A house built of stone looks reliable and prestigious. It easily resists dampness and fire, protects from cold and noise, and has an increased level of durability. One question remains: “What exactly is it to be built from?” Once upon a time, the phrase "stone building" meant a natural sample, very heavy and difficult to process. Later, the list of what materials to build a house from expanded: they created substitutes - brick and concrete, with their undoubted advantages and disadvantages. The latter include the high cost of building materials, the complexity of the work, the overrun of the components for the solution. Construction of a private small cottage from ready-made reinforced concrete panels practically impracticable due to the high cost and complexity of transporting and assembling the slabs.
Another, most modern version has appeared, devoid of the shortcomings of its predecessors and suitable for low-rise construction. New materials are produced using the technology of vibrocompression of cement-containing mixtures. These are the so-called concrete blocks, differing in their physical and mechanical characteristics and appearance, depending on the main filler. It has been proven in practice economic expediency compared to standard bricks, namely: increased volume with low weight reduces cost and time installation work, and also significantly reduces the consumption of binder cement.
It is difficult for most people at the design stage of their country dwelling to choose best material. Today, the building materials market has several types artificial stones for construction. They differ in scope, installation method, production technology.
For the construction of houses, the following blocks are most often used:
Let's take a closer look at the most popular types.
Compound: silicate binder, foaming agent.
The main advantage of the resulting product is its thermal performance. Gas silicate itself is a heater. Thermal conductivity of the structure: 0.15–0.3 W/m°C.
Mounting method: the masonry is fixed on a special adhesive composition or cement-sand mortar.
It has the smallest volumetric weight of the presented samples, only 200–600 kg/m3.
Material with low strength, up to 20 kg/cm2. Compared to other types, it has the highest shrinkage rate (1.5% mm / m). Just like foam concrete, it exhibits poor moisture resistance and frost resistance (about 10 cycles).
Approximate cost: 2900 rub./m3.
Compound: cement with sand, foam concentrates.
Mode of application: masonry is carried out as on building mixture, and various synthetic adhesive mixtures. The material is suitable for all types of walls up to and including the 3rd floor.
The foam block has average strength characteristics: from 10 to 50 kg/cm2.
Its main disadvantage is its low water resistance. Water absorption - 95%. Therefore, together with foam blocks, it is necessary to purchase hydro and vapor barrier.
approximate price: 3000 rub./m3.
Composed of: sand, cement and expanded clay.
Expanded clay is called light porous granules obtained by firing clay.
Mounting method: blocks are installed with voids inside on a pre-applied mortar. The material is provided for all types of walls.
It has the best strength characteristics among the other samples presented: 75–150 kg/cm2
Virtually no shrinkage factor. Possesses good indicators of resistance to moisture and frost resistance. Expanded clay can regulate indoor humidity by absorbing or evaporating it.
The microclimate in such houses is similar to the microclimate in a wooden frame.
Approximate cost: 2000 rub./m3.
What do the parameters mentioned above mean? Read more about this.
Strength - maximum load under compression, which the block is able to withstand without collapsing. With standard dimensions, under a force of 50 kg / cm2, it carries 37,000 kg.
Volumetric weight is the density of an element, taking into account its pores and voids. Simply put, this is the weight of one cubic meter of material.
Thermal conductivity - the amount of heat that a wall with an area of \u200b\u200bone square meter transfers through itself, with a difference in external and internal temperatures of one degree.
Frost resistance - the number of cycles of freezing and thawing, as a result of which there will be a decrease in strength by 10%. Shows the service life.
Shrinkage - the value by which the block is compressed during the operation of the building.
Hydroabsorption - the amount of moisture absorbed by the material.
In this video we are talking about the characteristics of expanded clay concrete blocks.
Varieties of building blocks
When performing construction activities for the construction of buildings are widely used different kinds building blocks. They represent a serious alternative to traditional brick and stone. Thanks to the introduction in the construction industry innovative technologies, new materials are presented in an expanded range and allow for a limited time to build various buildings. Let us consider in detail block building materials, which differ in operational characteristics, structure, dimensions and scope.
Block products used in the construction industry have the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped, which is much larger than ordinary bricks.
Building blocks come in different types. They are suitable for the construction of buildings of any type and purpose
Different types of blocks are different:
The use of blocks instead of various types of brick and stone allows you to:
Consider what building blocks are, and how they differ.
