Foam concrete blocks - properties and technical

The material considered in this article has become very popular in recent years; therefore, many private developers are interested in its consumer qualities. For example, how much it will cost to build a house, how much are foam concrete blocks, what are their dimensions, characteristics and other parameters. We will tell you about these and other aspects below.

Properties

First of all, our instructions will consider the key features of the product described by us.

These data will provide a holistic and objective opinion.

pros

Immediately, we note that there are quite a lot of them:

• Reliability. Manufacturers give a minimum warranty of 25 years. These blocks practically do not age, and low volumetric weight improves the thermal resistance of buildings.
• Persistence. They are absolutely not afraid of decay, mold, fungus and other organic formations. This is especially important for regions with high humidity.
• Affordable cost of foam concrete blocks. This factor is currently playing a major role.

• Heat saving. Due to the low thermal conductivity, the use of such material reduces the cost of heating by 25–35%.
• Decorative features. With it, you can create a variety of architectural forms and compositions (arches, columns, pyramids). This allows you to easily implement everything, even the wildest fantasies.
• Excellent characteristics of gas-foam concrete blocks provide a comfortable indoor microclimate. In particular, they are not cold in winter, and not hot in summer.
• They absorb sound and vibration perfectly.. Therefore, inside there will be no street noise.
• Speed ​​and ease of installation. Practically anyone can build a house out of them. They are light and large in size.

Interesting: one block is equal in size from 8 to 20 bricks.

• Ecological purity. Few people know, but foam concrete is in second place (after the tree) in this aspect. During operation, it does not emit any toxic substances that can affect the human body.

• Efficiency. Almost perfectly smooth surface eliminates the need to level with plaster, which reduces overall construction costs. This is despite the fact that the price of this material is already quite low.
• Convenience of transportation. Due to the excellent ratio of weight and volume, such products are easy to transport. And, both on automobile, and on a railway transportation.
• Fire safety. According to GOST, all cellular materials must have the first degree of fire resistance.
• The widest scope of application. It begins with the manufacture of concrete foundations and ends with the construction of large industrial buildings. All of the above qualities of this material contribute to this.

You can see that we have counted a lot of advantages. Therefore, it is safe to say that this building material is a very attractive option.

Minuses

To be completely objective, we will provide you with a list of negative properties.

However, they will be several times smaller:

• Fragility. It is not surprising that the porous structure gives the product not only lightness, but also weak mechanical resistance.
• Cracking. In the case of such aggressive work as drilling and crushing there is a high risk of cracks. Of course, such consequences are possible only if these procedures will not be carried out according to all norms.
• Slight shrinkage.

At this shortcomings ended.

How and from what they are made

It is made from a standard solution: cement, water and sand, but with the addition of special blowing agents. At the same time, it is an environmentally friendly material, which in many respects was the growth of its popularity.

After mixing, the solution is placed in special forms in which it already reaches its condition. This process can take place in natural conditions or in special chambers with increased pressure.

Specifications

Now it is time to consider the main technical characteristics of foam concrete blocks. This will allow you to get to know them much better.

Classы

Any material that is used for serious purposes should have its own classification. This is necessary in order for a person to have an idea whether a particular sample will withstand the task assigned to it. So, for example, for the construction of the foundation are some requirements, while the construction of single-story buildings others.

Tip: materials for the foundation must have a maximum moisture and frost resistance.

Therefore, GOST 21520 89 for cellular materials was developed, which regulates many aspects. Thus, various classes were revealed, which show guaranteed compressive strength and other equally important characteristics.

Note: sorption humidity was calculated when the blocks were located on the sand and at a relative humidity of 75%.

The above data will help you choose the most suitable sample. Of course, if funds allow, you can simply acquire the most durable and stable product. However, it is irrational, because it is not always necessary.

Dimensions

Another equally important factor is the size of foam concrete blocks. They need to know to make correct calculations. All data are presented in the table.

Note! It is definitely worth noting that we considered only the four most popular (standard) sizes. However, today you can find blocks and other dimensions, for example, 80x300x600.

It is also necessary to note the fact that these indicators may differ. This is due to different production technologies, inaccuracy and marriage.

Strength, depending on the exposure time

Among all the characteristics of strength is one of the most important (denoted by the letter B). It has a key impact on the operational period of construction, so builders pay particular attention to it.

Not all consumers know that foam concrete becomes stronger over time. However, today many manufacturers decide to neglect this factor, and sell it in “raw” form. Such a measure carries a significant risk, so immediately ask the seller about the exposure time.

In the table below you can see how the strength of 600 grade concrete increases over time with natural drying.

Conclusion

On this we complete our narration. However, if you still have questions, there is no reason for frustration. In the presented video in this article you will find additional information on this topic, due to which you will certainly be able to get exhaustive.