Stairs.  Entry group.  Materials.  Doors.  Locks.  Design

Stairs. Entry group. Materials. Doors. Locks. Design

» How to lay expanded clay blocks correctly. Features of masonry made of expanded clay blocks. Masonry with facing bricks

How to lay expanded clay blocks correctly. Features of masonry made of expanded clay blocks. Masonry with facing bricks

You will need

  • – expanded clay concrete blocks;
  • – cement;
  • - sand;
  • – lime;
  • wooden slats;
  • - level;
  • – mason’s tool (trowel, pick, plumb line, etc.).

Instructions

Prepare the base for laying the blocks. If it is strip foundation, ensure that its surface is horizontal, eliminate local unevenness and install waterproofing. If laying waterproofing is not required, limit yourself to ensuring horizontalness. Local unevenness will be leveled by the solution of the first seam.

Install ordering slats at the corners of the walls. Their role can be played by smooth wooden slats installed strictly vertically at a distance of 5-8 mm from the corners and lines outer wall. Mark the zero points on the slats corresponding to the level of the base, and mark them with a marker to mark the divisions corresponding to the rows of the masonry. The distance between the divisions should be equal to the sum of the height of the block and the thickness of the seam (10-12 mm). Pull the cord between the divisions of the first row - so that the distance from it to outer surface the walls were 5-8 mm.

Prepare masonry mortar. You can use either lime-cement or cement-sand mixture. However, the first one is “warmer”, more flexible and retains its working qualities longer. The ratio of components in a cement-sand mortar can be 1:4 or 1:3 (cement:sand), in a lime-cement mortar it can be 1:0.2:3 or 1:0.3:4 (cement:lime:sand).

Moisten with water. It is convenient to do this by pouring them tap water from a hose in a stack. The degree of humidity should be such that there are no dry spots left on the surface of the blocks, and at the same time all the water is absorbed by the surface of the blocks.

Place the solution on the base in a bed, the width of which should be several centimeters narrower than the width of the block, the height should be about 20 mm. Apply the solution under several blocks at once; if the length of the wall is short (no more than 3 m), then over the entire wall.

Lay the first block starting from the corner of the wall. Press it into the solution, at the same time aligning its vertical edge with the position of the ordering bar, and the horizontal edge with the tensioned cord. The final seam thickness should be 10-12 mm. Use a trowel to pick up the mortar squeezed out of the seam.

When laying the second stone, apply mortar to its end surface facing the previous block and lower the stone onto the wall, simultaneously pressing it against the base and the previous block. All subsequent stones of the first row are placed according to the same pattern, with the obligatory alignment of them along the cord.

Reinstall the cord one notch higher. Start laying the second row from the place where the first row ended. Ensure the shift of the joints (ligation of seams) of the second row relative to the first by half a block. If the wall is laid as thick as a whole block, it is necessary to ensure that the dressing is also applied across the width of the wall. Those. you need to lay one row with a spoon (long side along the wall), the second - with a poke (short side along the wall). In this case, the overlap of seams in adjacent rows (in height) should be a quarter of the block. Special attention Pay attention to bandaging the seams at the corners.

Technology of laying expanded clay concrete blocks


During the construction of capital walls, the construction of agricultural buildings, utility rooms, soundproofing partitions are used expanded clay concrete products. Laying expanded clay concrete blocks is an accessible, not very difficult operation that can be done independently.

This surface is an excellent basis for subsequent finishing. The walls are different high level thermal insulation, resistant to temperature fluctuations, easy to process.

At first glance, expanded clay concrete blocks seem fragile. However, if you follow the rules discussed in the article, know the characteristics of the material, then built in compliance technological features the walls will be able to withstand significant loads from the weight of the building.

Expanded clay concrete blocks have been used for construction for more than half a century

Types of products

Expanded clay blocks are made from Portland cement, sand, and expanded clay filler. They have proven themselves during construction as reliable, environmentally friendly material. The expanded clay included in the structure ensures the porosity of products and has a positive effect on their thermal insulation characteristics.

The geometric dimensions of expanded clay products are standardized and are:

  • wall products - 188x190x390 or 188x300x390;
  • partition elements – 90x190x390.

The standard allows for the production of composites of other sizes, depending on the specifics of production and the specifics of the equipment used. Expanded clay concrete blocks are made of hollow or solid construction. The configuration of voids located longitudinally or transversely is different.

