Expanded clay concrete blocks: description, types, size, GOST, photo

Expanded clay concrete blocks belong to the class of lightweight concrete. They are in demand during the construction of various objects and structures. They are an excellent alternative to brick, as they allow you to lay out walls faster due to their size, create less load on the foundation, are fire resistant, have better thermal insulation properties, and do not contain toxic materials.

What are expanded clay concrete blocks according to GOST

Expanded clay concrete is classified as lightweight concrete. A porous material, expanded clay, is used as a filler. These are round granules made of baked clay. The composition of expanded clay concrete is cement, sand, expanded clay and water. When preparing the mixture, more water is poured than in ordinary heavy concrete, since expanded clay is hygroscopic and absorbs liquid. When producing blocks, the finished mixture is poured into molds, left until initial hardening, after which they are removed from the mold. In principle, the blocks are ready, but they cannot be used until they reach their design strength.

When constructing a residential building

The most difficult project is the construction of a house with several floors. More time, materials, and labor will be required. But the main thing is to ensure maximum strength of the structure so that it can withstand any climate conditions and natural disasters. The owners make sure that their cottage lasts as long as possible. Therefore, it is important to comply with all requirements of state and interstate documents regarding the quality of materials and technical conditions.

The size of expanded clay blocks for building a house is determined according to GOST. From the listed options, choose the most suitable one. Maximum strength - for external walls. When laying, use regular cement or special mixtures. The seam should not reach a centimeter in thickness. You can build such cottages yourself, but you can use the services of special companies.

How are blocks made?

The material is manufactured in specialized factories. The technological production process at each enterprise varies. For example, different companies use different proportions of raw materials; some manufacturers include plasticizing additives in the recipe to improve the properties of products. In large factories, blocks are made on conveyor equipment.

Smaller enterprises use fixed lines - they are less productive, but also cheaper. For self-production of products, a concrete mixer, molds and a brick press are used.

Handmade production includes several stages.

• Preparation of raw materials. To make 100 kg of mortar according to the classic recipe, you will need 54.4 kg of expanded clay, 27.2 kg of sand base, 9.21 kg of cement and 9.09 kg of water. With an increase in the amount of cement, the block will gain additional strength, but at the same time its weight will increase and thermal insulation will deteriorate. To prepare the solution, you need to put the components into the concrete mixer in strict sequence: first pour in the liquid, then expanded clay and cement, sand last. All components are mixed in a concrete mixer for at least 2 minutes.

• Filling with a mixture of forms. In order for the dried block to come out easily, the inside of the molds must be lubricated with waste oil. They are installed on a vibrating table and filled evenly with the mixture using a shovel. To compact the solution, you need to periodically turn on the vibrator - vibrations will contribute to the uniform distribution of the concrete mass.

• Drying blocks. The forms with the solution should stand for 24 hours, after which the blocks must be pulled out and laid out, providing a distance of 2-3 cm between them. Products in this form must be dried for 28 days, after this time they will acquire optimal brand strength.

The production of expanded clay concrete blocks at the plant follows the same principle. The difference is the automated process. Enterprises use special autoclaves for final drying of products. In such chambers, due to the high temperature, the drying time is reduced from 28 days to 12 hours.

History of the material

Residential and public buildings, factory workshops, fences and enclosures were erected from cinder blocks. Many of these buildings have survived to this day in very satisfactory condition. Previously, cinder blocks were made from concrete, where ash was used as a filler. It could be blast furnace slag - waste from the metallurgical industry, or coal residues formed after its combustion during the operation of boiler houses, power plants, combined heat and power plants (CHP).

The use of waste to make building stone also solved the problem of their disposal. Today, despite the name, the content of ash in a concrete solution is not considered mandatory. Consists of granite crushed stone, expanded clay, broken glass, broken brick and cement mortar.

Properties

One of the most important technical characteristics is strength and density. The first parameter affects the load-bearing capacity of the walls, the second - on heat conservation and sound insulation. Block densities vary over a wide range. The value ranges from 500 to 1800 kg/m3. It directly depends on the size of the expanded clay used: the smaller the fraction, the greater the density. The minimum strength of the material is 35 kg/cm2, the maximum is 250 kg/cm2.

Heat transfer directly depends on the density of the blocks. For example, for products with a density of 500 kg/m3, the heat transfer will be no more than 0.24 W/mS, and with a density of 1800 kg/m3 - 0.81-0.90 W/mS.

According to GOST, block expanded clay concrete materials are produced with several classes of frost resistance:

• F 25;
• F 35;
• F 50;
• F 75.

The numbers in the marking indicate the number of freezing and thawing cycles of a block completely saturated with liquid (without loss of technical parameters and performance qualities).

All types of expanded clay concrete products have high fire resistance - their fire safety class is A1. This means that the blocks can withstand exposure to an open flame for 8 hours without collapsing.

