The construction of monolithic houses is carried out according to a rather complicated technology. However, the basic principles are clear even to an ordinary developer. First of all, a formwork structure is being erected. Subsequently, it is poured with a solution of concrete. What attract monolithic houses today?
Reviews of specialists
Today, buildings are being built using various technologies. If you plan to build your dream home, then professionals recommend giving preference to a monolithic design. 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. Using the latter, the solution is poured into special forms. Concrete can be laid at a height of 4 m. Thus, the landscape is preserved on the site.
Technology benefits
Using this technique allows you to build a structure of any complexity and configuration. A curved shape can be applied. This is one of the main advantages that monolithic houses have. Reviews of many owners of residential premises indicate a high level of preparation of buildings for decoration. At the same time, the terms of work are reduced to a minimum. If we compare this construction of houses, which uses fixed formwork with other technologies, the construction process is accelerated by almost ten times. There is also a saving in money. This is one of the fundamental factors for many buyers, choosing for themselves suitable projects of monolithic houses.
The main differences from other designs
Bearing monolithic walls are thinner than those built of bricks, more than twice. However, the constructions of the first with a thickness of 0.3 m in terms of thermal conductivity successfully replace 2.3 m of the second. Self-construction of houses reduces heating costs by almost 4 times. Thus, with the construction of 10x10 m, its internal space will increase by 15 square meters. m. This will result in an additional room.
Unique virtues
Monolithic private houses are distinguished by their strength and rigidity. Experts say with confidence that according to these parameters, these structures are unparalleled. In such buildings, the load on the foundation is significantly reduced. This is achieved thanks to the features of the construction technology. For example, in suburban construction, the use of new shallow-footed foundations is allowed. It is also worth noting the low consumption for their construction. Acceptable layout of traditional materials and fixed formwork. Thanks to this, the developer can implement any construction project of a summer house or cottage. This applies to both individual planning and extravagant architectural style.
Reasons for the growing popularity
An apartment in a monolithic house is now considered a business class residential building. This construction technology is characterized by a higher quality of structures. This is also evidenced by the operational period during which the house is suitable for housing. We are talking about centuries-old periods.
Features of the construction
Monolithic houses are being built quite simply today. Developer reviews indicate that a relatively small amount of equipment is required to erect a structure. The principle of the technology is quite simple: concrete is poured into the finished formwork. Thanks to this, the ceiling, floor and walls are perfectly flat. The appearance of the building is positively affected by additional finishing with cladding materials. In particular, the monolithic-brick house looks excellent. This type of structure is also called "breathing". They are cool in the summer and very warm in the winter.
The influence of climatic conditions
Any structure is subject to shrinkage. Monolithic houses are no exception. Responses of owners of residential premises indicate the absence of 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 other deformations. The effect of 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, are increasingly fading 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 main role is played by the value of the property. Multi-storey buildings (monolithic) can be built in any weather, even if the temperature is minus. Such structures can be called "seamless." They are distinguished by enviable durability.
State-of-the-art erection
Monolithic frame technology is a unique method. It combines the two principles of construction. This method was developed at the end of the last century. Currently, projects of monolithic houses of this type are very popular. Specialists characterize this technology as fast, uncomplicated and high-quality. It allows you to significantly save on heating. 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 settling.
- Various cracks.
- Deformation of window openings.
With this type of construction, only sustainable houses are being built. They are able to withstand earthquakes and strong hurricanes. Experts recommend applying this construction technique in seismically hazardous areas and on subsidence. This technology has long been widely used in developed countries. The service life is about 200 years. In addition, such houses are very tight. Such 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 it is cool in hot periods and very warm in winter. Now to build a monolithic frame house is cheaper than building a traditional cottage.
Necessary materials
Before construction, appropriate calculations are required. The average consumption of concrete per 1 square. m. - up to 0.7 m 3 . Reinforcing steel will require up to 70 kg. In order to make the formwork, it is necessary to use a variety of materials.
