The construction industry, along with the quality requirements of the materials and structures used, is increasingly turning to cost optimization tools. Moreover, measures to reduce costs relate not only to the logistics processes and directly to the construction of buildings. To a large extent, such approaches are determined by housing requirements. The concepts of rational use of fuel and energy reserves suggest the introduction of new construction methods, which are largely determined by materials. Against this background, the use of fixed formwork made of polystyrene foam can be considered as one of the most effective tools to improve energy efficiency and quality of future homes. This technology is successfully practiced in North American and European countries, which in itself is a confirmation of its merits.
Technology Overview
In the formwork device, special blocks are used, from which the building envelope is built . In the future, it is poured with concrete, and the floors are carried out according to the principles of the construction of a monolithic reinforced concrete foundation. It is important to note that the blocks of fixed formwork made of expanded polystyrene provide several functions at once. In addition to physical support, they act as a noise and heat insulator. It is also possible to lay utilities through the holes of the blocks. Thus, it is possible to safely and reliably provide wiring for electric lighting.
In the course of one operation, the construction of a reinforced concrete monolithic wall is realized, which is insulated on the sides with polystyrene foam. If we talk about the reliability and durability of the entire building, then these characteristics largely depend on the connection points of the blocks and adjacent formwork elements. Separately, it is worth noting the variety of polystyrene foam elements. They are sometimes compared with the designer, since the parts have different shapes and sizes.
Formwork Foundation
As in other methods of construction of the formwork, the work begins with the preparation of the working platform. It should be cleared, and if necessary, a recess should be made. Further, it is important to note one feature of the installation of fixed formwork - it can only be placed on a monolithic reinforced concrete base. Then follows the reinforcement, which is carried out in accordance with the design decision. In turn, the thickness of the base depends on the results of geodetic studies. Also in the device of fixed formwork made of polystyrene foam, it is important to calculate the load on the foundation from the very structure of the future home. All elements of the formwork are plastered, and the joints are sealed with mortar. It is important to consider that the blocks must be isolated from direct contact with waterproofing. However, this does not apply to all materials, but only to those that contain petroleum products.
Formwork wall construction
Installation of the elements forming the wall of fixed formwork is carried out on a pre-prepared basis. At this stage, a waterproofing layer should be laid and a monolithic reinforced concrete piping should be made. The greatest complexity is the work at objects where there are columns of walls that require additional reinforcement. The use of high-quality anchors allows you to ensure a sufficient margin of safety, which will have a fixed formwork made of expanded polystyrene. With your own hands, you can also perform wall reinforcement. But before this, the concreting technique should be determined. As a rule, concrete is used for such walls with a maximum strength of at least 200 kg / cm 2 . Also, gravel is used for the mixture, the fraction of which is about 1.2 cm. To make the solution have sufficient waterproof characteristics, plasticizers are added to it.
Openings
Before you begin concreting, you should clearly determine the location of the door and window openings. They need to be blocked with special blocks, laying the latter “dry”. It is worth noting that each subsequent stage determines what the fixed formwork for the polystyrene foam foundation will be at the subsequent stage of formation. Therefore, in order to avoid inconsistencies in the process of further installation, it is necessary to calculate all actions in advance. This is especially true for openings, since they require accurate calculation.
Internal horizontal surfaces should be supported by vertical supports. After concreting, they can be removed. Arched openings should be handled differently. For them, niches are usually cut right in the wall blocks. It is necessary to reinforce the bottom surface with a metal plate. In these places, it is possible to provide for the laying of heaters - this will increase the thermal insulation properties that the fixed formwork made of polystyrene foam will receive. Construction after concreting involves the construction of a roof. It is being erected in accordance with the project using anchors and roofing material.
Expanded polystyrene walls
Usually, plaster or decorative brick is used for cladding. In the first case, it is necessary to apply layers with a thickness of not more than 2.5 cm, and if necessary, you can strengthen the coating with reinforcement. For this purpose, a mesh netting or fiberglass-based material is used. The most important thing is to ensure sufficient adhesion to the blocks, as poor adhesion can ruin all the work. Cladding of walls of fixed formwork made of expanded polystyrene with clinker brick and tile is also widespread. In this case, it is necessary to provide for the reinforcement of the masonry with wire every 5 rows.
Advantages and disadvantages of technology
Expanded polystyrene blocks have a wide range of qualities that determine the feasibility of their use in formwork. First of all, it is strength and moisture resistance. Even after years of operation, the load and exposure to moisture do not lead to structural failure. At the same time, experts note the benefit of geometry, which has a fixed formwork made of expanded polystyrene. With your own hands, you can form almost perfect surfaces, which will facilitate finishing activities. As a rule, polystyrene foam does not require additional alignment and can immediately be used for finishing. However, there are also disadvantages to this technology. They come down to two features of the material. Firstly, this is an artificial origin, because of which a harmful effect on the atmosphere is not ruled out. Secondly, any structural changes in the built house will involve interference with the concrete base. Accordingly, the architectural characteristics and design of the structure should be thought out in advance.
Technology Scope
The technology is mainly used in the construction of public buildings, shops, centers and warehouses. Also, such structures can be used as a superstructure on erected objects. The advantages of this methodology were also appreciated by developers of individual objects, which is why private houses made of permanent formwork made of expanded polystyrene are no longer a rarity. For example, suburban cottages of this type are gaining popularity due to the rapid construction, the small mass of the structure and the possibility of complementing the buildings with attics.
Reviews of houses with polystyrene formwork
The advantages of using polystyrene foam are manifested even at the construction stage. Experts note the wide possibilities of architectural design, ease of handling blocks, as well as accessibility to processing. In practice, the operation of such buildings also has advantages in the form of good thermal insulation. However, the disadvantages that the non-removable polystyrene formwork has are no less significant. Reviews emphasize the need for effective ventilation. The fact is that the structure of the blocks is characterized by an almost complete lack of ability to pass air. Accordingly, the walls do not "breathe", so you need to think about ventilation systems in advance.
Conclusion
Most modern construction technologies are positioned as economical, energy-saving and high-quality in terms of the characteristics of the result. In this regard, the installation of fixed formwork made of polystyrene foam, of course, has a number of competitive advantages. Among them are a small mass of blocks, affordability, wide possibilities of using in projects of different levels and scales. At the same time, houses turn out to be durable, economical in maintenance and functional. Nevertheless, choosing this method of building the foundation of the building, one should also consider the impossibility or, at least, the inappropriateness of technical modernization or reconstruction of the object.