Solid composites have increased strength. However, they have worse thermal insulation characteristics compared to hollow products.

Preparatory activities

Before laying expanded clay concrete blocks begins, prepare everything you need. When performing work you will need:

  • A special rubber hammer weighing 1 kilogram, used to compact products.
  • A construction corner used for marking products that are divided into parts.

Before you begin laying walls made of expanded clay concrete blocks, you must ensure that you have the necessary tools and materials for this work.

  • Measuring tape for taking measurements.
  • Level for checking the correct construction of walls.
  • A rope plumb line designed to check verticality.
  • Trowel of rectangular configuration.
  • A mooring cord used to control the thickness of seams and the location of layers.
  • A grinding machine equipped with a stone wheel designed for cutting products and scoring.
  • A bayonet or scoop tool designed for filling and unloading a mixer.
  • Concrete mixer or container in which the mixture will be prepared.

Additionally you will need:

  • expanded clay concrete composites, according to project requirements;
  • kneading ingredients or adhesive composition;
  • masonry mesh for reinforcement;
  • heat insulator, if it is provided for insulation by the project.

Check the geometry of the base by measuring the diagonals between the corners. If the distances are equal, then the contour is rectangular. The technology for laying expanded clay concrete blocks requires leveling the surface of the future masonry and installing waterproofing protection. Lay sheets of roofing felt in two layers or apply bitumen mastic.

Laying walls from expanded clay concrete blocks can be done different ways, depending on the planned thickness, design, insulation and wall cladding

Requirements for the solution

results Vote

Where would you prefer to live: in a private house or apartment?

Back

Where would you prefer to live: in a private house or apartment?

Back

Use as a binder:

  • An ordinary cement mortar prepared from M400 Portland cement, quarry or river sand and process water. Mix the ingredients in a ratio of 1:3:0.7 according to the moisture content of the sand. Adjust the volume of water to obtain a plastic composition. The mixture should not spread. The use of sand mined in a quarry instead of river sand increases the elasticity of the solution, which is laid up to 9 mm thick. The introduction of plasticizers increases the plasticity of the binder composition. When working, stir the solution periodically to prevent sand from settling to the bottom.
  • A special dry adhesive composition, prepared for use by mixing with water, according to the manufacturer's recommendations. The mixture is characterized by high plasticity and allows masonry with joint thicknesses of up to 5 mm. Just 40 kilograms of the composition is enough to construct 1 m³ of expanded clay concrete masonry.

The cement-sand mixture is prepared in a concrete mixer in the volume required for two hours of masonry. Stir the solution, watch the consistency. Preparation glue mixture carried out in a special container using a power tool equipped with a special attachment.

Laying walls from expanded clay concrete blocks significantly reduces mortar consumption compared to brickwork. After all, the volume of one expanded clay concrete composite corresponds to seven ordinary ceramic bricks.

One of the features of the work technology is that masonry of both external and interior walls or partitions made of expanded clay concrete

Wall construction methods

Walls made of expanded clay concrete blocks are erected in various ways:

  • width, equal to half composite (190 mm);
  • contour thickness, equal to length products (390 mm);
  • masonry with a size of 60 centimeters with voids for filling with insulation;
  • by installing blocks in two parallel layers connected by reinforcement, with a gap of up to 10 cm;
  • with parallel to the blocks, walls made of facing material.

Masonry process

The technology for laying expanded clay concrete blocks requires compliance with the sequence of activities and the rules for using fragile expanded clay filled products.

All work on the construction of walls begins from the corner of the building and is carried out according to the following algorithm:

  • lay the mortar in the corners of the base on the previously prepared waterproofing layer;
  • install the bottom row of corner elements;
  • press and seat the blocks by tapping with a rubberized hammer;
  • control the level of position of the corner elements that are the base;
  • use plumb lines installed at the corners of the building, raised during work.

Expanded clay concrete blocks are made by pressing from a mixture of expanded clay, sand, cement and water

The correct position of the corner elements is a guarantee of construction flat wall. After the corners are erected, expanded clay blocks are laid at a level corresponding to the cord pre-stretched between the corners.

Carry out work on laying the remaining levels by adhering to the following recommendations:

  • Fix the lower level of the wall made of expanded clay concrete blocks only to cement mortar.
  • Install the second row, controlling its position in two planes.
  • All layers above the second can be fixed with glue, along with cement mortar.
  • Compact the products using a rubber hammer.
  • Use a notched spatula to achieve an even thickness of the adhesive layer.