By functional purpose block building material is used for the following purposes:
Many types of wall blocks are used for the construction of buildings of any type and purpose.
use following types products:
The release of block building materials can be carried out under various conditions:
Technical characteristics and properties of building materials depend on the following factors:
In the process of manufacturing products, along with Portland cement, sand, clay or lime, various types of filler are used:
First of all, the choice should be influenced by factors such as the scope, the terrain where the building will be located, weather conditions.
Blocks are divided into the following types:
When deciding on the choice of a specific building material for the construction of a building, it is necessary to pay attention to the following characteristics that determine the quality, reliability and service life of the building:
They possess high level frost resistance, strength and fire resistance, good heat transfer and easy installation
It is also necessary to take into account a number of parameters:
Comprehensive assessment only performance characteristics and technical parameters allows you to make a final decision on the use of a particular building material.
Expanded clay blocks are produced by vibrating compaction of concrete poured into special molds. The demand for a promising material is due to the use of environmentally friendly granules of baked clay, which give the concrete a porous structure.
Blocks made of sand, cement and expanded clay have strength indicators equal to sand-cement elements, but are significantly inferior to them in mass
The basis of expanded clay blocks is ecological raw materials:
Solid and hollow products are manufactured in accordance with the requirements of the standard, which regulates the following dimensions:
Depending on the size, the scope varies:
At specific gravity 0.4–1.8 t/m³ weight is 10–20 kg. The material is characterized:
In many ways, the characteristics of the material depend on the ratio of the proportions of the components used in the production
The disadvantages include:
The number of claydite blocks per wooden pallet determined by a number of factors:
The maximum number of items on a pallet is:
At the same time, the total volume of products in the package is 1–1.5 m³.
Polystyrene concrete products are produced in accordance with the requirements of the standard based on the following ingredients:
Polystyrene concrete blocks are a kind of cellular concrete, which is a composite material consisting of cement, polystyrene, quartz sand and modified additives.
Habitual brick walls, which can be seen in multi-storey and private construction, are losing their inviolability and relevance. In the construction of residential buildings, building blocks made of lightweight concrete are increasingly being used.
Such products have greater thermal insulation, are much cheaper than solid bricks, and are convenient in terms of installation. The building material has a relatively low weight, which significantly reduces the load on the foundation, respectively, allows you to save on its pouring.
The modern construction market offers the consumer several varieties of wall blocks. To avoid difficulties when choosing a material, consider the advantages and disadvantages of wall blocks used in construction.
It's honeycomb lightweight concrete, the main component of which is a cement-sand mortar with the addition of foaming additives. According to experts, this is the most practical and affordable material for the construction of wall structures, which is steadily growing in popularity.
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Advantages |
Flaws |
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High strength combined with low density Low structural weight due to honeycomb structure Excellent thermal insulation of interiors High degree of street noise absorption Fire resistance - the material does not ignite and does not support the spread of fire Wet environment resistance Good frost resistance budget cost |
Foam concrete is subject to shrinkage over time, which should be taken into account during construction Non-homogeneous structure: internal pores do not have the same size Difficulties in interior decoration - foam concrete is unable to hold ordinary fasteners(nails, screws) Low bending strength, cracks easily |
The material is often produced in an artisanal way without observing the technology. It is almost impossible to determine a fake visually, so you need to responsibly approach the choice of a manufacturer.
As in the previous case, gas silicate blocks have a porous structure. For production, a silicate base is used with the addition of binders and foaming additives.
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Advantages |
Flaws |
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The exact geometry of each block, which simplifies the process of erecting wall structures and allows you to accurately calculate the consumption of glue. Presentable appearance. Ease of processing: you can cut aerated concrete with a regular hacksaw. High level of fire safety. Environmental safety: chemically active and toxic substances are not used in the production. The large size of the block - allows you to reduce the time for the construction of walls. |
Low strength - the gas block is not used in multi-storey construction. After completion of work, shrinkage is observed up to 1.5 mm for every meter of height. According to this indicator, gas silicate blocks are considered the worst among lightweight concretes. Low frost resistance - only 10 cycles freezing/thawing. Therefore, the walls of this material necessarily need additional insulation. Humidity dependent. Aerated concrete perfectly absorbs water, which leads to the destruction of the structure of the block. |
In terms of thermal insulation, aerated concrete blocks are close to solid bricks, so additional insulation is prerequisite. However, the blocks have a minimum weight, which significantly reduces the load on the foundation.
it universal option, equally applicable in multi-storey construction and the private sector. Used in the manufacture of building materials cement-sand mixture with the inclusion of additives. Products are pressed into special forms dried by infrared radiation.