Weight of one cinder block

The mass of a cinder block directly depends on its actual volume: the stone can be solid or hollow. There are three categories of slag wall stones on the market, so let’s put each group into a separate weight category:

• Full-bodied. The absence of voids increases the strength of the cinder block, but makes it much heavier. Such stones can be used for load-bearing walls and foundations; their weight varies between 25-29 kg.
• Hollow. Such stone is usually used only for the construction of walls, including load-bearing structures. The weight of one piece is 12-23 kg.
• Semi-block. In such stone, voids predominate, so the material is used only for interior partitions. Cinder block weight: 9-13 kg.

According to GOST 6433-99 “Concrete wall stones”, the density of hollow cinder blocks should not exceed 1650 kg/cub.m., and solid cinder blocks – no more than 2200 kg/cub.m.

Naturally, in addition to the % voidness and density, the weight of the stone is also affected by the dimensions, so a large cinder block 200 200 400 will have the greatest weight.

Cinder blocks pros and cons.

The advantages of blocks include:

• durability and strength;
• resistance against fungi and rodents;
• fire resistance;
• fairly low thermal conductivity (especially hollow ones);
• light weight and increased dimensions, allowing for quick construction;
• variety of block shapes and voids in them;
• ease of manufacture allows for off-site production.

Along with the advantages, the blocks also have the following disadvantages:

• low level of noise absorption;
• high level of water absorption;
• high thermal conductivity (solid products);
• It is difficult to communicate through them.

These disadvantages explain their frequent use for the construction of ancillary buildings (garages, summer kitchens, etc.), as well as as an inexpensive facing material, curb stones and paving slabs.

What deviations are allowed in the production of cinder blocks

Blocks that have the following defects cannot be sold:

• deviations in length and width are more than 3, and heights are more than 4 mm;
• the curvilinearity of horizontal edges is more than 3 mm, and of vertical edges – 2 mm;
• shell depth exceeds 4 mm;
• nodules and depressions more than 2 mm;
• chips on edges more than 5 mm deep and length more than 50 mm.

Making cinder blocks yourself

Handy amateur builders make do with cinder blocks made on their own directly at the construction site. To do this, they need a form and materials (water, cement and fillers). Construction waste (shards of brick, glass, etc.) is often used as the latter. This method of construction allows you to save significant money.

Density and strength

When choosing a building material for the construction of load-bearing walls, it is necessary to pay attention to such characteristics as density and strength. The reliability of the finished structure depends on the latter, and its heat-saving and acoustic properties depend on the density. The density of the blocks ranges from 500 to 1800 kg/m³, while the weight of expanded clay concrete blocks varies accordingly from 10 to 23 kg.

In turn, the strength varies from 3.5 to 20, which corresponds to static load values ​​ranging from 35 to 250 kg/cm². These parameters ensure an operational period of at least 60 years.

Why is it important to choose the right one?

If you choose expanded clay concrete according to the parameters listed above, you can achieve:

• long service life of a house built from this material;
• good climatic conditions inside a house made of expanded clay concrete stone;
• reliability and strength of walls;
• no influence of weather conditions on the building structure;
• absence of shrinkage of the building and excessive pressure on the foundation.

If you purchase raw materials that meet the listed parameters, then in the future there will be no problems or constant repairs to the premises due to low-quality building materials.

Frost resistance and fire resistance

The frost resistance of the building material plays an important role in the durability of the structure. It is determined experimentally, during the freezing and thawing of an expanded clay concrete block completely saturated with water. Currently, GOST establishes 4 main grades that differ in frost resistance, namely: F25, F35, F50 and F75.

The larger the number after the letter designation, the greater the number of freezing and thawing cycles the expanded clay concrete block can withstand.

The fire resistance of expanded clay concrete blocks has the highest class. If the exposure of an expanded clay concrete block to open fire does not exceed 7–10 hours, then nothing will happen to it.

Dimensions and prices of expanded clay concrete blocks

The first thing we advise you to decide on at the beginning of designing a building from our material is the size of the blocks. Let's turn to their classification.

Wall blocks are used for laying walls , and their key indicator is their strength grade, since the main load falls on them. Wall blocks are divided into:

• four-slit (from 37 rubles per piece);
• full-bodied (from 59 to 66 rubles per piece);
• double-hollow (from 40 to 45 rubles per piece);
• three-hollow (from 39 to 44 rubles per piece);
• multi-slit (from 35 to 57 rubles per piece);
• large-format (from 119 to 149 rubles per piece);
• through (from 119 to 270 rubles per piece).

Depending on the needs of the customer, wall blocks can have the following dimensions:

• 288×288×138 mm;
• 288×138×138 mm;
• 390×190×188 mm;
• 290(288)×190×188 mm;
• 190×190×188 mm;
• 90×190×188 mm.

Expanded clay concrete partition blocks are used to create internal partitions and have the following classification:

• double-slit (from 30 to 51 rubles per piece);
• full-bodied (from 39 to 305 rubles per piece);
• multi-slit (from 30 to 50 rubles per piece).

