Aerated concrete is a porous building material made on the basis of silica filler and a binder component. It acts as one of the varieties of lightweight concrete. The material is used for thermal insulation, insulation of reinforced concrete floors and attics, as well as as an insulating layer of wall structures of buildings for various purposes. It can be used for thermal insulation of surfaces of pipelines and equipment at temperatures up to 400 degrees.
Recently, cellular concrete is gaining popularity as a structural wall material. Private houses and high-rise buildings built from it have higher thermal characteristics than brick ones. This was achieved thanks to the correct geometry of modern blocks, due to clear dimensions, the deviation from the standard of which can be 2 millimeters in both directions. Products can be laid on a special glue that allows you to form seamsno more than 3 millimeters thick.
If we consider blocks of cellular concrete, then they should be divided according to their functional purpose. They can be heat-insulating, while the bulk density varies from 300 to 500 kilograms per cubic meter; structural and heat-insulating (the mentioned parameter is in the range from 500 to 900 kilograms per cubic meter); as well as structural - their volumetric weight is not more than 1200 kilograms per cubic meter. The last of these materials is used for the construction of agricultural buildings and structural elements for residential purposes.
Characteristics of non-autoclaved foam concrete blocks
As one of the varieties of cellular concrete products are foam blocks that are able to retain heat well. If we compare with brick, then this material has a 3 times lower coefficient of thermal conductivity. The weight of these products is insignificant, in comparison with expanded clay concrete, it is 2.5 times less. Aerated concrete blocks are easy to transport and install, which is their advantage over conventional building materials.
Using them, you can build houses without equipping a heavy buried foundation at the first stage, which has a positive effect on the speed and ease of construction. We are talking about low-rise buildings, while high-rise buildings still need to have a solid foundation. Blocks of foam concrete are distinguished by decent strength. For example, from products of the D900 brand, you can layload-bearing walls of three-story houses.
Positive features of foam concrete blocks
Aerated concrete blocks are resistant to frost. Inside there is enough space for water, which can expand freely when frozen without damaging the structure of the products. That is why at low temperatures there will be no bursting inside and out. Foam concrete is also chosen because of its fire resistance. The material can be exposed to open flame for 4 hours, while it will not be damaged, the structure will not be covered with cracks and explosions will not occur.
Bio-stability and environmental friendliness are also on top. Foam concrete blocks do not rot, and over time they do not deteriorate at all. During installation and operation, foam concrete does not emit harmful substances. If compared with gas silicate, the latter is less safe in this respect. This is due to the fact that in the autoclave, when foaming, small elements of aluminum and lime react, as a result of which hydrogen is formed. It is also released in small quantities later, while blowing agents that do not contain hazardous gases are used for the production of foam blocks. The pores of this material are airtight, so their structure resembles foam cells.
For reference
Aerated concrete blocks can be used in the construction of monolithic buildings. They are made on site, for this it will be enough to use special equipment. The compressor creates pressure andmaterial is brought to the place where construction work is carried out.
Easy handling
Processing foam concrete is very simple, it can be easily crushed, cut and drilled. Special tools are not required for this, as well as physical effort. Due to its lightness, the material can be carried from place to place, which makes it possible to carry out construction work by one person.
Cost of foam concrete blocks
Aerated concrete wall blocks are quite affordable. If we compare with other building materials, then their price will be much lower. If we take into account that during the construction of the house a light foundation will be laid, 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 millimeters. For a cubic meter you will have to pay 2500 rubles. With dimensions of 600x300x250 millimeters, the price increases to 112 rubles apiece. When resizing up to 600x400x200, one product will cost 120 rubles.
Characteristics of aerated concrete blocks
If you are interested in cellular concrete wall blocks, you can consider the characteristics of gas blocks, which have outstanding qualities. Despite its lightness, the material has a highstrength. Aerated concrete is considered a compromise between optimal thermal insulation, strength and lightness. Depending on the brand, the compressive strength can vary from 1.5 to 3.5 kgf/cm2. Aerated concrete blocks of the D600 and D500 grades are successfully used as a heat-insulating and structural material.
Products have low thermal conductivity, which allows you to provide walls with reliable thermal protection even in the coldest time. In summer, buildings made of aerated concrete do not overheat, and the optimum temperature is maintained inside. Like foam concrete, aerated concrete is fire resistant. Houses and enclosing structures built from it belong to the highest levels of fire safety.
Aerated Concrete Block Sizes
Blocks of cellular concrete (GOST 21520-89) can be wall and partition. In the first case, the dimensions vary from 400x200x200 mm to 600x500x200 mm. If we are talking about partition products, then the dimensions vary from 300x400x150 to 600x400x100 millimeters.
Block laying
The laying of cellular concrete blocks should begin after the waterproofing of the base, which is carried out by any suitable roll materials, such as bikrost. Before installing the first row of blocks, it is necessary to apply a layer of mortar or adhesive, only after that you can start laying. The dimensions of the waterproofing layer should be slightly larger compared to the width of the foam concrete block. Regardless of whether you will use cementmortar or adhesive, laying the first row is carried out on a traditional mixture of cement and sand. It is worth remembering that small blocks of cellular concrete will slow down the construction process.
