The construction industry, along with the requirements for the quality of materials and structures used, is increasingly turning to cost optimization tools. Moreover, measures to reduce costs apply not only to logistics processes and directly to the construction of buildings. To a large extent, such approaches are due to the requirements for housing. The concepts of rational use of fuel and energy reserves involve the introduction of new construction methods, which are largely determined by materials. Against this background, the use of non-removable polystyrene formwork can be considered as one of the most effective tools for improving energy efficiency and the quality of future houses. This technology is successfully practiced in North American and European countries, which in itself is a confirmation of its merits.
Technology overview
In the formwork device, special blocks are used, from which the enclosing structure is constructed. In the future, it is poured with concrete, and the floors are made according to the principles of building a monolithic reinforced concrete foundation. ImportantIt should be noted that the blocks of fixed formwork made of expanded polystyrene provide several functions at once. In addition to physical support, they act as a sound and heat insulator. It is also possible to lay utilities through the holes of the blocks. In this way, electric lighting wiring can be safely and reliably secured.
In the process of one operation, the construction of a reinforced concrete monolithic wall is realized, which is insulated on the sides with polystyrene foam. If we talk about the reliability and durability of the entire building, then these characteristics largely depend on the connection points of the blocks and adjacent formwork elements. Separately, it is worth noting the variety of elements of expanded polystyrene. They are sometimes compared to the designer, as the parts have different shapes and sizes.
Construction of the formwork foundation
As with other forms of formwork, work begins with the preparation of the work site. It must be cleared, and if necessary, a deepening is made. Further, it is important to note one feature of the installation of fixed formwork - it can only be placed on a monolithic reinforced concrete base. This is followed by reinforcement, which is carried out in accordance with the design decision. In turn, the thickness of the base depends on the results of geodetic studies. Also, in the installation of fixed formwork made of expanded polystyrene, it is important to calculate the load on the foundation from the very structure of the future house. All formwork elements are plastered, and the joints are sealed with mortar. It is important to take into account thatblocks must be isolated from direct contact with waterproofing. However, this does not apply to all materials, but only to those that contain petroleum products.
Building formwork walls
Installation of the elements that form the fixed formwork wall is carried out on a pre-prepared basis. By this stage, a waterproofing layer should be laid and a monolithic reinforced concrete piping should be made. The greatest difficulty is the work on objects where there are wall columns that require additional reinforcement. The use of high-quality anchors allows you to provide a sufficient margin of safety, which will have a fixed formwork made of expanded polystyrene. With your own hands, you can also reinforce the walls. But before that, it is necessary to determine the technique of concreting. As a rule, concrete with a strength maximum of at least 200 kg/cm2 is used for such walls. Gravel is also used for the mixture, the fraction of which is about 1.2 cm. In order for the solution to have sufficient water resistance characteristics, plasticizers are also added to it.
Formation of openings
Before you start concreting, you should clearly determine the location of door and window openings. They need to be covered with special blocks, laying the latter “dry”. It is worth noting that each subsequent stage determines what will be the fixed formwork for the foundation of expanded polystyrene at the nextformation stage. Therefore, in order to avoid inconsistencies in the process of further installation, it is necessary to calculate all actions in advance. This is especially true for openings, as they require accurate calculation.
Internal horizontal surfaces should be reinforced with vertical supports. After concreting is completed, they can be removed. Arched openings should be treated differently. For them, niches are usually cut out directly in the wall blocks. In this case, it is necessary to reinforce the lower surface with a metal plate. In the same places, it is possible to provide for the laying of heaters - this will increase the thermal insulation properties that the fixed polystyrene foam formwork will receive. Construction after concreting involves the construction of a roof. It is erected in accordance with the project using anchors and roofing material.
Styrofoam Wall Finishing
Usually, plaster or decorative bricks are used for facing. In the first case, it is necessary to apply layers with a thickness of no more than 2.5 cm, and if necessary, the coating can be strengthened with reinforcement. For this purpose, a chain-link mesh or fiberglass-based material is used. The most important thing is to ensure sufficient adhesion to the blocks, as poor adhesion can ruin the whole job. The lining of the walls of fixed formwork made of expanded polystyrene using clinker bricks and tiles is also common. In this case, it is necessary to provide reinforcement of the masonry with wire every 5 rows.
Advantages and disadvantages of technology
Expanded polystyrene blocks have a wide range of qualities that determine the expediency of their use in formwork. First of all, it is strength and moisture resistance. Even after years of operation, the load and exposure to moisture do not lead to the destruction of the structure. At the same time, experts note the benefits of geometry, which has a fixed formwork made of polystyrene foam. With your own hands, you can form almost perfect surfaces, which will facilitate finishing activities. As a rule, expanded polystyrene does not require additional alignment and can immediately be used for finishing cladding. However, this technology also has disadvantages. They boil down to two features of the material. Firstly, it is an artificial origin, due to which a harmful effect on the atmosphere is not excluded. Secondly, any structural changes in the built house will involve intervention in the concrete base. Accordingly, it is necessary to think over the architectural characteristics and design of the structure in advance.
Scope of technology
The technology is mainly used in the construction of public buildings, shops, centers and warehouses. Also, similar structures can be used as a superstructure on erected objects. The advantages of this technique were also appreciated by the developers of individual objects, therefore, private houses made of non-removable polystyrene foam formwork are no longer a rarity. For example, country cottages of this type are gaining popularity due to the rapid construction, the small mass of the structure and the possibility of adding buildings.lofts.
Reviews about houses with polystyrene formwork
The advantages of using expanded polystyrene are manifested even at the construction stage. Experts note the wide possibilities of architectural design, ease of handling blocks, as well as accessibility in processing. In practice, the operation of such buildings also has advantages in the form of good thermal insulation. However, the disadvantages of non-removable polystyrene foam formwork are no less significant. Feedback highlights the need for effective ventilation. The fact is that the structure of the blocks is distinguished by the almost complete absence of the ability to pass air. Accordingly, the walls do not "breathe", so you need to think about ventilation systems in advance.
Conclusion
Most modern construction technologies are positioned as economical, energy-saving and high-quality in terms of the characteristics of the result. In this regard, the installation of fixed formwork made of expanded polystyrene undoubtedly has a number of competitive advantages. Among them are a small mass of blocks, affordability, ample opportunities for use in projects of various levels and scales. At the same time, houses are durable, economical in maintenance and functional. Nevertheless, when choosing this method of constructing the foundation of a building, one should also take into account the impossibility or, at least, the inexpediency of technical modernization orobject reconstruction.