In terms of strength, expanded clay concrete partition blocks are practically not inferior to wall blocks. Their sizes are divided as follows:

• 590×90×188 mm;
• 390×90×188 mm;
• 190×90×188 mm.

Sometimes the dimensions of the finished product do not comply with GOST. Then they are dictated by TU - technical conditions, the standards of which are determined by the manufacturer. This applies to a greater extent to large-format expanded clay concrete blocks. Despite the abundance of tempting offers, we advise you to purchase products that comply with the long-tested GOST.

The sizes and prices of each category are closely interrelated: the cost of one block consists of its dimensions and the number of voids. The second determining factor of cost is the content of expanded clay and itself . Reviews from owners prove: the more of them in the concrete mixture, the warmer and more expensive the final product.

What factors can influence size deviation

Even in the conditions of a well-functioning production process, it is possible that the dimensions of the finished product may deviate from the dimensions prescribed by regulatory documentation. Typical factors influencing the occurrence of marriage are:

1. Physical wear of the walls of the matrix, trays, and pressing equipment. Fresh expanded clay concrete mixture has high abrasive properties. Even high-quality steel, when in contact with it, can wear out by 3-4 mm in 1-2 years, which invariably affects the increase in the dimensions of the finished product. The use of plywood leads to an even faster disruption of the geometry of the forms. Sometimes, under the regular influence of a hydraulic press, the vibrating platform is pushed through.

Mold for expanded clay concrete blocks.

2. Unjustified interference with the design structure of the matrix. Some manufacturers, in an effort to make their products lighter, increase the thickness of the void formers. An increase in the proportion of voids, in addition to a violation of the geometry, also leads to a noticeable deterioration in the strength characteristics of such blocks.

Mold for hollow expanded clay concrete blocks.

Types of expanded clay concrete blocks

Based on external features and structural structures, the following types of expanded clay concrete blocks are distinguished:

• front - for constructing external walls. The material has a good spring appearance and does not require further finishing;
• ordinary - such blocks need processing and coating with decorative materials;
• corpulent - used in the construction of multi-storey buildings. The blocks of this group hold fasteners well; the material is considered an ideal solution for arranging a ventilated façade;
• hollow – the blocks are easy to install, lightweight and have low thermal conductivity. It is recommended to use them for low-rise construction.

Wall

Designed for the construction of load-bearing external structures. Wall solutions can be either solid or with air voids. The standard dimensions of such products are 400x200x200 mm. The large size of the blocks allows you to quickly build a wall and reduce the consumption of cement working solution.

Septal

Most often they are used for the construction of internal structures that do not perform a load-bearing function. Unlike the former, they have less mass and lower load-bearing capacity. Products are produced in sizes 400x200x200 mm, and manufacturers also offer non-standard solutions.

Facing

Cladding blocks appeared on the market not so long ago and have not yet gained mass popularity. Their main features:

• wide range of color palettes;
• dense and smooth surface without roughness, cavities and other external defects (products decorated to resemble the relief of natural stone are also available on sale);
• correct geometry.

Colored blocks can be used for external cladding of buildings, in the construction of fences and garden borders.

Advantages

1. Standardization of sizes and other indicators allows blocks to be laid using the simplest technology, and the porosity of the material ensures good diffusion of the solution into the body of the element.
2. Structures made of hollow blocks can be reinforced with reinforcement. To do this, reinforcement (rods, rods, metal corners) is inserted into the holes in the body of the product, taking on the properties of a reinforcing frame.
3. Sufficiently large dimensions of the products allow you to save on mortar and reduce labor costs during the construction of objects of any complexity and number of floors.
4. Low weight determines the type of foundation that can be made lightweight and therefore inexpensive.
5. An opportunity to save money without additional insulation.
6. “Breathing” walls allow you to maintain an optimal indoor climate without condensation.
7. Expanded clay concrete surface can be finished with different building materials, and its structure will ensure reliable adhesion of the layers.
8. Solid stones can withstand various hanging objects (cabinets, shelves, appliances).
9. Minimal shrinkage will practically not affect the finish and integrity of the structures.

Block characteristics
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Production technology

Expanded clay concrete blocks are manufactured at many enterprises. As follows from expert reviews, materials from Aleksin, Minskzhelezobeton, Vinziley, Tuymazy, Shakhovskaya, Shaksha are popular. Expanded clay concrete blocks of German quality are especially valued.

The technological process for manufacturing the material at each enterprise is different. Various proportions of raw materials are used; some manufacturers use plasticizer additives that affect the final cost. Because of this, the mixture gains better mobility, fills forms better, leaving almost no empty spaces. Experienced specialists add liquid soap or adhesive instead of plasticizers, increasing plasticity and reducing the amount of water.

