Innovative technologies have already reached building materials. Expanded clay gravel became one of the innovations. They make it from clay of natural origin. It undergoes rapid firing in furnaces (about 30 minutes), while the temperature reaches 1300 degrees. Clay swells in a special way. As a result of this, clay grains (fractions) with a light porous structure, dark brown, are obtained at the output. If you break the granule, then inside the color will be almost black. Depending on the degree of processing, a dense crust forms on the surface of the granules. After cooling, the granules are sorted. Expanded clay gravel GOST provides for granule sizes of 5-10, 10-20 and 20-40 mm. The number of granules of inappropriate size should not exceed 5%.
Characteristics of building material
The advantages of this material are undeniable. They completely change the idea of building materials. Expanded clay gravel is very light, but it perfectly retains heat, is moisture resistant and fireproof, withstands very low temperatures. It is not deformed at their differences. Provides excellent sound insulation, completely resistant to decay, smells nothing. Moreover, it is a completely environmentally friendly material. After all, its composition includes only clay.
Application in various fields
Russia is considered one of the major manufacturers of this product. In recent years, the production of gravel in our country has increased by 30%, the demand for it is constantly growing. Expanded clay gravel is indispensable when warming a house. The foundation, floor, external ceilings, isolation of water supply networks - all this can be insulated with expanded clay gravel. Lightweight, but voluminous, it retains heat perfectly, moreover, it is durable. In order to carry out high-quality work on insulation with expanded clay, it is necessary to take into account its bulk density. The smaller the "grains" of gravel, the greater its density per 1 square. m. Efficiency will be higher if the embankment height is not less than 15 cm. Gravel will help to keep heat in the house by more than 60%. The construction of new roads is no longer without this material. It is used to divert water when working in wet and swampy areas. Expanded clay gravel is also an assistant for utilities. It is used to maintain the desired temperature and noise isolation. In addition, it can be used repeatedly, which is especially important for emergency work.
When laying paving slabs expanded clay serves as something like a pillow and drains the soil. The appearance of this material has also helped landscape designers. They use it to
create alpine slides and artificial terraces, decorate them with flower beds. Interior designers make expanded clay panels on the internal and external walls of houses. Decorate them with fireplaces. Gardeners have found use for it as a good drainage for plants. In addition, expanded clay prevents the appearance of moss and parasites, thereby increasing productivity. The roots of some plants are insulated with it. Remember, if you want to purchase expanded clay gravel, its price depends on the size of the granules and, accordingly, the quality. The larger the granules, the lower the price. In any case, expanded clay is much cheaper than other
heat-insulating materials, but not inferior to them in efficiency.