Features of expanded clay concrete solid blocks: types, nuances of masonry and approximate prices

A common option in construction, expanded clay concrete solid blocks offer a special blend of strength, insulation, and lightweight qualities. These blocks are created by mixing concrete and clay pebbles, producing a material that is effective and long-lasting for a range of construction projects.

Expanded clay concrete solid blocks come in a variety of forms, each intended for a particular use. Certain blocks are more appropriate for use as partition walls or insulation, while others are perfect for load-bearing walls. By choosing the appropriate block for your project, you can ensure maximum performance and longevity by being aware of the various types.

Working with expanded clay concrete solid blocks has its nuances in the field of masonry. Because of their light weight, these blocks are relatively easy to handle, but in order to ensure a strong, stable structure, it is important to follow the correct techniques. Ample mortar application, correct alignment, and allocating enough curing time are important factors to take into account.

Expanded clay concrete solid blocks are generally inexpensive, which makes them a good choice for many builders in terms of cost. Block type, size, and regional market conditions can all affect price, but generally speaking, you should budget for this adaptable material. With a strong, effective construction, purchasing high-quality blocks will pay off in the long run.

What it is?

A construction material that conforms to GOSTs and is free of voids is a solid expanded clay concrete block. These raw materials are typically referred to as "solid" since they lack air chambers, holes, or cracks.

The only non-toxic ingredients in this stone are water, cement, sand, and expanded clay. Since the manufacturer does not leave any gaps during the production process, the stone contains 100% solid particles. As a result, the material has low thermal insulation qualities but good thermal conductivity.

This kind of material has a high density because of its fullness. For this reason, building multi-story homes composed of solid stone is advised. Because of its good ability to support weight from above, load-bearing exterior walls are constructed from it.

What are they and what are the differences??

The products made from expanded clay and concrete have different sizes, purposes, and densities. The final cost at the factory or in the store is influenced by all of these factors.

The following are the densities of stones:

• 800 kg/m3;
• 1000 kg/m3;
• 1150 kg/m3;
• 1300 kg/m3.

The stones vary additionally in:

1. weight;
2. frost resistance;
3. stamp.

The weight, strength, and density of the blocks are always influenced by their dimensions.

For instance, a product without voids with the same dimensions and a density of 800 kg/m3 will weigh 11 kg, whereas a raw material with the same measurements and a density of 1300 kg/m3 will weigh 16–18 kg.

Requirements according to GOST

In compliance with GOST, specifications are set for solid wall expanded clay concrete products. The following standards are presented in this document, which is known as GOST 6133-99:

• solid material may have technological voids on the sides for its capture;
• blocks can be front and row;
• for masonry of external walls, expanded clay and concrete stones with dimensions of 390x190x188 mm are used, for partitions – 390x90x188 mm;
• the weight of the stone should be no more than 31 kg.

Expanded clay concrete dimensions on various sides should not be greater than or equal to 3 mm. The construction site will have the right to refuse a block without voids for unloading if such a deviation is present.

For the construction of what types of walls is it used??

Goods utilized in the building of a home’s exterior walls. Given that it is a dense solid block that can support heavy loads on the walls, these walls must be strong. By doing this, you can prevent shrinkage of the foundation and deformation of the walls by applying pressure to the foundation evenly.

It is advised to use this expanded clay concrete when building homes up to three stories high. It is preferable to use hollow products with air chambers if this is a one-story home.

In non-residential construction, solid building materials like expanded clay and concrete are also effectively employed.

Because of his superior strength over hollow raw materials, he can also be utilized to construct foundations.

It is not advised to use such raw materials to build interior walls as this will increase the pressure on the house’s foundation and soil. Internal wall construction is better suited to the use of hollow and slotted stones.

Main characteristics

The following are some constant features of solid expanded clay concrete:

• thermal conductivity: 0.21-0.32 W/Ms;
• strength: M100;
• frost resistance: F50;
• average weight: 20 kg;
• concrete class: B7.5;
• water absorption: 11%;
• vapor permeability: 0.13 mg/mChpa;
• noise insulation: 53 dB;
• fraction: 5-10 mm.