The production process can be divided into three main stages:

1. An initial mixture is prepared, consisting of expanded clay sand, clean water, cement material and fillers. Cement in this case is a universal binder. The proportions may differ - the strength indicator increases depending on the amount of cement, but at the same time the weight of the block changes and its heat resistance decreases. To make 100 kg of mortar, you will need 54.5 kg of expanded clay stone, 27.2 kg of washed sand, 9.21 kg of cement material, 9.09 kg of clean water. Initially, to prepare a standard mixture, water is poured into a concrete mixer, expanded clay, cement are added, and then sand is added. Everything is mixed for two minutes. To make one block, the size of which is 400 x 200 x 200 mm, you will need at least 11 - 12 kg of solution. It turns out that from the prepared batch you will get 9 - 10 stones.
2. It's time for molding. It is performed on vibrating machines; plates made of stainless steel material are inserted into special recesses of the required shape, onto which a mixture of expanded clay concrete is poured. After this, distribution and compaction begin due to vibration, excess raw materials are removed, and the mold is sent for drying.
3. This is already the third stage. The blocks are dried for at least two days, after which the plates are removed, and the process continues in the open air and lasts up to one and a half weeks.

It is easy to prepare expanded clay concrete blocks yourself; the technological process does not cause any difficulties. But if you study the reviews of home owners, it turns out that it is more profitable to purchase ready-made material than to manufacture it on site.

What are expanded clay blocks and how are they produced?

Anyone who has even briefly encountered construction issues is familiar with expanded clay. This is a solid porous material that is produced using the technology of firing special types of clay with simultaneous granulation of the processed composition. As a result, the output is round granules of various sizes, which are often called expanded clay gravel.

Granulated expanded clay is a material with a very wide range of applications in construction.

The use of expanded clay in construction is very wide, if only because it is used both as a general construction material and as a good bulk insulation material. For example, it is often used as a filler when preparing concrete for pouring a floor screed that is lightweight (that is, does not place too much load on the base) and at the same time has sufficiently high thermal insulation qualities.

Expanded clay as a material for effective floor insulation

Expanded clay gravel can be used in this construction site in different ways - from mixing expanded clay concrete mortar to the so-called “dry screed” of the floor, which does not involve the use of any solutions at all. about what kind of floor screeds with expanded clay there are, what their advantages are, and how to cope with such a task yourself in a separate publication on our portal.

Wait, if you can use lightweight concrete with expanded clay filling on the floor, can it also be used for walls? Well, of course you can! But pouring monolithic walls is a troublesome task, so it’s easier to lay them out of blocks formed from exactly this expanded clay concrete composition.

It is this building material, expanded clay block or, more precisely, expanded clay concrete block, that we will discuss further.

Many large enterprises supply such blocks to the market, including those whose main specialization is the production of expanded clay. The products of such companies are always preferable, since the production lines are organized in accordance with existing standards, and the blocks meet the declared qualities.

There is no point in describing here all the existing “recipes” for solutions used for molding. The fact is that blocks can differ very significantly in density, grade strength, and each type has its own proportions of the initial components - and this is cement, quartz sand and, in fact, expanded clay gravel. Moreover, for different brands not only different ratios of components are used, but also expanded clay of different fractions. And for some concretes, sand, crushed expanded clay fraction, industrial screening, etc. are used. All these nuances require appropriate changes in proportions, which are entrusted to specialist technologists.

Even this gradation of the proportions of molding solutions may be far from perfect, since the bulk density of expanded clay and its fraction are not taken into account at all.

Many manufacturers introduce special synthetic additives into the composition of molding sands that improve their plasticity and accelerate the maturation processes. Such additives also have a kind of water-retaining effect, since expanded clay really likes to absorb moisture, and violating the water-cement ratio is unacceptable (the finished material can significantly lose its strength).

The technology, as it may seem, is not very complex.

• First, we mix the solution in accordance with the recommended dosage of the components and, what is also very important, with a strictly defined sequence of including these components into the mixture (water → expanded clay → sand → cement).
• Next comes the molding stage - pouring the resulting solution into matrices and compacting it as much as possible in these forms. This is an extremely important operation, especially when producing hollow blocks. There should be no air cavities left in the thickness of expanded clay concrete after molding, otherwise the material will turn out brittle and unable to withstand the design loads. Depending on the type of production line, presses or shakers may be used at this stage. After filling the mold tightly, the excess solution is cut off.
• Large productions, working with an eye on GOST or TU, at the next stage use autoclave processing of molded products - in special bunkers they are simultaneously exposed to hot steam and high pressure. This is how the highest quality blocks are obtained.

Blocks after stripping are sent to storage for maturation.
But, as they say, production is often carried out using technology that is simplified to the limit, when the formed blocks are simply left to naturally harden and gain strength. Ideally, for their ripening, a special storage facility is organized in which optimal levels of temperature and humidity are maintained (circulation of warm air flows or infrared heaters are used). But sometimes there are “enterprises” where drying is carried out simply under a canopy in the open air.

Stripping, as a rule, is carried out after 3-4 days (with autoclave processing - much earlier). But for complete readiness, expanded clay concrete blocks still need to be cured for four weeks, and in the conditions created for this.

