The standard size of expanded clay blocks in accordance with GOST

Expanded clay is a modern building material related to lightweight concrete. Blocks and other elements are produced from it, which are used for the construction of internal and external walls of houses and engineering structures for various purposes. It is also used to fill monolithic frames as a heat insulating material.

Composition and production

Expanded clay blocks are obtained by mixing expanded clay, Portland cement, sand and water by semi-dry vibropressing. Sometimes, if necessary, add permitted plasticizing agents. Depending on the place of application, the composition may vary: to increase the thermal insulation properties, the amount of sand and cement may decrease, while the expanded clay volume increases, reducing the weight of the products and the weight of the finished object. At the same time, the indicators of heat and sound insulation increase.

Expanded clay is a specially treated calcined clay that looks like porous oval pebbles. Depending on the production method, they may have an angular shape, such a material is called expanded clay gravel. For the production of blocks , a filler with a fraction of 5-10 mm is used.

Since clay is a natural cheap material, a house made of such blocks will be environmentally friendly and the total cost of materials will be lower than the purchase of building stones more traditional and common (gypsum concrete, foam concrete).

Classifications

As the composition, size of expanded clay blocks and characteristics can be different, they are divided according to several parameters into groups:

1. By appointment:

• Constructive. The heaviest and most durable blocks. They are used for the construction of independent supporting elements of buildings, bridges, overpasses. The specific gravity of such blocks is from 1400 to 1800 kg / m ^3.
• Structurally-insulating participate in the construction of walls, mainly single-layer. The specific gravity of the blocks is from 600 to 1400 kg / m ^3.
• Thermal insulation is used as a heater of various designs. The lightest elements with the lowest cement and sand content. The specific weight of 350-600 kg / m ³ .

2. By area of ​​application:

• Wall. For indoor and outdoor masonry of varying degrees of responsibility.
• Partitions for the separation of interior and, in some cases, inter-apartment space.

3. In shape. All parallelepipedal blocks differ only in the degree of filling:

• Corpulent.
• Hollow.

4. In order of masonry:

• Facial.
• Ordinary.

Standards

According to the properties and technical parameters, expanded clay concrete blocks must comply with the requirements established in GOST 6133-99 "Concrete wall stones." The document spells out various parameters by which quality control is carried out, the brands of stones, the characteristics of the raw materials for their production, the rules for transportation and storage are determined.

GOST defines the specific dimensions of the gas block, foam block, expanded clay block:

The document also indicates the permissible deviations from the main dimensions:

Common parameters

The dimensions of the expanded clay block according to GOST are clearly defined, for simplicity we simplify and translate them into the form we are used to and we get the following table:

According to these values, you can always calculate the amount of materials needed for construction. These figures apply to blocks of all types of concrete.

The standard size of expanded clay block can be changed according to specific wishes at the production stage for a specific batch or for a whole line of goods. Then the seller must indicate that the product is released according to the technical specifications and has personal, different from the accepted sizes.

In the standard, not only the size of expanded clay blocks is prescribed, but also the main shape of stones - parallelepiped. The element may have flat ends, as well as tongue-and-groove joints.

The shape of stones (polyhedrons, semicircles, etc.) for the arrangement of architectural structural elements can be changed.

Specifications

Note that the size of expanded clay blocks does not affect the performance.

1. The strength of expanded clay blocks varies depending on the application:

2. Volumetric weight:

3. The thermal conductivity of expanded clay blocks varies from 0.14-0.66 W / (m * K). The indicator depends on the amount of sand and cement in the composition of the stone - the less they are, the higher the ability of the block to retain heat. Hollow elements have the highest rate, the structure of them will be the warmest.

4. Frost resistance depends on the severity of the block - the more weight, the more cycles the material can withstand.

5. Water absorption for a standard expanded clay block - up to 10%. The indicator can be reduced by adding special plasticizing additives and improvers to the composition.

6. Vapor permeability increases with porosity - 0.3-0.9 mg / (m * h * Pa). Accordingly, lightweight insulation blocks pass moisture well.

7. Sound insulation depends on the degree of porosity of the block. With a 90 mm partition thickness, protection of up to 50 dB is ensured.

8. Fire resistance. Expanded clay is able to withstand 180 minutes. at an exposure temperature of 1050 ⁰ C.

9. Shrinkage corresponds to a value of 0.3-0.5 mm / m.

10. The permissible number of storeys of the building is 12.

Application

Expanded clay blocks are universal - they are used for the construction of different parts of buildings and engineering structures. Massive elements are produced for foundations that can withstand significant loads, the body is additionally reinforced. For walls, there are both independent and insulation blocks. The difference lies in the design and composition: the elements for supporting and supporting structures have more weight and density, and insulating ones are more porous and light.

Expanded concrete partitions isolate sound indoors well. Such suits in homes and structures for various purposes. The size of the partition expanded clay block allows you to assemble the wall quickly with minimal labor.

Advantages over other materials

+ The produced expanded clay blocks, the sizes of which are standardized, are easy to install: their porous structure allows the solution to penetrate the stone body, which ensures reliable masonry dressing.

+ Walls erected from hollow blocks are easy to strengthen: reinforcing reinforcing structure is inserted into the through holes, creating a frame. This is especially true for multi-story construction.

+ The size of expanded clay blocks allows you to save on the amount of mortar for masonry, and also reduces labor costs for the construction of structures.

+ The low weight of the elements does not require a strong foundation for the foundation.

+ Opportunity to save money, without additional warming.

+ “Breathing” walls allow you to maintain an optimal climate in the rooms without condensation.

+ Expanded clay surface can be finished with various building materials, and its structure will provide reliable adhesion of the layers.

+ Solid stones can withstand various hanging objects (cabinets, shelves, appliances).

+ Minimal shrinkage is practically not displayed on the finish and structural integrity.

disadvantages

• In comparison with heavy concrete, expanded clay is less durable, therefore, its use for foundations is possible only with low-rise construction and careful calculation.
• When erecting high-rise buildings, high density blocks are required, which increases the load on the foundation and requires a more powerful structure, which can increase the cost of the project.
• It happens that claydite blocks sizes are imperfect due to their structure, it is necessary to carefully lay down. But if deviations are within the limits allowed by GOST, no problems arise.

Features of application and choice

If, when choosing building material for the house, you settled on expanded clay concrete, you need to take into account some nuances:

1. In order not to create additional insulation, it is necessary to arrange a wall thickness of at least 40 mm. Then living in the house will be comfortable, and the microclimate is always optimal.
   
2. Masonry should be done by carefully measuring the thickness of the seams. There should be no protrusions and drops.
3. For a house from expanded clay blocks, a strip foundation is suitable, if a basement is not provided. After its precipitation, you can proceed to the construction of walls.

The size of the expanded clay block is clearly defined by the standard, and therefore, if your project is designed according to such parameters, be careful when buying material: the manufacturer must indicate the dimensions in accordance with GOST or TU. They may vary.