The construction industry refers to the area where good alternatives periodically appear. One of them is aerated concrete. In modern construction, this material quickly gained popularity, and its relevance can only be envied. But before using it for the erection, in fact, of construction, you should get acquainted with its features. It also does not hurt to find out what advantages and disadvantages such an alternative has.
What is aerated concrete?
This term should be understood as a stone of artificial origin, which has found worthy application in the construction industry. It is relevant not only in the case of the construction of internal partitions, when filling the interframe space, but also is ideal for the erection of load-bearing structures. In this regard, many firms use different types of this material for the implementation of projects of suburban and multi-storey buildings.
Gas blocks are characterized by a cellular structure, and therefore have a low weight, which in turn reduces the load on the foundation. Aerated concrete is a high-tech material with low thermal conductivity and good soundproofing qualities.
Block composition
The manufacture of building blocks of a modern design includes observing a certain proportion of the components used:
- cement - 50-70%;
- sand - 20-40%;
- lime - 1-5%;
- water - 0.25-0.8%.
To obtain a porous structure, foam is added to the solution itself or the mixture itself is foamed. The amount of foaming agent in this case is from 0.04 to 0.09%. The result is economical blocks that have high thermal insulation performance.
Based on this recipe, you can independently prepare a solution, calculating how many components it will take to create blocks in the amount of one cube of aerated concrete:
- cement - 90 kg;
- sand - 375 kg;
- lime - 35 kg;
- water - 300 liters.
Foaming agent will need very little - 500 grams. But to get the perfect composition at home will not work, unless by experience. On an industrial scale, special equipment is used, as well as high-quality cement brands. Therefore, the output and get really high-quality blocks.
The clear benefits of aerated concrete
The wide distribution of aerated concrete blocks in construction is due to high operational qualities, which are in no way inferior to the properties of brick, concrete or wood. And even these materials are superior in several respects.
Aerated concrete is the best of many other building materials that exist today. The main properties (they are also advantages) include the following qualities:
- Strength - the blocks are resistant to compression, which depends on their density and varies within the range from 1.5 to 3.5 kgf / cm 2 .
- Processing flexibility - aerated concrete blocks can be cut with any hacksaw or use a chipper.
- Thermal conductivity - this parameter is at a low level, which allows you to do without additional insulation.
- Sound insulation - sound waves passing through the pores, cells of the blocks are scattered and go out. The result is a comfortable silence, even when the building is located in the noisiest quarter.
- Flammability - the material itself does not burn and does not spread fire. Therefore, such buildings and structures correspond to a high degree of fire safety.
- Biological stability - even in the case of a high level of humidity (more than 90%), mold and other fungi do not develop inside the material. That is, there is simply nothing to rot, unlike wood. Accordingly, there is no need for treatment with special antiseptics.
Actually, for the sake of these obvious advantages, the material deserves the title of the best aerated concrete among other building analogues. However, with all these obvious advantages, aerated concrete blocks have certain disadvantages. And here they just should be considered first of all, if necessary, to use this building material. They will be discussed further.
A number of disadvantages
What is the other side of the coin for such a seemingly perfect building material as aerated concrete? First of all, we are talking about its fragility. And for this reason, before building any building from such blocks, it is necessary to build a reliable and stable foundation.
The best option is a shallow-deep strip foundation (MLF). In addition, due to the low resistance to point loads, the attachment of heavy mounted structures should be avoided. In addition, before starting the implementation of a project from aerated concrete, one should take into account another not the most pleasant quality of building blocks - volumetric water absorption (it can reach a value of 25%).
As a result, finishing work is very difficult - when aerated concrete is absorbed in a large amount of moisture (from precipitation), the plaster will simply fall off. To reduce water absorption, the outer surface of the walls should be treated with a special waterproofing composition of deep penetration.
Application area
Aerated concrete blocks, due to environmental friendliness, as well as other qualities, have found not only widespread use. This is the best option for individual construction. Actually, most owners of private suburban areas are interested in this material.
Schools, hospitals, government agencies - these and many other construction projects today are being built mainly from aerated concrete. Due to the large size of the sides of the building, they are erected as soon as possible. At the same time, aerated concrete is suitable not only for the construction of new buildings, its use is relevant in the case of restoration of old structures.
Bearing walls
The main scope of aerated concrete is the construction of load-bearing structures. From these blocks you can build a two- or three-story house. However, in each case, it is necessary not to lose sight of the technical parameters of this building material.
That is, for the construction of a building with a height of one or two floors, you can use blocks with a thickness of 375 mm (at least!) - D400. At the same time, insulation is not necessary, except at the whim of the owner of the future building. If you need to build a house with a large number of levels, you need to opt for the D500-D600 classification. Mineral wool is also useful here as a heater.