Metal
Steel and aluminum alloys - these are the elements that take on the main load. The first formwork supporting elements are made. In this case, galvanized or galvanized steel with a powder coating is used. The latter during operation provides quick cleaning of the formwork and protects it from corrosion. The aluminum construction is about three times lighter than steel. Due to this, the cost of installing formwork is significantly reduced, as well as the complexity of its transportation. Thus, the cost of building a monolithic house is also reduced. In addition, the crane is not involved in the work.
Tree
For the manufacture of appropriate formwork elements, glued wood or plywood is most often used. The first is very high resistance to deformation and strength. However, wood has a significant drawback. It is about hygroscopicity. It is known that wooden elements can warp or swell. Therefore, in construction, laminated plywood with a special phenol-formaldehyde coating is used. Thanks to it, there is a sharp decrease in adhesion to concrete and high turnover is ensured.
Expanded polystyrene
Fixed formwork from this material is actively being introduced into low-rise construction of monolithic houses. It is assembled using bonds 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 a cork tree, which includes microgranules. In foamed form, this material becomes vapor tight. Among its properties, the following can be distinguished:
- It does not attract rodents and harmful insects.
- Does not pollute groundwater.
- Resistant to moisture.
- From a chemical point of view - neutral.
- Non-radioactive.
This building material is considered completely harmless. Molding packages are even made from it, which then interact with food products. Outside, it looks like polystyrene, however, their characteristics are very different. During the production of this material, harmful phenol impurities are removed from it, as well as special additives that protect the material from burning.
The main characteristics of the walls
Structures in houses built using this technology also have their own characteristics, among which the following can be distinguished:
- II level of fire resistance.
- Acoustics - 53 dB.
- Daily moisture absorption - 1%.
- Heat transfer per 1 square. m. - 3.2 K / W.
- The mass of the walls without finishing is 340 kg per 1 square. m
- The thickness of the structure is 30 cm.
Features of the creation of fixed formwork: general scheme
The construction of a residential building by 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.
- Installation of the prepared concrete is in progress.
Further, the construction formwork must be treated with a special solution. It is installed together with accessories (brackets, racks and connecting locks).
Work algorithm
Monolithic formwork is poured with prepared concrete. It is necessary to wait for the solidification of the solution. After this, the formwork is removed, while the fixed part remains in the concrete. In the future, it will become a heat-insulating layer.
Important information
In monolithic construction, formwork of various types is found. For example, distinguish designs for the foundation, floors and walls. Accordingly, the installation of formwork is done in different ways. In the case of the construction, horizontal struts and special slopes are used for the foundation. Formwork of ceilings 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 are directly dependent on the material. In most cases, fixed formwork is made of dense polystyrene foam. The design is a block 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. Here you can see something similar to the assembly of Lego blocks. 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 the tightness of the joints.
Features of fixed formwork
The polystyrene foam structure is considered a flat surface. For this reason, it is allowed to immediately start wall decoration. In this case, any building materials can be used. The finish is fixed using adhesive bonding. Also, mechanical fastening may be introduced into the concrete body. If non-removable formwork is involved, then in the process of work a reinforced concrete wall of a monolithic type is erected. It should have a soundproof and heat-insulating shell on the inside and outside. Thus, the formation of foci of cold is completely excluded. Thanks to the insulating 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 internal rooms located in the house.
Main disadvantages
Unfortunately, in this type of construction, in addition to the pros, there are also disadvantages. First of all, it is worth noting that it is expensive. Moreover, this applies not only to cost. It will take a decent enough amount to build a monolithic house. Price per 1 sq / m - starts from 14 - 18 thousand rubles The rise in price of the structure is due to the finishing materials. An example is a monolithic brick house. The cost per square meter in it is from 1.5 to 3.5 thousand dollars. In this case, the construction process itself will still 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 advantage. Similar houses can vary 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.