Building materials are being improved more and more every year. This is dictated by the need to reduce the cost and improve the quality of construction work. Expanded clay block is a special material that is used in the construction and insulation of buildings. This product is very popular, as it has a lot of advantages.
What is a block?
The presented element consists of several completely natural and safe components: burnt clay, sand, water and cement. It is used most often in the construction of low-rise structures. You can use such materials almost everywhere, regardless of climatic conditions.
Expanded clay block may have a different shape and size. For example, the height of the element ranges from 19 to 24 cm, the width is from 7 to 50 cm, the length is from 12 to 45 cm. Inside the expanded clay block has voids, due to which the element is light and heat-insulating. For easier and faster installation, grooves and ridges are provided on each product.
Material benefits
Now it is necessary to consider the advantages of the expanded clay block. So, we can distinguish such advantages of the presented products:
1. Low level of thermal conductivity. That is, the blocks are considered an excellent insulator, which is able to retain heat in the room.
2. A sufficiently high degree of strength.
3. Good sound insulation. Therefore, this material can be used for the construction of houses that will be located near roads with heavy traffic.
4. Light weight. This advantage allows even two-story structures to be erected on not very strong soils.
5. Fast and easy handling.
6. Resistance to chemicals, moisture, temperature extremes and other negative factors.
7. Aesthetic design.
8. Reasonable cost.
9. Resistance to fire and decay.
10. Durability and high strength.
11. Ecological cleanliness.
The size of the expanded clay block allows it to be used for the construction of the most non-standard structures in architecture. And this material can "breathe". And the size of the expanded clay block makes it possible to reduce the cost of construction.
What are the disadvantages of the material?
However, there are several disadvantages:
- High degree of fragility. Therefore, do not use blocks for arranging foundations or high-rise structures.
- Less strength compared to other types of material.
However, these disadvantages are easily eliminated. A large number of advantages makes the material in demand.
Types of expanded clay blocks
Now it is worth considering what types of these products are. This will help you quickly decide on the choice of building material. So, expanded clay blocks, the price of which ranges from 0.25 to 0.60 cents apiece, can be as follows:
1. Hollow. It does not provide a very high density of the solution in the manufacture of elements. You can use such blocks for construction and energy saving in the house.
2. Full-bodied. They have a high level of density. It is these elements that can be used for the construction of load-bearing structures or basement floors. In the latter case, good thermal and sound insulation, resistance to negative operating conditions are taken into account.
Specifications
Any building material has certain technical criteria that are declared by the manufacturer. They depend on the type of product being manufactured. If you want to start construction from expanded clay blocks, then you need to pay attention to such characteristics:
- Density: from 350 to 1800 kg / m 3 .
- Frost resistance: from 100 to 500 cycles.
- Compressive strength: 0.5 - 50 Mn / m 2 .
- Dimensions: height - 138-188 mm, width - 90-288 mm, length - 90-590 mm.
And the blocks practically do not sit down.
Material Features
I must say that the presented products are very popular. This is all due to their features. For instance:
- During laying, there is practically no battle. And after it, the building practically does not sit down.
- With a density of elements, which is 600 kg / m 3 and provides high heat-insulating qualities of the masonry, it is necessary that its thickness be at least 50 cm.
- It should also be noted the low risk of cracks in the walls laid out of expanded clay blocks. The fact is that the elements have high bending strength.
- Due to the presence of ridges and grooves, such material is very easy to mount. In this case, the masonry is very durable.
- It is possible to use the presented material for the construction of such structures that will not be heated. The fact is that the blocks have a low level of moisture absorption.
- The price of such material is acceptable. That is why houses made of expanded clay blocks are gaining more and more popularity. Moreover, the time of their construction is reduced significantly.
Features of material production
For the manufacture of the presented product you will need very few materials. Moreover, they are all natural, so the environmental safety of the product is guaranteed by the manufacturer. To work you will need sand, cement, water and expanded clay (burnt clay in the form of small balls). Moreover, an important criterion is the fraction of the material. For example, expanded clay is taken for expanded elements, the size of which does not exceed 1-2 cm, for hollow elements - 0.5-1 cm.
The whole production procedure consists of certain stages:
1. Preparation of the mixture. It is important to observe all proportions.
2. Pouring into molds and tamping the mixture.
3. Steaming blocks.
4. Drying elements. It takes about 1-2 weeks.
As for technological support, then you will not need some too expensive equipment for expanded clay blocks. It is important that it is serviceable and of high quality. For production, you can purchase an automated line. If you still do not have enough funds for it, then you can buy several necessary machines: a device for mixing ingredients, a vibrating table for compaction of the solution, a furnace for steaming elements. And you also need a place to dry the finished blocks.
The level of product quality directly depends on compliance with all technological standards. For example, in order to make the material more durable, polystyrene (foamed) can be added to the solution .
You can use this material for the construction of basements, baths, low-rise buildings, foundations, and basements. Since the production of expanded clay blocks is not very complicated, you can organize it yourself.
Block laying methods
In order for the structure to be durable and stand for many years, it must be properly built. Naturally, the features of the manufacture of blocks allow the construction to be carried out quickly and without any problems. But the styling methods are still worth knowing. There are only a few:
1. One length with dressing. At the same time, wall insulation is mandatory. This method is ideal for the construction of small structures and baths.
2. The thickness of one element. The outer side of the wall is subject to insulation, and the inside - plastering. It is best to build utility rooms in this way.
3. With bandaging of elements and voids between them. In this case, the space should be filled with insulation material. This method is best used for the construction of private houses and summer cottages.
Masonry technology
In principle, there are no features here. Elements are laid in the same way as a brick. To work does not require any special tool. It is necessary to prepare only the level, tape measure, trowel, plumb line, rubber hammer, as well as any containers for the preparation of the solution. To strengthen the masonry, you can use a reinforcing mesh.
Naturally, the base for the masonry should already be prepared and leveled. Next, the first row of blocks is erected. He laid out from the corner. Waterproofing and mortar are laid on this row, the thickness of which should not exceed 30 cm.
After the first layer is ready, it should be carefully checked with a level. Blocks should be laid with offset joints. This ensures the reliability and strength of the walls. Vertical joints can not be filled with an additional fixing mixture. Thanks to the grooves, there will be no through cracks.
To grind the solution you need a new element, not a trowel. This will make the masonry more uniform. That's all the features of expanded clay blocks. Due to its advantages, this material continues to be in demand.