The selection of building materials is essential when constructing or remodeling a home. Cellular concrete is one such material that is becoming more and more well-liked due to its durability and light weight. When compared to conventional concrete, cellular concrete has a lower density because it has many air bubbles or cells distributed throughout its volume. This feature improves its ability to insulate against heat and sound while also making it simpler to handle and transport.
The adaptability of cellular concrete in construction applications is one of its best qualities. It can be utilized for many different things, such as building walls, filling in roof decks, and even serving as a subbase for roads. Its versatility comes from its capacity to give substantial weight savings over traditional building materials while still offering structural support. Because of this, it is especially appropriate for projects where lowering structural load is crucial.
Beyond its superior structural qualities, cellular concrete performs exceptionally well in terms of heat. Its structure of air bubbles inside the concrete matrix effectively blocks the transfer of heat, assisting in the control of indoor temperature. In addition to raising interior comfort levels, this thermal efficiency lowers energy consumption by lowering the demand for heating and cooling.
Additionally, cellular concrete is a better option in noise-sensitive areas due to its acoustic qualities. Living and working areas become quieter as a result of the material’s air-filled cells acting as sound absorbers. For homes, offices, schools, hospitals, and other buildings where noise abatement is essential, this makes it perfect.
| Characteristic | Description |
|---|---|
| Density | Lightweight, usually between 400-700 kg/m³ |
| Thermal Insulation | Excellent thermal insulation properties |
| Compressive Strength | Good strength for load-bearing walls |
| Sound Insulation | Provides good soundproofing |
| Fire Resistance | High resistance to fire |
| Workability | Easy to cut and shape |
| Durability | Resistant to weather and pests |
| Environmental Impact | Eco-friendly material |
- General characteristics
- Classification
- Specifications
- Strength and shrinkage
- Insulating properties
- Temperatures and humidity
- Finished goods
- Video description
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General characteristics
It is obvious what cellular concrete is based on its name. The material is porous and has a high air content, which sets it apart from a monolith. An individual sample’s indicators can represent up to 85% of its total volume. Block products are therefore distinguished by their low weight and low density.
The technical specifications outlined in GOST 25485 of 2019 (previously adopted in 1989) are followed in controlling the production of materials. For cellular concrete that hasn’t been autoclaved, use this standard. GOST 31359 was created and implemented for autoclaved hardening samples in 2007.
Classification
Foam concrete and aerated concrete are two different types of porous material that are distinguished based on the production method. Special foaming agents are present in the working solution of the first one. They are individually prepared ahead of time, and the mass is liquid in consistency. The second option uses active reagents, which encourage gas formation during a chemical reaction with cement or another binder component.
Regarding the production aspect, there is still another distinction. Completed block products can be dried and strengthened in an autoclave oven or under natural conditions (although electric heating equipment can be used). The necessary pressure is supplied by these units, and the blanks are periodically moistened. Block products can be hardened using two different methods: the first is called hydration, and the second is synthetic.
The primary technical characteristics of cellular concrete are also influenced by the binder component. Five different types of foundational material are highlighted based on this parameter.
- Zolny. The ash content in the solution reaches 50%.
- Lime. Up to half of the total volume of the composition is occupied by boiling lime. Another about 15% is gypsum, cement, slag.
- Mixed. Here 15-50% is cement, the presence of lime with slag is possible.
- Cement. The minimum amount of cement in the composition is 50%.
- Slag. Slag occupies at least 50% of the total volume.
The purpose of cellular concrete is determined by another classification parameter. Here, the material’s density is taken into account. Blocks weighing up to 600 kg per cubic meter are utilized as an additional component when building partitions and insulating walls. An option for thermal insulation that can be utilized for both load-bearing and unloaded structures is up to 900 kg/cube.m. Because the structural type of product is more durable and can support loads up to 12 meters high, it is used to build walls up to 1200 kg/cube.m.
Specifications
A complex range of factors must be considered when selecting products made of cellular concrete. These are density, shrinkage, and strength in terms of dependability. The material needs to be appropriate for the environment’s operating conditions. The qualities of insulation are also crucial. Let’s examine each point in greater depth.
Strength and shrinkage
The quantity and dimensions of the cells determine the material’s strength. Product composition and production technology are also important. Three instances that are frequently utilized in construction are compared and described in the table.
| Technical specifications | Foam block | Gas block | Aerated concrete on ash |
| Density or volumetric weight (in kg/cube.m) | 200-800 | 100-1600 | 600 |
| Compressive strength (in kg/sq.cm) | 25 | 7-60 | 35 |
| Thermal conductivity (in W/m*K) | 0.12 | 0.1-0.33 | 0.1-0.33 |
Cellular concrete shrinks as a result of pressure applied to the material that is intended to cause bending. The penoboton indicator has a value of 3.5 mm/m. Because of its high density, aerated concrete has an average parameter of 0.5 mm/m. It is important to note that foam block walls should be plastered after a few months because of their tendency to shrink. Then, there will be very little chance of cracks developing on the finish.
