Polystyrene foam concrete - the main properties,

This type of products belongs to the group of cellular concrete, and as a filler it uses expanded polystyrene granules - lightweight material with excellent heat and sound insulation properties. This option is very popular due to a number of advantages, which we will consider in this review. To use polystyrene foam as efficiently as possible, you need to know all its basic properties and to understand the types of products.

The main properties of polystyrene foam concrete

There are many variations of concrete products on the market, and they all differ from each other. But even among a variety of varieties, polystyrene foam stands apart due to a list of certain properties.

Material characteristics

We will not consider the entire process to the smallest details, it is enough to know the basic properties:

• The composition of polystyrene foam concrete includes the following components: high-quality Portland cement of grade not lower than M500, polystyrene granules, the size of which may be different depending on the purpose of the finished product, and modifying additives to improve the performance properties of structures. Sand is also used to make wall structures. Naturally, the more cement, the higher the strength, and vice versa, the more granules, the higher the insulating properties.

• The finished products have a flammability class G1, which means that they belong to slow-burning products and can be used to construct structures of almost any purpose. The coating does not support combustion, which significantly increases the safety of building operation.
• Also, this type of products is characterized by the highest rates of frost resistance (F100 and above). This indicates that this group of products can be used in all climatic zones, and this ensures the maintenance of an optimal indoor climate, both in winter and in summer.

• Due to the use of light granules in a rather impressive range, density also varies, and therefore the weight of expanded polystyrene concrete can be from 150 to 1200 kg / m³. That is, you can choose a variant with an optimal ratio of characteristics that optimally satisfies one or another requirement.
• Also not to mention the high strength properties of the material. But, again, it is important to choose the optimal brand of the product and use it in accordance with the operating conditions recommended by the manufacturer (this does not apply to cases of work with your own hands, but we'll talk about them below).

Advantages of this product group

High performance characteristics of polystyrene foam concrete resulted in a number of material advantages:

• Products gain high levels of durability much faster., which shortens the production cycle and allows construction work to be carried out in a shorter time.
• Low moisture absorption and high thermal insulation characteristics allow you to achieve the ideal indoor climate without the use of expensive hydro and thermal insulation materials. (See also the article Protecting concrete from moisture: features.)
• Styrofoam concrete practically does not shrink, which allows for interior and exterior finishing, without fear that in a short time the surface will be covered with cracks.
• Low weight and ease of operation significantly reduce the complexity of the process. Work is carried out much faster while ensuring high quality indicators. In addition, you do not have to attract expensive lifting equipment - a few assistants can easily cope with the work.

• The price of the project is reduced due to the reasonable cost of the material and the lack of need for work on additional thermal insulation of structures..
• A simpler process of laying communications: If cutting of reinforced concrete with diamond circles is a complex and time-consuming process, then polystyrene concrete is cut much easier. The same applies to making holes, they can be done independently, while diamond drilling of holes in concrete can only be carried out by specialists with the help of certain equipment.
• The material is environmentally friendly and does not contain components that are harmful to human health and the environment.. In addition, it does not form mold and fungus, which eliminates the appearance of unpleasant surprises in the future.

Features of the material

It should be noted that another advantage of the material is the possibility of using both finished products and structures, as well as the preparation of the solution directly on the construction site.

Consider how to make polystyrene foam concrete with your own hands:

• First you need to stock up on everything you need, you can buy the finished product in a dry form, and you can independently assemble all the components. You will need M500 cement, polystyrene granules (you can even crush the sheets if there are no chips), sand, if wall structures are made, and components to improve the properties of the composition.

Tip! Most often, tar or wood resin with soap is used as an additive; their amount should be about 5% of the volume.

• At 1 m³ depending on the required brand, the following number of main components will be needed: for the D200 brand - 160 kg of cement, 90-100 liters of water and 1 kg of additive, for the D300 brand - 240 kg of cement, 120 kg of water and 1 kg of additives, D500 - 410 kg cement, 170 liters of water and 800 grams of additives. In accordance with this, other brands are being prepared. If you need wall material, then by 1.1 m³ granules and 300 kg of cement is taken 800 kg of sand.
• It is best to prepare the solution using a concrete mixer, but you can manage it manually, the main thing is to prepare a convenient container. It is very important to mix all components thoroughly and to achieve maximum homogeneity of the solution.

Tip! It is best to first pour water, then add polystyrene foam to it, after which the cement is poured in small portions with constant stirring. Then carefully stir, and the additive is poured.

• The finished composition can be used as a insulation layer, a warm screed or the main wall covering, it all depends on the brand. The formwork requirements are low due to the ease of mortar, so even in this type of work you will save time and money. (See also the article Heater for concrete: features.)

Conclusion

Polystyrene foam concrete is a versatile material that is easy and convenient to work with. Using it, you reduce the complexity of the process and save money. The video in this article will explain in more detail some features of the use of this type of materials.