makes it possible to conduct construction work by one person.

Cost of foam concrete blocks

Wall blocks made of foam concrete are quite affordable. If you compare with other building materials, their price will be much lower. If we take into account that an easy foundation will be laid during the construction of the house, then the work will be financially economical. For some consumers this factor is decisive. Thus, cellular concrete (blocks), the price of which is 89 rubles. Per unit, have the following dimensions: 600x300x200 mm. For a cubic meter you have to pay 2500 rubles. With a size of 600x300x250 mm, the price increases to 112 rubles per piece. If you change the size to 600x400x200, one product will cost 120 rubles.

Characteristics of aerated concrete blocks

If you are interested in masonry blocks made of cellular concrete, then you can consider the characteristics of gas blocks that have outstanding qualities. Despite the lightness, the material has a high strength. Aerated concrete is considered a compromise between optimum thermal insulation, strength and ease. Depending on the brand, the compressive strength can vary from 1.5 to 3.5 kgf / cm ² . Aerated concrete blocks of grades D600 and D500 are successfully used as a heat-insulating and structural material.

Products have a low thermal conductivity, which makes it possible to provide the walls with reliable thermal protection even in the coldest time. In summer, aerated concrete buildings are not overheated, but the optimum temperature remains inside. Like aerated concrete, aerated concrete is resistant to the effects of flame. Houses and enclosing structures, built of it, belong to the highest degrees of fire safety.

Dimensions of blocks of cellular concrete

Blocks of cellular concrete (GOST 21520-89) can be wall and partitions. In the first case, the dimensions vary from 400x200x200 mm to 600x500x200 mm. If we are talking about partition walls, the dimensions vary from 300x400x150 to 600x400x100 mm.

Masonry of blocks

Masonry from blocks of cellular concrete must begin after the waterproofing of the base, which is carried out by any suitable roll materials, for example, bicrost. Before installing the first row of blocks, it is necessary to apply a layer of mortar or adhesive composition, only then you can start laying. The dimensions of the waterproofing layer should be somewhat larger, compared with the width of the foam concrete block. Regardless of whether you use cement mortar or adhesive in the masonry process, the first row is laid on a traditional mix of cement and sand. It is worth remembering that small blocks of cellular concrete will impede the construction process.