Types of aerated concrete blocks and their properties.

05-06-2018

Building

Blocks of aerated concrete are quite popular material, which makes it possible to build houses quickly, of good quality and without unnecessary expenses. It is also easy to process, the buildings of them do not create problems during repairs. In this article we will focus on what types of such blocks are and how to select them correctly for construction.

In the photo - types of blocks of aerated concrete

What it is

Consider what make aerated concrete blocks.

For their production prepare:

sand;
cement;
lime.

They are one of the varieties of cellular concrete - it is an artificial building material, having porous inclusions 85% filled with gas or air.

PZSP aerated concrete blocks can be wall and additional

Due to these parameters, it has a small mass and low thermal conductivity. During the production of aerated concrete blocks, gas is released due to the chemical interaction of the blowing agent, which is aluminum powder or paste, containing a solution of water, sand and a binder.

Kinds

According to their purpose, blocks of aerated concrete can be:

constructional;
construction and heat insulation;
heat insulating.

Aerated concrete tongue-and-groove blocks are easy to install

Thermal insulation

Such products have a density of D250-D500. Although this category has the highest level of thermal resistance, the strength of the blocks at the same time is the lowest. Therefore, they are most often used for:

insulation of a previously built building;
create interior partitions.

Constructional and thermal insulation

The density of these products is D500-D900.
Such units have received the greatest approval among developers who have decided to build a house with high heat-protective properties.
They are used for:

creating overlaps;
the construction of load-bearing walls and interior partitions in houses up to three floors.

The use of such aerated concrete blocks makes it possible to abandon the manufacture of additional thermal insulation of the building.

Also, the blocks are distinguished by a geometric shape.

Aerated concrete blocks D600 have a higher density

additional characteristics

The groove comb system and convenient capture for hands is used. Such products must be at least 200 mm thick, and their density must be at least D400.
Another option is flat edges and grips for hands, blocks in shape resemble ordinary bricks. Their density is D500, they provide heat insulation and a high level of sound insulation.

Tip: when buying blocks, note that these parameters will be higher than those of products that are used for interior partitions.

Partitioning aerated concrete blocks are made up to 150-200 mm thick. Products optimally used for the construction of curtain walls.
U-shaped is used for:

formwork for concrete products when creating monolithic hidden lintels;
columns;
beams;
supports for floors and trusses;
manufacturing lintels for window and door openings;
stiffening belts.

Large-size products of the NH index are used in the manufacture of complex building structures, including in the form of arches or wall configurations. They can have any geometrical shape, and for their creation they use material with density D400, D500 and D600.

Aerated concrete blocks h h used to create complex structures

How to choose

In any construction there are two main components of success - the quality of the material and its correct choice.

Below is a guide to help solve the second problem:

Keep in mind that the material is not universal, so for different works you need a different look.. For example, load-bearing walls are required to be built from wall blocks, but the internal partitions - from partitions. The latter are less thick, up to 200 mm.
The density of the material affects the thermal conductivity. The higher it is, the lower the heat-shielding characteristics of the material, which entails additional costs for thermal insulation of the building. The most popular brand is D500 for the main walls and D300 for partitions.
Pay attention to the overall dimensions of the blocks, then you can quite clearly calculate their number for the object of construction.

Tip: keep in mind, the presence of the groove and the crest only facilitates laying and makes it possible to save the adhesive mixture at the end, but the price of such products will be somewhat higher.

You should not look for blocks of a specific manufacturer, as they mostly have the same quality.. This is due to the use of identical equipment. Very often, the higher cost is associated only with the brand. The only thing you can pay attention to is the location of the plant, because costs are included in the price.
Very often, manufacturers downplay the amount of glue needed to work with their blocks.. In real conditions, it will need 50% more. It also depends on the size, quality of materials and qualification of the worker.
GOST blocks of the first grade should have up to 5% chips.. The second is up to 10%, still suitable for masonry, which will later be covered with your own hands. This way you can save up to 20% of the cost.

Select dimensions based on the basis on which the product will be placed. For dry masonry (tongue-and-groove blocks), choose a material with deviations:

in length, height and thickness will be up to 1.5 mm;
from form to 2 mm;
broken edges and angles up to 5 mm.

For glueing variance:

in sizes - up to 2 mm;
in a form to 3 mm;
depth of chips up to 5 mm.

When mortar masonry, respectively: 3, 2 and 10 mm.

Conclusion

Artificial material - aerated concrete, is gradually starting to appeal to many private developers, due to its characteristics. For example, blocks from it can be used not only as bearing supports, but also as heat insulating products.

When choosing, you should be guided by the rules set forth in this article, then the result will not disappoint you. The video in this article will help you find additional information on this topic.