Precise adherence to both dosages when mixing components and all technological cycles is the key to the quality of the resulting products. It must be said that not all batches of expanded clay concrete blocks presented on the market are equally good - the share of volumes produced in semi-handicraft conditions is too large, since this business is considered very profitable against the backdrop of high demand for building materials.

The conclusion is that it is always better to purchase products from large manufacturers, that is, any batch of goods must be accompanied by appropriate documents confirming quality and giving certain guarantees. It is not at all necessary to look for some imported material - domestic manufacturers, whose products are famous for their reliability and durability, are quite sufficient.

Many builders leave only positive reviews about the products of the Vinzilinsky Expanded Clay Gravel Plant (Tyumen region)

These include the Ryazan JSC Keramzit, LLC TPA Unite and Dorplitsroy from the Moscow region, from the Leningrad region, LLC Keramzit from the Tula region. Without any exaggeration, Cheboksary Stroykombinat, Kstov Expanded Clay Concrete Plant from the Nizhny Novgorod Region, Vinzilinsky Expanded Clay Gravel Plant from the Tyumen Region and other large enterprises also fit into the category of the most reputable manufacturers.

The purchase of products produced in small-scale production will always be associated with a certain risk of receiving a batch of not outstanding quality, since compliance with GOST requirements is, of course, out of the question here. It’s good if there are some clear specifications and the products comply with them. Often this is not the case. So an attractive price for a material can sometimes “play a cruel joke.”

Attempts to make blocks yourself, as numerous construction histories show, most often turn out to be unjustified. In terms of finance, the benefit is minimal, but labor is diverted and the construction site is cluttered, since creating the required volume of finished building materials will require a lot of space. Including – suitable for creating optimal conditions for block maturation.

So it will be easier to buy quality material.

Areas of use

Block material made of expanded clay concrete can be solid or hollow. Construction using expanded clay concrete blocks is popular. The first group is more durable, due to the existing tongue-and-groove system, it is used in the construction of load-bearing type walls. Tongue-and-groove material is also used in the construction of foundations.

The second group has good thermal insulation properties and is used to reduce heat loss and improve sound insulation. If the need arises, elements of additional reinforcement can be placed in the hollow sections of the blocks to improve the strength of the building.

Both types of blocks are used in multi-story construction, for the construction of outbuildings, garages, and bathhouses. They fill the frame bases of monolithic objects and are used in high-rise construction. Colored expanded clay concrete blocks make beautiful facades of objects.

Construction of a garage

Another structure that can be built from expanded clay concrete blocks is a car garage. The ease of construction lies in the fact that it does not even have to be plastered on the outside. Since the building is not intended for housing, you can get by with one type of block, with slots inside. This will add lightness to the structure and resistance to rainy seasons.

The optimal size of a garage made of expanded clay blocks depends on the wishes of the owner and the type of car, but most often it is 3x6 m. To improve the appearance, you can decorate the building with siding or plaster, but in most cases the walls are left “bare”. For the classic version of the garage, 780 pieces of expanded clay blocks of grades from M50 and higher will be enough. When laying, you should carefully ensure that the seams do not intersect vertically, otherwise cracks may appear.

Pros and cons of a house made of expanded clay blocks

Expanded clay blocks are many times larger than bricks. Even double. The size of an expanded clay concrete block can only be compared with ceramic building blocks. But expanded clay blocks weigh less and have better thermal conductivity characteristics. And, importantly, much lower in cost. Durability and frost resistance are comparable to ceramic bricks.

Advantages of construction from expanded clay concrete

The advantages of houses made of expanded clay blocks include the following points:

• Short terms for the construction of walls.
• For masonry, use ordinary cement-sand mortar.
• Expanded clay block masonry can be easily finished with any materials.
• The house turns out warm. But ceramic brick is more heat-intensive - about 20-30%, so it accumulates more heat. When compared with sand-lime brick, expanded clay concrete block is more heat-intensive.

  Compare the characteristics of different materials

• The walls weigh little, which reduces foundation costs.
• No shrinkage.
• They do not contain lime, which means the reinforcement is not subject to corrosion.
• Good soundproofing properties. For external walls 47 dB to 55 dB, for internal walls - from 49 dB to 54 dB. Depends on the density and thickness of the walls.

The blocks can have a tongue-and-groove system, which improves the thermal characteristics of the masonry. The material is natural, breathable, so there will be no problems with regulating humidity in the rooms.

Flaws

Expanded clay concrete houses also have some quite serious disadvantages. They must be taken into account when choosing building materials.

• Expanded clay block is not suitable for houses without heating in winter. We remember that expanded clay is hygroscopic and blocks made of expanded clay concrete are also hygroscopic. Frost resistance is not so great, so it requires, firstly, insulation, and secondly, a finish that will protect the material from water ingress. It is also necessary to maintain positive temperatures. In general, the frost resistance of blocks that are processed in an autoclave or in a brick press is about 100 cycles and this is more than enough. But for private owners, no one controls this parameter.

  For industrial blocks made of expanded clay concrete, the frost resistance can reach 100 or 120. For handicraft ones, no one knows for sure.