The final feature is also crucial: the final product’s pores will be smaller the less expanded clay that was used to cast the raw materials.

When trying to comply with GOST requirements, this is crucial. There is a chance that many pores will form between the binding components if the expanded clay fraction is high.

Varieties of sizes

A solid block has the following sizes:

• 390x190x188 mm;
• 390x250x188 mm;
• 390x290x188 mm;
• 390x90x188 mm;
• 390x80x188 mm.

The final two sizes are used to build interior partitions because of their thin thicknesses, which help conserve interior space.

Features of masonry

Assemble all required tools for laying solid stones composed of expanded clay and concrete:

1. containers;
2. shovels;
3. Master OK;
4. putty knife;
5. mallet;
6. roulette;
7. building level;
8. plumb line.

You must get reinforcement bars and a wall chaser ready if you intend to reinforce the blocks. This can be used to drill holes in the block and then put metal inside of them.

One of the advantages of solid stone masonry is that it uses less solution. It is made with a mixture that is composed of one part cement, one part sand, and thirty percent water.

Using a notched trowel or an specialized tool, the solution is applied to stones that have already been laid in order to create strips. A fresh block is then positioned and leveled. By gently tapping the rubber mallet against the stone’s sides, you can reposition the block.

Solid blocks made of expanded clay concrete are widely used in construction because of their exceptional insulating qualities, portability, and durability. There are different kinds of them, and each is appropriate for a particular type of building. To guarantee stability and effective insulation, it’s crucial to take proper masonry techniques into account when installing these blocks. Expanded clay concrete blocks come in a range of prices according to size, type, and location, but they are usually an affordable option for both commercial and residential projects.

Pros and cons of use

This building material offers a number of benefits.

• no holes, so it can be used to build structures that require stability;
• high strength and density;
• good frost resistance and water absorption;
• the ability to build technical rooms, warehouses, shopping centers, workshops, stores;
• suitable for filling openings in monolithic buildings.

While there are drawbacks to solid stone, they are not as great as the benefits. The weight of the stone is one of its drawbacks. For standard sizes, the weight is 20 kg on average. The weight of the stone can reach 28 kg if the dimensions are larger and the density is higher accordingly.

Lifting a block like that on your own can be challenging. Another drawback is that the building will need to be insulated because such raw materials do not retain heat inside the home.

Cost of expanded clay material

Solid expanded clay concrete block prices vary depending on the product’s size, selling area, and manufacturer.

A few costs:

• 390x190x188 mm – from 60 rubles per 1 piece, from 4500 rubles per cubic meter;
• 390x250x188 mm – from 74 rubles per piece, from 4100 rubles. per cube;
• 390x90x188 mm – from 32 rubles per piece, from 5333 rubles per cubic meter.

It’s crucial to thoroughly research a material before buying it because even identical-sized blocks can have different densities, which will affect the cost.

Solid blocks made of expanded clay concrete are a useful and effective building material. They are a well-liked option for many construction projects because of their exceptional insulation qualities and lightweight design.

Expanded clay concrete blocks come in various varieties, each intended for a particular purpose. There is a good option available whether you need blocks for partitions or load-bearing walls. Knowing these kinds of blocks will help you choose the most durable and effective ones for your project.

Care must be taken when masonry with expanded clay concrete blocks. A sturdy and stable structure requires careful handling, mixing, and alignment of the mortar. It’s critical to adhere to advised procedures in order to steer clear of typical pitfalls and guarantee the durability of your construction.

Expanded clay concrete blocks are typically reasonably priced. Block type, size, and regional availability can all affect price. They are still an affordable option, though, when you take into account their durability and insulation advantages.

To sum up, solid blocks made of expanded clay concrete provide a dependable and effective way to meet construction needs. You can choose wisely for your construction projects if you are aware of their types, subtleties in masonry, and costs.

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