Insulating properties
Thermal conductivity is one of the primary factors to consider when selecting porous materials. In the case of cellular concrete, this indicator is dependent upon the sample density and the relative humidity level. The blocks’ capacity to absorb moisture justifies the latter. The thermal conductivity coefficients (in W/m*K) considering the specified factors are displayed in the table.
| Relative humidity (%) | Density of cellular concrete | |||||||
| 400 | 500 | 600 | 700 | 800 | 900 | 1000 | 1200 | |
| 0 | 0.1 | 0.12 | 0.14 | 0.16 | 0.18 | 0.21 | 0.23 | 0.34 |
| 5 | 0.14 | 0.16 | 0.19 | 0.2 | 0.23 | 0.25 | 0.28 | 0.39 |
| 10 | 0.19 | 0.21 | 0.24 | 0.25 | 0.27 | 0.3 | 0.33 | 0.44 |
| 15 | 0.23 | 0.25 | 0.29 | 0.31 | 0.32 | 0.34 | 0.37 | 0.49 |
| 20 | 0.27 | 0.29 | 0.33 | 0.35 | 0.37 | 0.39 | 0.42 | 0.54 |
The material’s ability to stop noise from entering buildings is one of its other qualities. The high air content and porous structure are to blame for this. Therefore, extra sound insulation is typically not needed for the house’s living area.
Temperatures and humidity
A closed-cell system is present in the structure of foam concrete when compared to aerated concrete. This material can absorb moisture, but not as much as other materials. There is a term among builders for aerated block products: "drinking" water.
Frost resistance is taken into consideration after cellular concrete blocks absorb water. Current standards require at least 25 units of freezing and thawing cycles. For instance, this indicator is typical of gas blocks with a density of 600 kg/cube.m. Foam concrete is capable of withstanding at least 35 cycles with the same weight per cubic meter. The manufacturers state that the indicators F100–F150 may be present in some samples.
There are significant differences in the operating temperature restrictions for each type. For instance, magnesium oxide in foam magnesite contains chlorine. These samples retain their shape and quality up to +190 degrees Celsius when heated gradually, after which their strength indicators start to decline. A crumbling process is seen at +340 degrees. With foam gypsum, the same process starts at just +65 degrees Celsius. The sample that contains ash from metallurgical waste is thought to be the most fire-resistant.
Aerated concrete, sometimes referred to as cellular concrete, has special technical qualities that make it a great choice for home building. Its exceptional thermal insulation and soundproofing qualities, combined with its strength and lightweight design, improve comfort and energy efficiency in homes. It is also a sustainable and safe building material due to its eco-friendliness and resistance to fire. Because of these qualities, cellular concrete is becoming a more and more popular option for contemporary home builders who want to balance environmental impact, safety, and performance.
Finished goods
Cellular concrete is used to create bowl-shaped samples, wall blocks, and slabs. The first ones are roughly equal in height and width and have a rectangular cross-section. The second has a thickness that is comparatively small. Due to the low strength and fragility of porous materials, all options have compact dimensions.
A broader range of options is provided to manufacturers with a closer look at the workpiece used in house construction. Each of them serves a distinct purpose:
- Small-sized wall blocks-structural and structural-the-insulating material is used to build supporting structures with a height of up to 5 floors (depending on density and strength);
- Wall panels – highly porous aerated concrete is used as a warming layer in the bearing walls;
- Gabarit slabs – without reinforcement, high -strength samples are suitable for partitions, in conjunction with reinforcement, the laying of loaded structures is acceptable;
- U-shaped blocks-highly specialized blanks for the device of tray jumpers;
- structural ones – can be used to build floor slabs;
- foam concrete mortar – used for the construction of monolithic structures, pouring floors and ceilings.
Sawing and grinding are two processes that work well with almost any product. There is no need for extra lifting gear during installation or transportation. High accuracy in geometric parameters is a distinguishing feature of gas-saturated cellular concrete blocks. Although foam concrete contains errors, they are easily fixable.
Video description
Five years later, aerated concrete that had not been further sealed with any material
Because of its adaptability and light weight, cellular concrete is becoming a popular option for building homes. Its distinctive composition consists of a blend of water, sand, cement, and lime, along with air bubbles. Because of this, it is substantially lighter than regular concrete, making handling and transportation during construction easier.
The superior thermal insulation of cellular concrete is one of its main benefits. The material’s trapped air bubbles aid in reducing heat transfer, improving the energy efficiency of dwellings. In the long run, this can save homeowners money by resulting in lower heating and cooling expenses. The sound-absorbing qualities of cellular concrete are also well-known, and they help create a calmer and cozier living space.
Another crucial component of cellular concrete is its durability. Its resistance to moisture, fire, and pests extends the life and improves the security of buildings made of it. Its strength does not come at the expense of flexibility because it is easily shaped and cut to fit particular design specifications. This adaptability supports a range of construction styles and enables innovative architectural solutions.
The use of cellular concrete is also advantageous in terms of the environment. Compared to conventional concrete, it requires fewer raw materials and less energy to produce. It’s an environmentally friendly choice for contemporary building because of its smaller environmental impact. Its lightweight design also lessens the load on foundations, which could reduce the amount of resources used in building projects as a whole.
In conclusion, cellular concrete is a useful material in home construction because it provides a number of advantages. Its blend of durability, environmental friendliness, lightweight design, and thermal efficiency promotes sustainable building methods while offering homeowners comfort and financial savings. Cellular concrete sticks out as a progressive option for developers and builders as building methods advance.
