What is better: foam and aerated concrete as options for

Gas concreteные блоки и пенобетонные блоки сегодня активно используются при возведении жилых зданий. При этом многие считают эти материалы аналогами, что не совсем верно. На самом деле, разница в характеристиках есть, и по ряду параметров она является весьма существенной.

In any case, in order to choose from which to build a house, you need to know what aerated concrete and foam concrete are, as well as carefully familiarize yourself with the pros and cons of both materials.

Overview of porous concrete

Foam concrete

The difference of foam concrete from aerated concrete lies in their manufacturing technology. That is why it is necessary to deal with the applied techniques, and then some of the questions will disappear by itself.

We begin our analysis with the first material:

• Foam concrete представляет собой ячеистый состав, внутренняя структура которого сформирована микроскопическими замкнутыми порами, внутри которых находится воздух.
• To prepare the solution, which then turns out concrete, take cement, sand, water and a special foaming agent. As foaming agents, organic compositions based on animal proteins are most often used.

Note! Synthetic foam components are usually used in large-scale construction: the price is lower, but they are inferior in performance to organic compounds.

• For uniform distribution of pores inside the material, the instruction recommends using either foam generators or high pressure installations.
• Depending on the number of pores, determine the density of the material. Today, products with a density from D400 (the so-called thermal insulation) to D1000-1200 (structural) are available on the market.
• The resulting solution can be poured into the formwork installed at the facility, and can be placed in special molds for casting building modules. Also sometimes used is the technique of cutting foam concrete blocks from a large monolith.
• A distinctive feature of this material is that the drying of building materials occurs in natural conditions. In this case, an obvious advantage is the savings in production, but the strength properties may suffer.

The result is a material with rather contradictory properties:

• On the one hand, high porosity leads to increased fragility of products.
• On the other hand, due to the same pores, heat and sound insulation indicators are improved. Yes, and a small mass can also be considered a virtue, especially if you plan to build a house with your own hands.

Note! The material is easily processed by conventional power tools, therefore, for laying communications, diamond drilling of holes in concrete is not required.

And yet, in order to understand the difference between aerated concrete and foam concrete, you need to study the second material.

Gas concrete

The method of production of this material is slightly different from the previous one:

• For the uninitiated in technology, the difference between foam concrete and gas concrete is almost imperceptible: both there, and there cement, sand, and water are used. However, water-based aluminum mixtures (in the form of granules or paste) are used as pore-forming compounds in the production of aerated concrete, and gypsum, ash, ground slags, etc. are added to the solution.

• In the course of the reaction of the aluminum gas-forming component with water, hydrogen is released, which is evenly distributed throughout the solution, increasing its volume. This process occurs fairly quickly, after which the monolith sets in shape.

Note! Also, like foam concrete, this material can have different densities: from fairly loose insulating modules to strong structural ones.

• When the material gains primary strength, it is removed and subjected to sawing to the size of the blocks.
• Then the blocks enter either into an electric drying chamber, where the final removal of the liquid takes place, or into an autoclave for treatment with high-temperature steam. In any case, thermal effects contribute to the strength of the composition.

The following advantages are characteristic of aerated concrete:

• It is easily machined with conventional saws and drills (as in the previous case, neither drilling nor cutting of reinforced concrete with diamond circles is required), while it does not crumble even when driving nails and steel anchors.
• Differs in good heat-insulating properties (it is better, than at foam concrete).
• Does not burn and does not emit toxic substances.

It should also be noted that by combining these techniques into one, the so-called foam-gas concrete is obtained - a substance with intermediate characteristics. This trade-off option also has its niche application.

Comparative characteristics

And yet, if we ignore the intricacies of production - what's the difference between aerated concrete and foam concrete? To make it easier for you to understand, we have compiled a table for the main characteristics of materials:

The above comparative characteristics of aerated concrete and foam concrete allow to come to this conclusion:

• In terms of operation, aerated concrete surpasses foam concrete blocks.. It is stronger, safer and retains heat better. In addition, a lower specific weight with comparable mechanical characteristics reduces the load on the foundation.

Note! For any cellular concrete, you need a stable capital foundation, since subsidence can lead to cracks.

• In addition, there are less cement in the aerated concrete blocks, which makes them more environmentally friendly..
• On the other hand, the choice of foam can be justified by financial considerations.. More simple manufacturing technology significantly reduces the cost of material, because the savings will be very substantial. This is especially pronounced in the construction of outbuildings - where the operating load on the structure is less than in a residential building.

Conclusion

The above comparison of aerated concrete and foam concrete covers only those aspects that are important for the master who is planning an independent construction. As you can see from this analysis, both materials can be successfully used in the construction of buildings, however, aerated concrete has a number of serious advantages. In more detail the characteristics of the mentioned compositions reveals the video in this article.