• Due to hygroscopicity, it is better not to use for walls in rooms with high humidity. That is, for baths it is better to look for another material. It’s just that when building from expanded clay concrete blocks, their insides must be covered with waterproofing agents.
• The size of the expanded clay concrete block can “float”. This is inconvenient during construction.
• The manufacturing technology is simple, which allows you to open a “garage” production. Everything gets mixed up “by eye”, there is no control of characteristics and parameters, and then the blocks crumble and the walls crack.

The main disadvantage is high hygroscopicity. Clay granules can absorb a lot of water. Blocks that are stored outdoors for a long time weigh many times more than those that remain in dry rooms. Cement only becomes stronger from moisture. But you probably won't like damp walls. Therefore, it is important to properly waterproof the foundation and cut off all possible sources of moisture leakage. It is better to make the roof with large overhangs and build a high-quality drainage system.

Cons of cinder blocks

But, despite so many advantages, cinder blocks also have their own disadvantages, which you should also be aware of when choosing this material for the construction of buildings. The main disadvantages of cinder blocks include:

• the characteristics of blocks in one batch can vary significantly when manufactured at home;
• if the filler material of the blocks is subject to destruction (for example, sawdust), then the actual service life of walls made of such material may be lower than the calculated one;
• when purchasing industrially produced cinder blocks, you can purchase a material that is not environmentally friendly - production waste can emit harmful substances;
• cinder blocks are quite difficult to plaster due to poor adhesion of the plaster to the block material;
• blocks are susceptible to destruction under the influence of freezing moisture penetrating into the pores of artificial stones (when constructing walls made of cinder blocks, it is recommended to install eaves overhangs of sufficient length with gutters for draining rainwater and a reliable blind area around the perimeter of the walls).

As you can see, there are also disadvantages. But for the construction of a bathhouse, garage or small utility rooms they are not decisive, and cinder blocks are quite suitable for the construction of their walls. Therefore, you should not be afraid to choose this material if a comparison of the cost of construction shows that construction from cinder blocks will cost less than brick walls or the construction of a log house.

Manufacturers

Many domestic factories are engaged in the production of various types of expanded clay blocks. Let's list the most popular ones.

• Kstovo expanded clay concrete plant. Produces modules using expanded clay fraction 5-10 mm. The material is manufactured on the Rifey-Polyus automated line. The company produces solid and four-slot blocks.

• "Teplostroy IM" The company was founded in Cheboksary. It has been producing expanded clay concrete modules since 2005. Productivity is 1500 blocks per day. For the production of building materials, the company purchases expanded clay 10-20 mm, which is subsequently crushed into smaller fractions - 5-7 mm.

• Ishleysky building materials plant. One of the first producers of expanded clay blocks in Chuvashia. The company was founded in 2000. In the first years of operation, modules were manufactured using homemade equipment. Today, the Rifey-Universal automatic line is used for their production. The daily production capacity of the plant is 1200 products.

• Bloks 21. The company produces hollow expanded clay blocks in Novocheboksarsk. Maximum productivity reaches 1500 products per day. Bloks 21 company offers its customers delivery and unloading.

• "EcoBlock". Manufacturer of large format blocks. The plant is located on the territory of Naberezhnye Chelny. Offers modules of non-standard sizes, as well as decorative solutions for cladding work. The company produces sand-free blocks. Expanded clay, cement and water are used to prepare the solution.

Popular manufacturers of block expanded clay materials also include PF Veles, GK Mercury, and Forward.

Areas of use in construction

Expanded clay concrete blocks have been used in the construction industry around the world for several decades. By using such material, you can significantly save on construction costs.

Various building elements and structures are erected from expanded clay blocks.

• Foundation. For this purpose, the most durable solid modules are used - they are able to withstand heavy loads. The foundation will last for a long time, since the blocks do not shrink and are not afraid of groundwater.
• Base. This is the “foot” of the building, lying on the foundation.
• Load-bearing walls, partitions and ceilings. They are widely used in low-rise construction when constructing buildings of no more than 3 floors.
• Baths. In order for a building exposed to high temperatures and humidity to last for a long time, it is important to provide it with good waterproofing and insulation.
• Garages, cellars and basements.
• Gazebos, verandas and terraces, various extensions to a residential building or cottage. Both open and closed structures are erected from expanded clay blocks.
• Fences. Such structures are often erected from several building materials, for example, expanded clay modules, wood, and wrought iron elements. With the right approach to design, the fences will look original.

Every year, non-standard use of expanded clay blocks is becoming more and more common. Garden benches are built from them - they often become an original and inexpensive solution for landscaping a place to relax. You can build a porch, staircase, or well from expanded clay modules.

Flower beds are also made from blocks with large voids - they will add elegance and brightness to the space. For a more colorful design, the blocks can be painted in the desired colors.