Performing reinforcement

The technology for laying expanded clay concrete blocks involves reinforcement using masonry mesh or reinforcement bars with a diameter of 6-10 mm.

It is important to reinforce the walls of the building simultaneously along the entire contour of the building and at the same level. Reinforcement is carried out at intervals of three to four levels by laying rods in slotted grinder grooves. It is possible to use reinforcing mesh if internal insulation is not installed, and with outside The surface of the house is covered with brick.

Today, expanded clay concrete blocks are quite widely used in the construction of soundproofing partitions, external walls, agricultural buildings and utility rooms, as well as for filling frames in house construction. Expanded clay concrete blocks can become part of decorative elements. Masonry made from them is an excellent base for further finishing. It has excellent thermal insulation, is easy to process and is frost-resistant.

Preparatory work

Before you start laying expanded clay concrete blocks with your own hands, you need to study the step-by-step instructions. It involves the preparation of tools and materials at the first stage, among them the following should be highlighted:

  • roulette;
  • jointing;
  • cord-mooring;
  • trowel;
  • capacity.

You will need a rubber hammer, a square and a straightener. Don't forget about the grinding machine, as well as the mesh for reinforcement. If you don’t have a rubber hammer in stock, then when you visit the store, you should pay attention to one whose weight does not exceed 1 kg. The work will also require order. But as for grinding machine, then you should purchase a 230 mm circle for it.

To strengthen the masonry you need to buy reinforced mesh or fittings. And when looking for a container, you should think about which one you should choose so that it is convenient to stir the solution in it. Laying expanded clay concrete blocks with your own hands, step-by-step instruction the implementation of which will be presented in the article, involves the use of a binding component in the form of a special glue or solution. In this case, the consumption of the mixture will be much less compared to the technology when brick is used, because one block replaces seven standard ceramic products.

If you decide to use a regular mortar, then to one part of cement you need to add three parts of quarry sand. It is better to avoid river sand, because it will be very elastic. In order to make the mixture more plastic, a plasticizer should be used. To prevent sand from settling to the bottom, the mixture must be stirred from time to time.

When using cement glue, you will need about 40 kg of undiluted composition per cube of wall. The composition should first be diluted with water after reading the instructions. Laying expanded clay concrete blocks with your own hands, step-by-step instructions for which should help you avoid mistakes, is carried out only after leveling the surface. Two layers of roofing material are laid on the base to ensure waterproofing. A layer of mortar is laid on top, to the components of which lime should be added. This layer should not be more than 30 mm in thickness. You can only use glue from the second row.

Features of masonry

Laying blocks can be compared to how children assemble a construction set. The size of the blocks is more impressive compared to bricks, but the weight is much less, so the installation process will not take much time and effort. The construction of the wall must begin, moving from the corner. To do this, completely line up the first row. Internal partitions must be lined up simultaneously with the outside ones. To prevent cold bridges from appearing at the end of the product, it should be separated with a foam rectangle. This concerns external walls. After laying the first row is completed, you should make sure that the surface is sufficiently level; a level is traditionally used for this.

Work methodology

Quite often, novice home craftsmen are helped by step-by-step instructions; in this case, you can easily do the laying of expanded clay concrete blocks with your own hands. When installing the second row, use a new block to smooth out the solution, then you can get a uniform layer. The product is brought to the edge of the adjacent block with a poke, leaving a gap of 5 cm.

A certain amount of cement mortar or glue should form in the vertical joint. To do this, the block must be attached to the place where it will lie. It is fixed with a rubber hammer, it will also help to level the products horizontally. The thickness of the seam should not exceed 7 mm. If glue is added to the solution, the thickness of the seam will be 3 mm. If the seams are too thick, the masonry will not be as strong. But if the layer of mortar is too thin, the blocks will not be able to be fastened securely. You must make sure that the seam is correct, but this should be done before the solution hardens.

Selecting a seam type

Today, several types of seams are known, among which are:

  • empty
  • embroidered;
  • concave;
  • undercut;
  • embroidered convex.

If you plan to cover the wall with plaster, then the blocks should be laid with a hollow seam. This means that at the edges the seams are not filled by 8 mm. If the wall is facing, then the seams should be cut, filling them. To increase the thermal capacity of the building, the blocks must be laid in 2 rows. This will increase the thickness of the wall. After insulating the building from the outside, the house will not be afraid of even the most very coldy. The only disadvantage of this installation is the increased consumption of blocks, as well as the total cost of the work.