For optimum strength, blocks are stored at room temperature in well-ventilated areas.
For walls made of foam blocks, the cost of insulation will be significantly lower than for concrete or brick structures.
it composite material, which has a three-layer structure.
The first layer is called the facade and is an imitation natural stone. The second - insulating, consists of high-density polystyrene foam. The third - supporting, is made of expanded clay concrete.
Heat blocks appeared on construction market relatively recently, but have already managed to gain popularity among professional builders.
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High speed of building walls. Each block is both a decorative and load-bearing structure and has a layer of insulation. Excellent indicators of thermal insulation. Block, thick 42 cm similar in terms of two-meter brickwork. Acceptable cost. Good competition for gas and foam blocks. Light weight. You can significantly save on the foundation. |
The weight. Blocks are considered easy, but to cope alone with laying stones, weighing 24 kg, will be difficult. Low resistance to dynamic loads. Not suitable for buildings high more than 3 floors. Geometry. Correct forms found only from trusted manufacturers. If the block is made in a handicraft way with laying, there are guaranteed to be problems. |
High-quality heat blocks have absolutely correct geometry, therefore it is allowed finishing without additional alignment of the walls. During the installation of blocks, through joints are formed that need high-quality sealing.
If the construction technology is violated, high thermal efficiency indicators will be reduced to zero.
The block is a monolithic structure, where the main component is high-quality cement. Quartz sand, foamed polystyrene, plasticizers are used as a filler, which increase the strength and frost resistance of finished products.
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The best thermal insulation on the market. Allows to save on heating of internal rooms in the winter period. High strength. The material is highly resistant to compression and bending, and has virtually no shrinkage. Excellent vapor permeability. The walls of such blocks have the ability to "breathe", which is guaranteed to prevent the appearance of mold. Ease of installation. The blocks are easily subjected to additional processing, have a large size and the correct geometry. Frost resistance. The product can withstand up to 150 cycles freezing / thawing without loss of original properties. |
Direct dependence of quality from the manufacturer. Violation of manufacturing technology leads to the formation of internal microcracks. Difficulties interior decoration. The surface of the block has poor adhesion with plaster solutions. The porous structure "does not hold" nails and self-tapping screws. |
Polystyrene concrete blocks are considered a non-combustible material, but when exposed to high temperatures, they begin to release phenol, a substance harmful to human health.
The composition of such a block includes cement, expanded clay and sand, mixed in predetermined proportions. In the manufacture, the vibrocompression method is used, which provides finished products with a fairly dense structure.
Despite the obvious disadvantages, expanded clay blocks are considered the most common building material in Russia.
Composite blocks created on a cement basis with the addition of water, sand and sawdust. This ratio of components makes the unit resistant to any aggressive environment, while finished goods have a high margin of safety.
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Thermal insulation. analogues wood concrete blocks not yet available on the building materials market. Ease of installation and manufacture. You can handle the work on your own. Environmental Safety. The composition does not contain harmful and toxic components. Minor weight. There is no need for a reliable and solid foundation. Democratic price. Considered one of the most available materials on the market. |
Destroyed by prolonged exposure to a humid environment. Attract rodents. Due to the inclusion in the composition of wood, the material burns. |
Blocks are not suitable for multi-storey construction, intended use: private sector.
The material attracts the attention of buyers with a surprisingly low price: the use of production waste is allowed in the manufacture. Products are compacted by vibrocompression, the main binding component is cement.
Unlike previous materials, cinder blocks are hollow and monolithic, which greatly expands the scope of their application.
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Advantages |
Flaws |
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Absolute incombustibility even at long influence of high temperatures. Long service life - at least 50 years old without losing original qualities. A wide range of. The variability of fillers allows you to choose a product for any type of construction work. Ease of installation. Ability to make at home. |
Humidity dependent. It causes inconvenience when summing up engineering communications. Low rates of sound and heat insulation. Lack of environmental safety: the slag contains sulfur and acids that are harmful to health. |
Given the significant drawbacks, cinder blocks are more suitable for the construction of utility structures than residential buildings.
