The construction of monolithic houses is carried out using a rather complex technology. However, the basic principles are clear even to an ordinary developer. First of all, a formwork structure is erected. It is then filled with concrete. What attracts monolithic houses today?
Expert reviews
Today, buildings are built using different technologies. If you plan to build your dream home, then professionals recommend giving preference to a monolithic structure. Thanks to it, it becomes possible to build reliable cottages of any configuration. First of all, experts note that the construction of monolithic houses does not imply the use of heavy equipment. In particular, this applies to cranes. In this case, concrete pumps are used. With the help of the latter, the solution is poured into special forms. Concrete can be laid at a height of up to 4 m. Thus, the landscape is preserved on the site.
Advantages of Technology
Using this technique allows you to build a structure of any complexity and configuration. A curvilinear shape may be applied. This is one of the main advantages thatmonolithic houses. Reviews of many owners of residential premises indicate a high level of preparation of buildings for finishing. At the same time, work times are reduced to a minimum. If we compare similar construction of houses, which uses fixed-type formwork with other technologies, then the construction process is accelerated by almost ten times. There is also money savings. This is one of the fundamental factors for many buyers who select suitable monolithic house projects for themselves.
Main differences from other designs
Bearing monolithic walls are thinner than those built of brick, more than twice. However, the structures of the former with a thickness of 0.3 m in terms of thermal conductivity successfully replace 2.3 m of the latter. Self-construction of houses reduces heating costs by almost 4 times. Thus, when erecting a 10x10 m structure, its internal space will increase by 15 square meters. m. Thanks to this, you get an additional room.
Unique strengths
Monolithic private houses are distinguished by strength and rigidity. Experts say with confidence that according to these parameters, these structures are unmatched. In such buildings, the load on the foundation is significantly reduced. This is achieved due to the peculiarities of the construction technology. For example, in suburban construction, the use of new shallow foundations is allowed. It is also worth noting the low cost of their construction. The layout of traditional materials and fixed formwork is acceptable. Thanks toto this, the developer can implement any construction project of a summer house or a cottage. This applies to both individual planning and extravagant architectural style.
Reason for growing popularity
An apartment in a monolithic building is now considered a business class residential area. This construction technology is characterized by a higher quality of structures. This is also evidenced by the operational period during which the house is habitable. We are talking about secular periods.
Features of construction
It is quite simple today that monolithic houses are being built. Feedback from developers indicates that a relatively small amount of equipment is required for the construction of the structure. The principle of technology is quite simple: concrete is poured into the finished formwork. Thanks to this, the ceiling, floor and walls are perfectly even. The appearance of the building is positively affected by additional finishing with facing materials. In particular, a monolithic-brick house looks great. This type of structure is also called "breathing". They are cool in summer and very warm in winter.
Influence of climatic conditions
Any structure is subject to shrinkage. Monolithic houses are no exception. Reviews of the owners of residential premises indicate that there are no problems with walls, floors and other surfaces during shrinkage, since it occurs evenly. According to the buyers of such real estate themselves, for many years there have been no cracks, distortions and otherdeformations. The influence of atmospheric precipitation is minimal. In this case, there are no joints between the plates. This factor is the main weak point of panel structures. They, in turn, increasingly fade into the background. However, in many cases, combined technologies are used. So, for example, some buyers choose a monolithic-panel house. In this case, the value of real estate plays a major role. Multi-storey buildings (monolithic) can be built in any weather, even if the temperature is below zero. Such structures can be called "seamless". They are distinguished by enviable durability.
Ultramodern erection
Monolithic frame technology is a unique method. It combines two principles of building construction. This method was developed at the end of the last century. Currently, projects of monolithic houses of this type are very popular. Experts characterize this technology as fast, simple and high-quality. It allows you to significantly save money on heating your home. This technology is based on the use of polystyrene foam boards. Concrete is applied to them under pressure. Such a cottage will be very durable and reliable when compared with other structures. Such a house is guaranteed to be protected from the following:
- Uneven foundation settlement.
- Various cracks.
- Deformation of window openings.
With this type of construction, only sustainable houses are built. They are able to withstand earthquakes andstrong hurricanes. Experts recommend using this construction technique in seismically hazardous areas and on subsiding soil. This technology has long been widely used in developed countries. The service life is about 200 years. In addition, such houses are very airtight. These cottages are soundproof and very comfortable. This is achieved due to the seamless design and the absence of cold bridges. Inside the building, a "thermos effect" is formed. This means that during hot periods it is cool here, and in winter it is very warm. Now it is cheaper to build a monolithic-frame house than to build a traditional cottage.
Required Materials
Before construction, appropriate calculations are required. The average consumption of concrete per 1 sq. m. - up to 0.7 m3. Reinforcing steel will require up to 70 kg. In order to make formwork, it is necessary to use a variety of materials.