Strengthening masonry

To prevent walls made of expanded clay concrete blocks from collapsing under the weight of the roof, it is necessary to fill in an armored belt. This can be done using 10 mm reinforcement or masonry mesh. The rods are located in every third row. This must be done from the top of the row, placing the reinforcement in grooves. Next, the solution is applied and the next row is laid. Longitudinal reinforcement ensures increased reliability of the building to the required level.

We should not forget that the splice and spoon rows must be tied. Door and window openings are formed using U-shaped concrete products; additional reinforcement should be used. Many people believe that the technology for laying expanded clay concrete blocks does not provide for reinforcement with reinforcement. However, this statement is erroneous, because the production of the products described in the article has certain features. This affects the performance properties of the blocks.

Mounting the Mauerlat

The completion of the wall masonry can be done with U-shaped blocks, which are used to create a reinforced concrete belt. It is used to fix the Mauerlat to expanded clay concrete. This node represents wooden beam, which is fixed to the walls to evenly distribute the load from the roof, wind and snow.

In the upper block, threaded rods should be installed every 2 m. Their height should be 6 cm greater than the section of the beam. You must first make holes in the beams for the rods and fix the Mauerlat, pulling it to the walls with nuts and washers.

Block foundation

To build a foundation of expanded clay concrete blocks, it is necessary to prepare some materials and tools, including:

  • roulette;
  • shovel;
  • boards;
  • concrete mixer;
  • building level;
  • waterproofing material;
  • empty container;
  • reinforcing mesh.

The structure will be a prefabricated strip structure. First you need to prepare a pit or trench, the parameters of which should be slightly larger than the width of the blocks. Sand is poured into the bottom, compacted well, and a concrete cushion is created above. Blocks should be laid according to the principle described above. You need to start from the corners, not forgetting about the dressing.

It is important to provide holes for laying future engineering communications. An armored belt is formed on top of the products, which is a durable layer monolithic reinforced concrete. It can be used to connect the blocks at the top. This layer is necessary for the rigidity of the base.

The outer side wall of the tape must be tightly covered with waterproofing. If the design provides for the presence ground floor, then it is necessary to lay the floor beams. On final stage the base is backfilled.

Block sizes

The dimensions of the expanded clay concrete block can be different, depending on its purpose. If we're talking about about wall products, the minimum parameters will be 90 x 190 x 188 mm. Maximum size equal to 390x190x188 mm. The intermediate values ​​are:

  • 288x138x138;
  • 290x190x188.

As for the partition blocks, their dimensions can be equal to:

  • 590x90x188;
  • 390x90x188;
  • 190x90x188 mm.

Many novice craftsmen wonder why the sizes expanded clay concrete block so non-standard (390x190x188 mm). This is explained by the fact that there is a need for a gap for the mortar in the masonry joint. Among other things, 39 cm is the thickness of the masonry of 1.5 bricks, taking into account the layer of plaster. However, this size is usually called twenty and it looks like this: 20x20x40 cm.

Cost of solid blocks

Solid expanded clay concrete blocks are presented different types. Among others, products with a density within 1500 kg/m 3 should be highlighted. You will have to pay 50 rubles for one unit. But for a cubic meter you will pay 3,600 rubles. IN in this case We are talking about a 20 kg product, the frost resistance of which corresponds to class F50.

If the density decreases to 1000 kg per cubic meter, then the weight is already 17 kg. Frost resistance remains the same, but the price becomes 66 rubles. per piece or 4158 rub. behind cubic meter. With a decrease in the density of a solid expanded clay concrete block to 700 kg per cubic meter, the price turns out to be equivalent to 65 rubles. per piece or 4095 rub. per cubic meter. For such a product, the density can be increased to 1500 kg per cubic meter.

Conclusion

Before starting work, it is important not only to select products by size, but also to find out what the mortar consumption is for laying expanded clay concrete blocks. This was discussed above. With this information in mind, you can calculate how much materials you should purchase. But it is recommended to take into account that the mortar for laying expanded clay concrete blocks in the first row will consist of cement and sand, and in all subsequent rows - of special glue.

Expanded clay concrete has been on the market for a long time building materials and during this time has established itself as environmentally friendly, lightweight and inexpensive material for private construction. Laying expanded clay concrete blocks is a fairly simple process and anyone can master it. About how many steps you need to take to build a house with my own hands, as well as the technique, features and all the details of how to correctly place the blocks will be discussed in this article.