Great alternative to regular brick. Blocks appeared on the market relatively recently, but are rapidly gaining popularity in the private construction sector. The block is based on burnt clay, finished products have a hollow, cellular structure.
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Advantages |
Flaws |
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Absolute environmental safety. Excellent indicators of thermal insulation. Minor weight. High vapor permeability. Reliable soundproofing of internal premises. Ease of installation: the elements are joined lock connection"thorn-groove". |
Overcharge. Unreliable ends. Relative fragility, which makes it difficult to transport. Dependence on strict adherence to laying technology. Difficulties in interior decoration: the hollow structure will not "hold" screws and nails. |
Difficulties may arise during additional processing: it will not work to split a ceramic block like an ordinary brick, you will have to use a grinder.
A relatively new building material resembling heat blocks. Products have a three-layer structure:
filler;
Cement, lead and expanded clay are used as the main components. In the manufacture, vibrocompression technology is used in combination with the clamping method. The result is a fundamentally new building material.
The material is on the market in 2009, therefore, did not have time to manifest itself from the negative side. However, the obvious disadvantages can already be attributed to the high cost.
Often, the price issue is the key when choosing a building material. The diagram above shows the comparison of block prices relative to each other in percentage terms. The most expensive block of Balaev was taken as 100%.
Depending on the region of the country, and over time, this ratio may change.
Block cost is not a key indicator. For example, Balaev blocks are the most expensive material, but they do not need additional finishing and insulation. The final estimate of the work performed will be much lower than when building walls from expanded clay concrete blocks.
Ideal building materials do not exist in nature. Therefore, when choosing building blocks, you need to focus not only on the price of the product, but also on the scope and technical characteristics.
For the production of foam concrete, a cement-sand mixture, water and a foaming agent are used. The production of this material does not require special equipment - just mix the ingredients and pour the mixture into molds. This leads to the emergence of numerous handicraft industries that produce products of dubious quality. Better to buy products well-known manufacturers and be interested in the availability of quality certificates.
From a consumer point of view, the material is quite good. It is lightweight due to big size block is easy to install. Due to the fine-mesh structure, it retains heat well. On the other hand, these pores absorb moisture well, which can lead to gradual destruction of the material. To avoid this, foam concrete walls must be covered with a layer of plaster.
There is another type of cellular concrete - aerated concrete. It is often confused with foam concrete, but these materials differ in manufacturing technology. Aerated concrete has more high quality. It is stronger, more durable, has better adhesion, which makes it easier to plaster.
Another type of cellular blocks is gas silicate. For their production, cement is not used, so the material is not concrete. It is made from a mixture of sand, lime, silicates and a foaming agent. The blocks are placed in an autoclave where they are exposed to high temperature and pressure. The strengths of these blocks are the same as those of aerated concrete - they are light, warm and easy to use. The disadvantages include low strength, poor frost resistance and a tendency to be affected by fungus. To protect the gas silicate from the effects of the external environment, it is lined with bricks.
Expanded clay concrete blocks are made from a cement-sand mixture and expanded clay - porous balls of baked clay. The strength of the material is given by vibrocompression and steaming. Blocks of this type can be either solid or hollow. The material has high strength and hardness, is not afraid of frost and does not absorb moisture. Able to withstand heavy loads. The expanded clay included in its composition serves as a heat insulator and provides good air exchange. In terms of thermal insulation properties, the material surpasses blocks of aerated concrete. In addition, he is not afraid of moisture. In terms of strength characteristics, it is close to brick, but has half the specific gravity.
On the basis of expanded clay concrete, another type of building material has been created - heat blocks. This is a three-layer structure consisting of a carrier layer, insulation and decorative finishes. Expanded polystyrene is used as a heater, the decorative part is made of concrete imitating stone, and the load-bearing layer is taken over by a layer of expanded clay concrete. Using such blocks, you can save time and money on cladding and insulation work.
Previously, cinder blocks were widely used in construction. Binder they contain a sand-cement mixture, and blast-furnace slag plays the role of a filler. This material is considered obsolete and does not meet modern requirements. It does not retain heat well, is afraid of moisture and emits harmful substances. Its only advantage is its low price.
Another outdated type of building blocks is sawdust concrete, in which the cement-sand mixture is combined with sawdust. It absorbs acoustic waves very well, which makes it ideal material for soundproofing. Use it for capital construction at the moment it is impractical due to its shortcomings - it is afraid of water, does not retain heat well, and the quality of the material is unstable.