Metal
Steel and aluminum alloys are the elements that take on the main loads. From the first, load-bearing formwork elements are made. In this case, galvanized or galvanized steel with a powder coating is used. The latter during operation ensures quick cleaning of the formwork and protects it from corrosion. Aluminum construction is about three times lighter than steel. This significantly reduces the price of formwork installation, as well as the complexity of its transportation. Thus, the cost of building a monolithic house is also reduced. Besides,the crane is not involved in the work.
Tree
Laminated wood or plywood is most commonly used for the production of the respective formwork elements. The first is characterized by very high resistance to deformation and strength. However, wood also has a significant drawback. It's about hygroscopicity. It is known that wooden elements can warp or swell. Therefore, laminated plywood with a special phenol-formaldehyde coating is used in construction. Thanks to it, there is a sharp decrease in adhesion to concrete and a high turnover is ensured.
Styrofoam
Fixed formwork made of this material is being actively introduced into low-rise construction of monolithic houses. It is assembled using connections between the outer and inner layer of blocks. As for the structure of the material, it is very similar to natural. We are talking about the bark of the cork tree, which includes microgranules. When foamed, this material becomes vapor-tight. Among its properties are the following:
- Does not attract rodents or harmful insects.
- Does not pollute groundwater.
- Moisture resistant.
- Chemically neutral.
- Non-radioactive.
This building material is considered absolutely harmless. Molding packages are even made from it, which then interact with food products. Outwardly, it looks like foam, however, their characteristics are very different. ATDuring the production of this material, harmful phenol impurities are removed from it, and special additives are introduced that protect the material from burning.
Main characteristics of walls
Designs in houses built using this technology also have their own characteristics, among which are the following:
- II fire resistance level.
- Acoustics - 53 dB.
- Daily moisture absorption - 1%.
- Heat transfer per 1 sq. m. – 3.2 K/W.
- Mass of walls without finishing - 340 kg per 1 sq. m.
- Design thickness - 30 cm.
Features of creating fixed formwork: general scheme
Construction of a residential building using this technology includes several stages, among them the following can be distinguished:
- You need to start with the preparation of concrete.
- Then the formwork itself is prepared.
- Prepared concrete is being assembled.
Further, the construction formwork must be treated with a special solution. It is installed together with accessories (brackets, posts and connecting locks).
Working algorithm
Monolithic formwork is poured with prepared concrete. It is necessary to wait for the solution to solidify. After that, the formwork is removed, while the non-removable part remains in the concrete. In the future, it will become a heat-insulating layer.
Important information
In monolithic construction there are different types of formwork. For example, there are designs forfoundations, ceilings and walls. Accordingly, the installation of formwork is carried out in different ways. In the case of the foundation structure, horizontal struts and special slopes are used. Slab formwork implies the presence of volumetric or telescopic racks. A variety of materials are used to create a monolithic structure, among them:
- Steel.
- Wood.
- Aluminum.
- Plastic.
The quality and design properties directly depend on the material. In most cases, fixed formwork is made of dense polystyrene foam. The design consists of blocks with two plates. They are connected by stable jumpers. The cavities in the formwork are reinforced during the construction process, after which they are poured with concrete. The planes in the system are equipped with locks that have a complex shape. There is something similar to the assembly of Lego blocks here. This design provides many advantages. First of all, there is no need to use retaining elements. The geometric parameters of the walls are also maintained. This ensures tight connections.
Features of fixed formwork
Styrofoam construction is considered a flat surface. For this reason, it is allowed to immediately start decorating the walls. In this case, any building materials can be used. The finish is attached with an adhesive connection. Also, mechanical fastening can be introduced into the concrete body. If a fixed formwork is involved, then a reinforced concrete wall of a monolithic type is erected during the work. She ismust have a soundproof and heat-insulating shell on the inside and outside. Thus, the formation of cold spots is completely excluded. Thanks to the thermal insulation layer on the outside, the monolithic structure is protected from adverse environmental factors. This also applies to freezing. This layer is a barrier between the heated air of the walls and the interior of the house.
Main flaws
Unfortunately, this type of construction has pluses and minuses. First of all, it is worth noting that it is expensive. And this applies not only to the cost. It will take a fairly decent amount to build a monolithic house. The price for 1 sq/m starts from 14 - 18 thousand rubles. The rise in the cost of the structure is due to the finishing materials. An example is a monolithic-brick house. The cost of a square meter in it is from 1.5 to 3.5 thousand dollars. At the same time, the construction process itself will take some time. Accordingly, the delivery of the apartment will have to wait. Free planning is considered the main feature of such structures. Nevertheless, it cannot be considered an unconditional dignity. Similar houses can differ significantly in appearance. So, if the advertisement says that the building is being built in accordance with an individual project, then this structure is in any case monolithic.