To start work you need to purchase everything necessary tools and materials.

Among the tools and equipment you will need a level, a tape measure, a rubber hammer, a trowel, a mooring cord, a square, a plumb line, an angle grinder with a 220 circle, a shovel, a concrete mixer, a container, and you will also need scaffolding. In addition to the expanded clay concrete blocks themselves, you will need other materials, namely sand, cement, reinforcement and insulation. How many materials are needed depends on the scope of your construction.

Now, armed with everything you need, you can get to work. The first step is to create a mortar for laying the blocks. There are two options to choose from, ready-made adhesives or a mixture based on cement and sand. How much mortar is needed depends on your construction volumes and which of the two options should be left to you to decide.

If you decide to use a cement-sand mortar for laying, then it should be prepared in a ratio of 1 to 3 to 0.7 (cement, sand and water). In your work, be sure to use cement of a grade not lower than M400. Depending on the moisture content of the sand, you can change the amount of water needed. Just focus on the consistency of the mixture, it should be plastic and not spread. Then you can easily place products on such a solution.

If you want to get the highest possible elasticity for your mixture, then it costs part quarry sand replace with river water or add plasticity to the mixture due to a plasticizer.

You can also lay the blocks on a ready-made composition, which you just need to mix with water to start work. Such solutions reduce the thickness of the seams and are more flexible, but at the same time they will be more expensive. Exactly how much can be approximately calculated from the following ratio. In order to lay 1 m3 of masonry. You will need to purchase 40 kg of dry mixture.

The thickness of the seams influences how much mortar is needed. For cement-sand mixture this figure reaches 9 mm, while for the ready-made mixture it is only 3-5 mm.

In addition, do not forget that solutions need to be mixed all the time, and this is especially true for cement-sand mixtures.

Now you know everything about what solutions can be used and how they differ. Let us pay attention to the features of laying blocks of expanded clay concrete.

It is worth noting that when building a house designed for living exclusively in the summer, or in warm climate zones, a wall thickness equal to the width of the block will be sufficient. When constructing this option, the reinforcement must be installed in increments of 3 to 5 rows and a material diameter of no more than 10 mm must be used. Upper part The walls are covered with an armored belt 10-20 cm high.

When laying walls 39 cm wide, reinforcement is performed every 3-5 rows. This technology is used for the construction of walls of country houses or private houses. For best thermal insulation The walls must be covered with at least 5mm insulation. Both mineral wool and polystyrene foam are suitable. Decide for yourself which one you should use; both options are good and ultimately have their pros and cons.

The last step is to consider how to lay blocks and what features may arise during the work process. Laying must be done on a prepared base. The finished foundation must be covered with at least two layers of waterproofing; you can use roofing felt or other materials at your discretion. Already on the finished waterproofing it is necessary to apply the first layer of mortar of at least 3 mm, on which the masonry is made.

Laying blocks is quite simple and accessible to everyone. Place a block on Right place and press well, after which you tap too hard with a heavy rubber tool. To measure the evenness of corner products, use an angle.

If internal tile insulation is not used when installing the wall, then mesh can be used instead of reinforcement. Place the reinforcement in the grooves provided in the blocks. If the design of the block does not provide for them, then you will have to do it yourself.

The first row must be laid on cement mortar. It doesn’t matter which solution to use for the remaining rows, choose for yourself. In order for the masonry to be level, a mooring cord is pulled between the corner blocks and work is carried out strictly along it. It is best to level the layers of glue with a notched trowel.

As a result, you can lay the blocks yourself, but do not forget to strictly follow the technology. In the corners, check the accuracy of the placement of the blocks with a plumb line. No one will say how much effort and time you will have to spend on building your house, but if you strictly follow our advice and carry out the work according to technology, the result will certainly please you.

25.07.2016 1 Comment

The crisis does not stop those who want to have new house. Nowadays, many technologies have appeared, but the construction stone walls no one has canceled yet. The article talks about how to competently lay expanded clay concrete blocks with your own hands. Detailed step by step detailed instructions It will help you do everything very accurately and avoid mistakes.

In contact with

Classmates

About the material

Walls from this substance began to be built in the middle of the 20th century. Communication with these raw materials does not require extensive construction knowledge. Laying a wall from expanded clay concrete blocks can easily be done independently. This will save money, provide excellent experience and a wealth of skills. Even the production process of this building stone can be organized in the yard.