Flaws

1. Compared to heavy concrete, expanded clay is less durable, therefore its use for foundations is possible only with low-rise construction and careful calculations.
2. When constructing high-rise buildings, high-density blocks are required, which increases the load on the foundation and requires a more powerful structure, which can increase the cost of the project.
3. It happens that expanded clay blocks have non-ideal dimensions due to their structure, so you have to be especially careful when laying them. But if deviations are within the limits allowed by GOST, no problems arise.

Quantity calculation

Building a house, basement, country house or other structures with your own hands is a troublesome and financially costly undertaking. To save your budget, you need to prepare an estimate in advance and calculate the required number of blocks.

Thanks to correct calculations, it is possible to reduce the risks of wasting money on purchasing excess material.

To calculate the required number of blocks, you need to take measurements. Algorithm of actions:

• calculating the perimeter of a structure (the easiest way is to calculate the sum of all sides of the rectangle);
• the resulting value must be divided by the length of 1 module - this way the number of blocks required to build 1 row is determined;
• to calculate the total number of rows, divide the height of the building by the height of the block;
• to find out the required number of blocks, you need to multiply the values ​​obtained in steps 2 and 3.

In this case, it is not worth taking a supply of building materials, since the calculations did not take into account the presence of window and door openings. You can also use online calculators to calculate the number of blocks.

Since the blocks are stored on pallets, you also need to calculate their number in the pallet. The number will depend on the area of ​​the pallet, the weight of the building material and its dimensions. For example, if 60 expanded clay blocks are laid on a pallet, you need to divide the required number of blocks by this value.

Masonry mixture

The masonry mortar must have certain properties that will give the structure built from blocks the required strength. To do this, when preparing the mixture, you must strictly observe the proportions. To prepare the solution, it is recommended to use an electric or manual concrete mixer. If you don’t have it, improvised containers with the required volume will do.

You should not mix a lot of solution at a time - the amount should be calculated so that it is enough for 2 hours of work.

To make the adhesive mass you will need:

• cement (grade not lower than M 400);
• sand (it is best to take river sand);
• water.

The recommended ratio of sand, cement and water is 3:1:0.7, respectively. If necessary, the volume of water can be increased or decreased - the change in one direction or the other depends on the initial moisture content of the sand. To prepare the solution, you first need to mix the dry ingredients, then add liquid in parts. The consistency should resemble thick sour cream.

Based on average calculations, we can conclude that 1 m3 of blocks will require 0.2 m3 of independently prepared cement mortar. Ready-made mixtures are also available on sale. Various additives are added to them, thanks to which the finished mass acquires greater plasticity. On average, to complete 1 m2 of masonry you will need about 30 kg of the finished mixture. Ready-made compositions are easy to use. Their main disadvantage, compared to a self-prepared solution, is their higher cost.

average cost

Average prices in the Russian Federation for partition expanded clay blocks may vary slightly in different regions. Most manufacturers indicate the cost per 1 piece. Partition blocks sell from 25 to 35 rubles apiece . For 1m2 (13 blocks) the cost can be up to 450 rubles.

The approximate cost by region from different manufacturers looks like in the table below:

Masonry scheme

There are several variations of laying expanded clay concrete blocks. The choice depends on climatic conditions, the desired wall thickness and the personal preferences of the developer.

To properly lay 1 row, you need to apply a waterproofing coating to the foundation. You need to start work from the corners. To do this, apply a solution to the areas in a layer of up to 3 cm. Having installed the modules at 4 corners, they are pressed. To check the correct position, use a building level. Next, along the corner sections you need to pull the string - along its line the laying of 1 row of modules will be carried out.

We list popular masonry schemes.

1. Half a block away. With this method, the block must be laid lengthwise along the base (in this case, the thickness of the wall will be equal to the width of 1 module). This scheme is most often used when constructing buildings for utility purposes.
2. 1 block wide. This is the most common method. In contrast to 1 scheme, approximately 2 times more blocks will be used per square meter of such masonry. This method is used in the construction of residential buildings and garages. In this case, the thickness of the wall will be equal to the length of 1 expanded clay block. The result is a more durable, reliable and warm structure, for which it is not necessary to provide additional insulation.
3. Well masonry. It is characterized by the construction of 2 walls from expanded clay modules: internal and external. Between them there are voids intended for their subsequent filling with insulating material.

When laying out the final row, it is recommended to reinforce it with a monolithic layer of concrete or make a reinforced belt. It will help to evenly distribute the load from the roof along the walls.

For the bath

The environmental friendliness and hydrophobicity of expanded clay concrete slabs made it possible to use them for the construction of baths. Their only drawback is the likelihood of cracking after repeated frosts and thaws. But this problem can be avoided if the walls are well insulated and the proper quality material is used. A hollow stone is suitable, which is carefully laid out on a strip-type foundation. If the base is planned to be made of the same material, use blocks without cavities inside.

The dimensions of the expanded clay block for building a bathhouse are the same as those indicated for load-bearing walls and partitions. It is recommended to cover the outside with plaster. This budget option for building a bathhouse will not take much time.

