Concrete partitioning blocks on the basis of expanded clay

You have built a warm good home, and the question arose about the installation of interior partitions. On the modern market, a lot of materials are offered for their arrangement, each of them is good in its own way, but most experts recommend partition walls made of expanded clay concrete blocks. On the secrets of the popularity of this material we will discuss in this article.

Composition and material characteristics

First of all, we will understand what constitutes expanded clay. This material has been known for about 60 years. This is a special kind of clay, foamed and burnt in special kilns. In the production of blocks, expanded clay is used as a large filler, resulting in a light, strong and relatively inexpensive building material.

Material advantages

1. Since the lightweight aggregate bulkhead block is a lightweight, porous material, it has a low thermal conductivity and what is especially important in the construction of partitions, this material has good sound insulation.
2. Firefighters love ceramsite concrete partitioning blocks for their 100% safety.. There is nothing to burn in it, cement, sand and clay do not burn, moreover, they belong to refractory materials.
3. Currently, the construction of this material is experiencing a boom in Western Europe, due to the fact that the expanded clay concrete is completely environmentally friendly.. With him can argue except natural wood.
4. Kohl has already been talking about natural wood, in contrast to it, the partition walls of expanded clay concrete are not amenable to rotting and are not interested in small pests..
5. With a relatively small weight, the size of the structure is several times larger than the dimensions of a traditional brick.. As a result, the claydite partition is erected much easier and faster than brickwork.
6. All components of the unit are available and are inexpensive, plus the production technology is fairly simple and well developed.. Due to this, the price of expanded clay is much lower than that of other similar materials.
7. The closest competitors in this niche, foam concrete or gas silicate partitions, they are also quickly erected, but they cannot boast of such a level of environmental safety. Plus, these materials have a lower bearing capacity, for example, it is problematic to fasten a massive shelf on them.
8. Rather simple instruction allows enthusiasts to easily master the technology and make claydite-concrete partitioning block with their own hands at home..

Each material has certain disadvantages, of course they are here. But experts agree that if the claydite-concrete partitioning block is used for its intended purpose, that is, for arranging interior or interroom partitions in residential buildings, then it is almost perfect.

What are the types of blocks

Three main types of expanded clay concrete structures are now being produced, these are structural, structural and insulating, and blocks designed for thermal insulation. The structural view has a more dense structure and is intended for the construction of load-bearing walls or supporting structures. The partition can be built from it, but its price will be somewhat higher and a stronger foundation will be required.

Lightweight aggregate partition of structural insulation blocks is the best solution. This material is lighter and at the same time it has sufficient strength to withstand external loads. Plus he has excellent sound and thermal insulation characteristics.

As for thermal insulation structures, theoretically, a partition can be built from them, but its functions will be more decorative, since the material is fragile and it is not able to withstand a serious load.

Important: with regard to the composition, the material is coarse-grained, porous and dense. Partitioning blocks of expanded clay on the basis of porous composition have the most suitable characteristics for the arrangement of partitions, since the structure of the monolith is more porous and light.

Block production

Classic solution proportions have a linear sequence of 1: 2: 3. Where on 1 part of cement there are 2 parts of quartz sand and 3 parts of expanded clay. If a lighter solution is required, the volume of expanded clay can be increased to 5 - 7 parts.

To prepare the solution is taken Portland cement grades M400 or M500. It is impossible to save on it, because the strength of the product directly depends on its quality.

The sand used is pure sifted. Expanded clay is better to take granular, rounded shape with a fraction of 5 - 40 mm. If you want to achieve greater density of the concrete structure, it is allowed to add expanded clay sand with a fraction of from 2 to 5 mm.

If you make blocks for building a house, then it is advisable to use complex additives for concrete products as plasticizers. Their price is higher, but at the same time frost resistance, water resistance and other useful parameters increase.

If the blocks are made exclusively for partitions, the plasticity of the solution can be increased by adding a liquid detergent or soap solution of high concentration.

Tip: it is very convenient to use the finished dry cement-sand mixture, the so-called M300 sand concrete. In addition to cement and sand, it contains modified additives and additives, due to which the expanded clay concrete partitioning block becomes more durable.

As for the form, it can be knocked out of plywood or welded from metal with your own hands. But it is likely to make a mistake with the size. Therefore, it is better to buy ready-made factory form.

Now, many are engaged in this and it is quite simple to buy a used form, which later you can easily sell as well. Do not forget to sprinkle the form with a solution of oil with diesel fuel or lubricate with wax before pouring.

The solution is kneaded in the classical way, it is convenient to work with a concrete mixer, but in its absence it can be mixed using a construction mixer or a conventional trough and a spade. First, water is poured, then cement with sand is poured into it and, at least, expanded clay with additives is added to it. The longer you mix the solution, the more air it will be, which is good in our case.

On the video in this article there are a number of useful things.

Conclusion

Self-made expanded-clay partition wall unit, subject to the technology and the availability of high-quality forms, will differ little from the factory counterpart. Hollow blocks are good, but if you plan to hang external objects on the wall, it is better to give preference to monolithic structures.