The blocks are pressed from a mixture of sand, expanded clay and cement. Technology is impossible without water. All components are environmentally friendly clean materials, the blocks are absolutely harmless. The properties of expanded clay make the material porous and relatively light. It is important to note its thermal conductivity and thermal insulation qualities.

There are several standard sizes, the standard shape is rectangular. Typical parameters: 390X300X188 or 390X190X188 mm. It is customary to build walls with such blocks. There is an option 390Х190Х90 (for interior partitions). The consumption of blocks can be done analytically, and even easier calculated through the volume of the walls. The resulting value is divided by the volume of one unit.

Expanded clay concrete blocks are divided into solid and hollow. There are cavities different shapes and size, pass along or across the stone. Solid stone is superior to hollow stone in strength. But it is heavier, and walls made of it freeze much faster. Often the blocks have grooves for reinforcement.

What you will need

To work with your own hands you will need tools and materials. It is advisable to prepare everything in advance - this will speed up the process.

Tool

All tools must comply with safety regulations. Laying durable expanded clay concrete blocks is impossible without this tool:

  • Building level.
  • Trowel. It should have a rectangular platform.
  • Rubber hammer for shrinking.
  • Square for construction. It will help to evenly mark the blocks to be cut.
  • Roulette.
  • Plumb. It will help control the verticality of walls and corners during installation. Use a plumb line with a point.
  • Mooring cord. It must be thin and durable.
  • Notched spatula.
  • Container for solution.
  • Shovel for loading material, container for water and solution.
  • A trowel or small spatula for laying the mixture.
  • Angle cutting machine and disc with a radius of more than 110 mm. Without it, it will be difficult to make grooves and cut blocks. In simple speech - “Bulgarian”.
  • Concrete mixer. If it is difficult to get it, and the work does not require haste, the solution can be made in a trough.
  • Scaffolding. They can be borrowed or rented. Using stairs is dangerous and uncomfortable.

Materials

Without consumables, not a single construction process is possible:

  • Expanded clay concrete blocks with a “margin” of up to 5%.
  • Water.
  • Cement and sand. You can use a special prepared mixture, which is sold in stores.
  • Reinforcement with a cross section from 8 to 10 mm. You can replace it with reinforcing mesh.
  • Insulation. You will need it if you decide to insulate the walls at the same time. There are technologies by which it is laid between rows of walls.

If your structure was designed by specialists, then the documentation will contain information about the amount of material. Calculation of masonry will require a margin for defects. If you are doing this work for the first time, losses cannot be avoided. The material that remains will always come in handy.

Solution

You can cook it yourself, but it will take more effort. But the purchased factory solution for laying expanded clay concrete blocks will increase the estimate. Homemade has a classic proportion of 1:3, in which there is three times more sand, and the grade of cement is not lower than 400. If you use a powerful brand, then the amount of sand can be increased. The amount of water is selected during the mixing process, it depends on the moisture content of the sand. It is best to add water in small portions until the mass becomes plastic. It is convenient to lay blocks on the plastic mass. But it is very important not to overdo it with water. The solution should not spread and be a slurry. Experienced masons add plasticizers, which increase the plasticity of the mixture. The consumption of the solution affects the size of the seam. Homemade solution requires a thickness of 6 to 9 mm, the seam from the finished mixture is around 4 mm.

Ready solutions

The factory solution has a description. Step-by-step instructions will tell you about the mixing rules and indicate the required amount of liquid. Such a solution will be very flexible and will save the size of the seams. But you will have to spend a lot of money. Mortar consumption: per cubic meter of such masonry requires up to 40 kilograms of the mixture. The same amount will require 2-3 bags of cement. But a lot depends on the proportion and thickness of the seam.

Making the solution

The advantages of preparing the solution in a concrete mixer are obvious. You save effort and time, and the solution is of high quality. After all, only technology can mix the entire composition in ideal proportions. It is important to remember that the process of "setting" mortar begins immediately after its manufacture. This phenomenon can be slowed down by constant stirring or adding water. You need to prepare a quantity that can be processed within an hour. The weather makes big adjustments: if it is cool and damp, hardening is slower. In the heat and wind it “sets” faster. You can prepare the mixture in a container using a mixer mounted on an electric drill.