House made of expanded clay concrete: a new trend in modern construction

Low-rise buildings made using expanded clay concrete blocks can confidently be called a new trend in modern construction. Using this material as the main one in the construction of external walls and internal partitions, the time required to complete the work and their cost are significantly reduced, and the heat supply of the finished building is also simplified.

House: first floor made of expanded clay concrete blocks and attic made of timber

Thanks to all the advantages, turnkey construction from expanded clay concrete blocks is much more acceptable, which means more families will be able to afford their own private home.

Thus, when choosing expanded clay concrete blocks as the main material for building your house, you can count not only on prompt completion of the work, but also on their fairly reasonable cost. And this can be called one of the most powerful arguments for those who have decided to move from the bustle of a noisy city closer to nature.

Expanded clay blocks for partitions

The grade of material used for internal walls is M35. The shape of the stones is rectangular, the strength is average. There is a standard regulating the dimensions of the partition expanded clay block. GOST 6133-99 establishes three types of quantities. The width and height in all cases are 9 and 18.8 cm. The length varies: 59, 39 and 19.

Requirements for quality and the permissible number of cracks and chips are placed in the newer regulatory document GOST 33126-2014. The septum stone may have 2 or 3 internal slits, elongated horizontally. The first one is easier. The density index varies from 700 to 1400.

Such partitions are popular for their ability to absorb noise from the adjacent room. They can be installed as simply and quickly as possible: installation will not cause difficulties even for non-professionals.

Standard solutions for the middle zone

When building a house, it is best to order a project. Here everything will be taken into account for you, all components and materials will be prescribed, including the size of the expanded clay concrete block, its parameters and quantity. All that remains is to purchase everything according to the list. But few people do this. A project is an expense, and money is already scarce. Therefore, they try to roughly “estimate” without making calculations. The position is also understandable, but it does not always lead to savings, because “standard solutions” are made with a margin of safety, and this is an overconsumption of material. But, in general, there are proven options for the composition of the pie of external walls made of expanded clay blocks for Russia.

• Only blocks without insulation. Wall thickness - 600 mm. The size of the expanded clay concrete block for the outer wall is 590*290*200 mm, the blocks are hollow, structural and thermal insulating.
  Place the blocks with the voids facing up and fill them with heat-insulating material. The most convenient way is to use polystyrene foam chips. The interior is finished with plaster or plasterboard, the exterior is finished with plaster. Examples of laying expanded clay blocks
• Expanded clay block 400 mm + insulation. For an external wall, it is more convenient to use an expanded clay concrete block measuring 390*190*200 mm. When laying in a bandage we get 40 mm thickness. The insulation layer must have a thermal conductivity coefficient of 0.05 W/m °C. For mineral wool and expanded polystyrene it is about 50 mm.
• Multi-slot block made of expanded clay concrete 500 mm thick without insulation. The dimensions of the expanded clay concrete block must be selected, since they often come in non-standard sizes. Can be found in 500mm length and 250mm width. It will be convenient to place it in the usual way with dressing. Or you can use other formats, but you will need to develop a masonry scheme.

  Another popular solution is with brick cladding.

• Expanded clay wall 290 mm thick + insulation. For this option, you can use a large-format block. According to GOST, its size is 288*288*138 mm, but it weighs a lot and is more difficult to work with. You can use a narrower one - 138 mm wide, which will almost give the required thickness. About 100 mm of insulation is needed, interior finishing is plaster or drywall.

When choosing expanded clay blocks, we look at two indicators: compressive strength class - for load-bearing walls it should be at least B3.0 (with a margin). The second indicator is the thermal conductivity coefficient. The lower it is, the better.

Load-bearing walls of the building

There are twice as many varieties of expanded clay block sizes indicated in the standard in relation to the main frame of the building. With a stone height of 13.8, length 28.8, the width can be 13.8 or 28.8 (in centimeters). Deviations from the norms are permissible, but should not exceed two centimeters. More often, solid blocks are used for load-bearing walls, as they are more durable.

The most common standard size of expanded clay block is 39x19x18.8 cm. This wall thickness will help protect your home from external influences: nature, weather. No additional insulation is required. Such a house can serve its owners for decades. And if you cover the outside with plaster, the walls will become even more durable.

For convenience, the length of the expanded clay block can be less: 29, 19 or 9 cm. The most suitable brands of blocks are M50 and M75. Such stones are even suitable for the construction of multi-story buildings. Type M50 is often used for the construction of cottage houses, since the material does not load the foundation and is relatively light.

Reviews

If we compare the positive and negative aspects of the material, we can easily note that the blocks have significantly more advantages. This is confirmed by numerous reviews of expanded clay concrete blocks, which are mostly positive.

Many consumers confirm that expanded clay concrete blocks make excellent summer cottages, garages and other outbuildings. The thickness of expanded clay concrete blocks varies, so walls can be built from this material without additional insulation.

If you don’t know how to choose the right material, study the technical characteristics of M75 expanded clay concrete blocks. Expanded clay concrete blocks are so versatile that you can build a cellar from them with your own hands.