Monolithic skyscrapers
Demand for constructions using autoclaved aerated concrete in construction is only increasing every year. This material is ideal for building multi-story buildings. Of course, the basis of their frame is the familiar reinforced concrete structure, since the blocks themselves, by virtue of their design features, simply cannot withstand such a load. They are used to build exterior walls and partitions. For what brands D300-D600 are usually taken.
Due to the fact that these elements are lightweight, which is considered their main advantage, the overall load on the foundation is significantly reduced. In addition, as we now know, such walls can retain heat.
Intermediate walls
Aerated concrete is not only the basis for the construction of load-bearing walls (within reason), but also good material for arranging the internal partitions of various buildings and structures. And again, thanks to good performance:
- excellent sound insulation;
- ability to retain heat;
- strength and reliability.
The properties and use of aerated concrete should not be underestimated. The usefulness of this building material is also explained by the fact that the blocks are created with different thicknesses.
This allows you to use them in a variety of projects for the implementation of private real estate, high-rise buildings, as well as for the formation of office or commercial premises.
How about a fence?
Not only buildings and structures are being constructed from aerated concrete blocks, this material is also suitable for building a fence, reliably covering private territory. This is the best option for those people who prefer privacy. Of course, the building materials market can offer a wide range for the construction of such objects of "small architectural form." However, these blocks in this industry are able to compete with many peers.
The use of aerated concrete in the construction of fences implies certain advantages:
- ease of installation;
- affordable price;
- durability of a design.
At the same time, it does not do without some nuances. Before starting to build walls, it is necessary to lay the foundation. After that, perform good waterproofing. And then go directly to the construction of the walls.
Bath construction
Due to its performance, aerated concrete blocks are an ideal material for building a bath. And without this construction, not a single piece of private suburban real estate can do. Firstly, high thermal insulation, and secondly, affordability!
As in the case of the construction of a fence made of blocks, similar projects made of aerated concrete also require the installation of a foundation on which the entire structure will be supported. It is still necessary to perform high-quality waterproofing. In the end, it remains to carry out finishing work inside and out. In this case, the outer surface can be hidden under siding or ceramic tiles.
Industrial construction
As you know, the economy of any country largely depends on the development of the industrial sector. But this is not only the receipt of certain resources in the state treasury, but also the provision of new jobs. At the same time, industry itself cannot exist without appropriate buildings.
The key role is given to the time of construction of buildings, for which there are frame and frameless mounting options. However, the inclusion of numerous metal structures is fraught with considerable financial costs. But why pay more if there is a good alternative in the form of aerated concrete blocks? But this is the most common material in modern construction, so why not use it to the benefit of industry?
However, the use of aerated concrete in the construction of such facilities is fraught with certain nuances. If other objects are affected by various external factors (mainly weather), then some industrial structures are characterized by the influence of an aggressive environment. Therefore, in this case, it becomes necessary to use appropriate means.
One of them is diabase flour, which is an acid-resistant powder for addition to building mixtures in order to protect masonry walls from exposure to active chemicals. In this case, the pure mixture in its pure form does not in itself pose a threat to people and the environment.
We already know about many of the positive aspects that are present in aerated concrete, the use of diabase flour will only strengthen such a duet, which will be relevant for industrial facilities.
The need for reinforcing aerated concrete blocks
During operation, any structure is systematically subjected to a deforming effect. Often this leads to the formation of cracks, for which various factors serve as a reason:
- shrinkage of the structure;
- temperature differences;
- soil shifts;
- exposure to wind and snow loads;
- in places of abutment of the walls there is no rigidity.
In addition, door and window openings noticeably weaken the entire masonry. This is especially critical for load-bearing structures.
The formation of cracks is a dangerous phenomenon, because even with the thickness of a human hair they spoil the appearance of the structure. In addition, the bearing capacity of the walls drops markedly. Thanks to the reinforcement of building blocks made of aerated concrete, various destructive factors can be avoided.
This is done by incorporating metallic elements that are capable of absorbing tensile forces. And due to this, the entire frame of the building is given the necessary rigidity, which provides protection to the weakened areas of the masonry from deformation.
In conclusion
The use of aerated concrete blocks in modern construction is fraught with great prospects and touched the future. This is an effective material that is suitable for the construction of various objects. And since the cost of blocks is available to a wide range of consumers, this is simply a real salvation for those private homeowners. Everyone who has already built a cottage or a mansion on their land from the aerated concrete was personally convinced of this.
Largely because of the price of building elements, the demand for them is growing. And perhaps in the next few decades, this material will not lose its relevance. At least until the moment when a new solution is invented, which in its qualities will significantly exceed aerated concrete. But while we have what we have, and this cannot but rejoice.