Masonry methods

There are several methods for laying expanded clay concrete blocks. Design parameters influence the approach to business. There are a number of standard principles:

  • Half a stone. This masonry scheme is suitable for the construction small dachas, sheds The block is laid long sideways along the foundation. Reinforcement is performed with rods with a diameter of 8 to 10 millimeters every three to four levels. There is a link: each upper stone must lie on two lower stones. After laying the last row, an armored belt is made with a height of 10 to 20 centimeters. This design can be insulated mineral wool. The size of the insulating layer is no more than half the size of the wall.
  • One block wide. Spoon and butt levels alternate, and there is a link between them. The structure is reinforced with reinforcement and mesh. Frequency - every 3-4 rows. This method is used to build private houses, garages, and shops. It is advisable to insulate the wall with an outer layer of at least five centimeters. The top row can be reinforced with an armored belt.
  • With a width of 60 centimeters. With ligation of blocks and the formation of empty spaces between them. This technology is similar to well brick laying. It is recommended to fill the voids with insulation.
  • Two parallel rows in half a block. An insulating substance is placed between them. This design is famous for its ability to retain heat. Minimum thickness insulation - 5 centimeters. There should be a bunch of rods between the levels.
  • Half block or whole block. With subsequent processing decorative bricks and insulation. The technology is characterized by the fact that the outer layer is made of brick. We must not forget about the connection using metal rods. The design is warm and very beautiful.

There are a number of technologies. The bottom row is laid on an ideal surface. Waterproofing is placed between the foundation and the initial row. The material can be roofing felt or its analogue.

Placement of corner blocks

They determine the correctness and accuracy of the geometry of the building box. The layer of mortar under the corner elements should not be higher than three centimeters. After laying on the mortar, the process of shrinkage occurs, which is accompanied by pressing and tapping on the stone from all sides. The spatial position of the block is controlled by the level. All four corner blocks should lie on the same level and in the same plane. Large buildings can be controlled using a level, a laser type level.

Laying rows

A mooring cord is pulled between the blocks at the corners. The entire level is laid along its line. The initial row should be laid only on a solution of sand and cement. Each subsequent row is laid with control and dressing. Above the second row you can use glue. Don't forget about shrinkage and use a hammer. You can spread the glue evenly using a notched trowel.

Reinforcement

The higher the building, the greater value it is worth paying attention to the reinforcing layer. Especially if you live in a seismic area, or the area is prone to erosion and landslides. The reinforcement of expanded clay concrete blocks perfectly protects the wall from cracks. Making grooves in blocks will help you save mortar and the wall will not have distortions. Minimum height reinforcement is 8 mm, and the solution required is almost half as much. The presence of a groove will allow you to “drown” the reinforcement in the block. And the design will become more reliable. The reinforcement bars should not extend beyond the wall or stick out from it. Otherwise, they will conduct cold and corrode. You can use steel mesh instead of reinforcement. The greater the load and the more responsible the wall, the large quantity rods and rows are made. But the minimum number is 2 rows per 1 seam.

Types of seams

The size of the seams should not exceed 1 cm. Perfect option- 7 mm. The finer the seams, the more plastic the mixture should be. The glue assumes a seam size of only 3 mm. There are different types of seams:

  • Wasteful. The edge of the seam remains without mortar. The excess is cut off with a trowel; this method is good for plaster.
  • Undercut. The seam is completely filled with mortar.

It is necessary to maintain the thickness of the seam: this will ensure perfect evenness of the rows. Excessive use of mortar will result in the house becoming slightly taller than in the design. Yes, and it’s not profitable.

Armored belt design

A reinforced concrete armored belt should complete the structure of the house frame. It will bear the load from the roof or upper floor. You will need formwork, which can be made from boards. After laying the longitudinal and transverse reinforcement, concrete is poured. It is advisable to insulate the outer layer of the belt with a layer of extruded polystyrene foam with a thickness of 5 cm.

Additionally

When laying blocks, you need to keep the plan of the future house at hand. You will need voids for communications and ventilation. The places where windows and doors will be located are left. As a covering, you can use special building blocks, channels, strong corners, reinforced concrete structures. If you are building a house for yourself and are not in a hurry, then after laying expanded clay concrete blocks you should wait a certain period before insulating and erecting the roof. The wall must remain stable and the solution must become strong and durable. For long-term construction, it is better to cover the wall with polyethylene: rain and other precipitation will destroy it.

In contact with