Masonry clay blocks: methods and technology

Today, there is an abundance of all kinds of building materials, which allows you to choose the most suitable option for different needs and any wallet. In particular, a common method of erection of structures is the laying of expanded clay concrete blocks. Like any other construction operation, this procedure has a number of its features, therefore, we will learn more about it later.

General information

First of all, consider what constitutes this material. As it is not difficult to guess, expanded clay is used as its source component. In fact, it is foamed and burnt clay, which, after solidification, acquires the structure of granules.

Due to their sheathed shell, the material has high strength. In addition, the porous structure provides the claydite with a small weight and good heat and noise insulation properties.

Note! The price allows significant savings on construction. To calculate the benefit, it is enough just to compare how much a cube of expanded clay concrete and the same amount of other materials cost.

As a result of all these features, claydite concrete is a significant competition to bricks, concrete and other traditional building materials. Therefore, it is widely used for the construction of residential buildings, warehouses, as well as the equipment of various livestock buildings.

Masonry walls

Laying methods

Laying claydite blocks can be done in several ways. The choice depends on the intended thickness of the walls, as well as the facing materials of the finish.

Now let's take a closer look at each method of laying claydite-concrete blocks:

• Masonry wallsы толщиной равной ширине блока – 200 мм. At the same time, the inner side is finished with plaster, while the outer one is with heat insulating material up to 10 cm thick. As a rule, mineral wool or foam is used for this purpose. This method is great for the construction of warehouses or garages.
• Masonry wallsы, толщиной равной длине блока. In this case, the external and internal decoration is performed as described above. The only insulation can be used thinner - no more than 50 mm. This method of laying can be suitable for the construction of small structures, for example - baths. (See also the article Heater for concrete: features.)

• Masonry with bandaging blocks and leaving air space between them. The wall thickness in this case is 600 mm. The inner side is finished with plaster, as in previous cases, but the insulation is laid in the intervals between the blocks. This method of construction can be used in the construction of country houses.
• Construction of two parallel walls with a small gap between them. At the same time, both walls are fastened with reinforcement, and the resulting space is filled with insulation. This technology of laying claydite blocks is the most laborious, however, it is the most durable and has the best level of thermal protection.

Technology

By and large, laying of expanded clay concrete is not much different from laying brick. And due to the large size of the blocks, it runs even faster and easier.

Tip! To perform this work, you can hire experts, but you should first know the cost of laying blocks of lightweight aggregate. It is possible that having learned the rates, you still decide to perform this operation yourself.

Instructions for the implementation of this work is as follows:

• First of all, the foundation (foundation) for laying is leveled. If it has significant irregularities, cutting of reinforced concrete with diamond circles or pouring to zero is performed. If it is necessary to lead through the foundation of communication, holes should be made in advance. The most effective way is diamond drilling of holes in concrete.
• Then waterproofing is laid on the base. For these purposes, you can use two layers of roofing material.
• Next, you need to prepare a solution for laying claydite-concrete blocks in the following proportion:

• Part of cement;
• Part of the river sifted sand;
• 3 pieces of career sand.

• The next step is the installation of lighthouses. To do this, the perimeter is stretched with threads, along which the blocks are aligned.
• After that, the solution is laid out on the base. Its thickness should be about 30 mm.
• Further, starting from the corner, masonry is performed. The block should be put in place and slightly pressed into the solution. The distance between the blocks should be no more than 10 mm.
• The walls are erected evenly around the perimeter and together with them “raise” the internal partitions. After erecting a row with your own hands, you need to make sure that it is horizontal with the help of a building level. If necessary, the blocks should be trimmed.
• Every 2-3 rows need to lay a reinforcing mesh.

Here, perhaps, are all the main points of walling out of expanded clay concrete. (See also the article Aligning the concrete floor: how to do it.)

Conclusion

Laying ceramsite blocks requires compliance with a specific technology. However, in general, this procedure is quite accessible for every home craftsman who has ever encountered construction and, especially, brickwork. From the video in this article, you can get additional information regarding the laying of expanded clay concrete.