Concrete wall blocks: main characteristics and features of

Small wall blocks made of cellular concrete, as well as their larger counterparts, are characterized by increasing demand, both in the construction of multi-storey facilities and in the construction of individual low-rise housing real estate.

The popularity and demand for such a category of products is not accidental, since wall blocks made of aerated concrete or denser materials are ready-made structural elements, the use of which not only simplifies the construction process, but also reduces the time needed to complete the planned work.

In this article we will look at the main characteristics of this building material and describe in more detail what constitutes aerated concrete wall blocks.

Main characteristics

Wall blocks are constructions made by casting from heavy, dense silicate or autoclave cellular concrete. The scope of application of these structural elements extends to the construction of residential and public buildings and other heated premises. (See also the article Foam concrete houses: features.)

Wall blocks of cellular concrete or of dense concrete differ in size, configuration, weight and strength parameters used in the production of materials. Classification of the above products is carried out in accordance with GOST 19010-82 (93).

Block types are characterized by the following features:

• wall type;
• destination (location) in the wall;
• number of core layers.

In accordance with the type of wall, the blocks are divided into:

• modifications for exterior walls;
• modifications for interior walls.

In accordance with the location in the wall, the blocks are divided into the following modifications:

• privates;
• basement;
• protenoses;
• jumpers;
• subwindow;
• waist;
• podkarniznye;
• парапетные.

In accordance with the number of basic layers, outdoor units are subdivided into two-layer and single-layer modifications.

Product designation in the working and regulatory documentation

Wall blocks of foam concrete and heavier and denser materials in the working and regulatory documentation are denoted by alphabetic and numeric characters:

• H - for exterior walls;
• B - for interior walls;
• BV - ordinary and prostanochny for staircases;
• BVP - lap and jumper;
• 1BN - serial, prostovochnye;
• 2BN - subwindow type;
• 3BN - jumper type;
• 4BN - belt type;
• 5BН - парапетный тип;
• 6BN - subclinical type;
• 7BN - basement modification.

In addition, the generally accepted notation can characterize the shape of the product, in which case the marking of the blocks is supplemented with the following capital letters:

• "D" - two-layer blocks with an external arrangement;
• "L" - structural elements located in the loggia;
• "T" - T-shaped products located on the site of the expansion joint;
• "U" - structural elements with an angular location.

Standard marking

Wall concrete hollow blocks, as well as analogues of dense and heavy materials, have a special marking, knowledge of which greatly simplifies the selection of the most suitable option.

In accordance with GOST 19010-82 (93) the marking of such products consists of alphanumeric groups.

Marking groups contain the following data:

• Group 1 - indicates the type of product and its sizes including length and height (in decimeters), as well as thickness (in centimeters);
• Group 2 - designates the brand and the class of concrete in accordance with the compressive strength (indicated by the numerical index of the class and letter designation of the brand):

• "P" - lightweight with porous fillers;
• "C" - dense silicate;
• "T" - heavy;
• "I" - autoclaved cellular.

• Group 3 - indicates additional characteristics that determine the operating conditions of wall blocks and their resistance to these conditions:

• - “M” - frost resistance (adaptability to operation at temperatures below -40 ° C);
• - “С” - seismic resistance (not less than 7 points);
• - “H” - normal density;
• - “P” - increased density;
• - “O” is a special density.

Foam concrete wall blocks, as well as similar products from more dense production materials, are marked in accordance with the requirements of GOST 13015.2-81. Marking markings are placed on the end faces or on the vertical side surface of the product.

Features storage of finished blocks

What are the storage features that guarantee long-term preservation and ease of use of wall blocks?

• Wall polystyrene concrete blocks, just like similar structures made of dense concrete, are stored in the warehouse in the working (vertical) position.

Important: A prerequisite for the proper storage of these materials is the ability to access the side on which the marking is present.

• In stacks, long-term storage of bridging, lap, under-sided and other blocks, the height of which does not exceed eight decimeters, is allowed.

Important: When stacked in piles, the top product should be located at a height of no more than 2.5 m.

• Each product must be installed on special wooden pads, the thickness of which is not less than 3 cm. Lining laid out on a tight, carefully aligned base.
• When storing blocks in a warehouse, it is necessary to ensure the possibility of capturing each individual product and its subsequent lifting for shipment to a vehicle.
• Products are transported under conditions of reliable fixation, which protects each unit from displacement and damage..
• In the process of lifting the loading and unloading lifting mechanisms fix pallets or mounting loops. In some cases, the use of special gripping devices.

Warranty periods of operation and storage

Regardless of what the purchase price of wall blocks, they are subject to warranty periods of operation and storage. These parameters are determined in accordance with the requirements of GOST 19010-82 (93).

According to these requirements, the manufacturer must eliminate the hidden defects of the product found by the consumer within two years from the date of purchase. Under the latent defects in this case it should be understood those failures, damages and non-compliance with quality standards, which were observed not during the process of acquisition, but during transportation, shipment or use of the product.

Manufacturing features

Modern production of wall blocks is mastered both by large industrial enterprises and small private factories.

The popularity of the manufacture of this building material is not accidental. The manufacturing instruction, depending on the chosen technology, can be simple, while the cost price of the finished product makes such a production business profitable.

Production of wall blocks allows the manufacture of products with a smooth or grooved textured front side. Along with the usual concrete products modifications are made, painted in a particular color. This feature is achieved through the use of special pigments or colored cements.

In the production of such structural elements, the following materials are used:

• cement brand M400 or M500 white and color (in accordance with GOST 965 and GOST 15825);
• quartz sand (GOST 8736);
• crushed stone and gravel fraction of 5-20 mm (GOST 9757 and GOST 22263);
• clean running water (GOST 23732);
• chemical additives to give the material optimal strength properties (GOST 24211);
• fiberglass reinforcement;
• organic or inorganic pigments.

Production technology provides for the loading of the required number of components into special matrix shapes. Then the form with the contents is subjected to vibration, during which the production material is compacted and deposited, while the moisture rises to the top.

A more advanced method of manufacturing is the method in which the concrete in the form is not only vibrating, but also a mechanical effect by means of a press with a punch. The punch enters the mold and compacts the concrete to the required parameters. In this case, the blocks quickly gain the necessary strength parameters in comparison with the vibration method.

Conclusion

Now you know what they are and how wall blocks are made, from which you can build a house with your own hands. You can find more useful and informative information by watching the video in this article.