Application of expanded clay concrete: an overview of the material, its varieties, and the scope of their use

Expanded clay concrete is a multipurpose building material that is becoming more and more common in global construction projects. This material is well-known for being lightweight and having great insulation qualities. It also has a number of other advantages that make it perfect for a variety of applications. Expanded clay concrete offers a reliable and effective solution for building infrastructure as well as residential and commercial buildings.

The composition of expanded clay concrete is one of its most notable qualities. Expanded clay aggregates are tiny, porous balls of clay that have been heated to high temperatures. Cement and clay are combined to create this material. As a result, the concrete retains its strength and durability while being noticeably lighter than conventional forms. Because of its special composition, handling is made easier and the overall load on structural components is decreased.

Expanded clay concrete comes in a number of varieties, each designed to meet particular requirements and applications. Certain types are ideal for energy-efficient buildings because they are made for maximum thermal insulation. Others concentrate on acoustic insulation and offer solutions for soundproofing loud areas. High-strength variations are also utilized in load-bearing walls and other structural components. Knowing the various varieties makes it easier to choose the best one for the job at hand.

Expanded clay concrete has a wide range of applications. Because of its superior thermal qualities, it is frequently used for the walls, floors, and roofing of residential buildings, helping to create cozy and energy-efficient dwellings. It provides strength and acoustic benefits in commercial buildings, making it perfect for crowded offices and public areas. Its lightweight nature also helps infrastructure projects like roads and bridges by lowering the strain on foundational structures.

To sum up, expanded clay concrete is an amazing material that combines strength and insulation advantages with lightweight qualities. Because of its versatility and ability to meet a variety of needs, it can be used in a wide range of construction projects. Expanded clay concrete offers a practical and efficient solution for a variety of applications, including infrastructure, commercial, and residential.

Application Details
Lightweight Construction Expanded clay concrete is ideal for building lightweight structures due to its low density and good thermal insulation properties.
Sound Insulation It is used in walls and floors to reduce noise levels because of its excellent soundproofing characteristics.
Precast Concrete Elements This material is often used to manufacture precast blocks, panels, and slabs, which are easy to handle and install.
Landscaping Expanded clay concrete can be found in garden decorations, retaining walls, and pathways because of its durability and aesthetic appeal.
Fireproofing Its fire-resistant properties make it suitable for applications where fire safety is a concern, such as in fire barriers and protective coatings.

What is expanded clay concrete

Let’s take a quick look at expanded clay concrete’s main characteristics and composition before we discuss its applications.

Material characteristics

Sand, cement, water, and filler are the ingredients used to make expanded clay concrete. The final one is usually expanded clay.

Additional information regarding the composition:

  • Also, the latter can be replaced with algoporite, shungizite and some other similar materials.
  • The composition often contains chemical components with which manufacturers are able to influence the final properties of products. These include, for example, saponified tree resin, which improves the physical qualities of the finished product.
  • But to increase the binding capacity of the mixture, lingnosulfanate is added.
  • The plasticity of the solution is increased by introducing a plasticizer into it.

  • The proportions of raw materials are an important point in production, because the final qualities of the material depend on the ratio.
  • For example, the more cement in the composition, the stronger and heavier the block will be.
  • The filler faction also affects not only strength and weight, but also the heat efficiency.

Let’s now examine a table that provides a summary of the key attributes.

Table 1: Material characteristics.

In other words, the thermal conductivity coefficient rises in proportion to density.

Have you chosen to construct a different building or a cottage out of enlarged clay concrete blocks? You made the right choice. As you can see, the material possesses every attribute required for a residential building to be built. If every technological advancement is followed, the structure will be robust, long-lasting, and warm.

Advantages and disadvantages

Are you aware of the material’s advantages and disadvantages? Let’s solve it together. Let’s begin with the favorable attributes.

  • High thermal efficiency of the material. A truly warm building can be erected from expanded clay concrete blocks. Expanded clay concrete is used to insulate buildings and individual structures, and we will talk about this in more detail below.
  • Strength indicators allow the material to be used in various areas of construction. Even FBS is made from it. A basement made of expanded clay concrete blocks is a popular design.
  • Environmental friendliness and fire resistance are no less significant advantages.
  • The material of low and medium density has a relatively low weight, which significantly helps to reduce the load on the foundation.
  • Frost resistance, as already mentioned, can reach 300 cycles. This is an enviable value for many competitors.
  • Products, as a rule, are distinguished by considerable dimensions, which reduces the time of work.
  • Low cost makes the material accessible to a wide range of developers.
  • A significant advantage is the possibility of self-production. The technology is not complicated, so almost anyone can try themselves as a manufacturer.
  • The same applies to the laying technology. The use of expanded clay concrete blocks as the main material in the construction of walls is widespread, and many future owners of buildings do the work themselves.
  • Resistance to the appearance of fungus and mold.
  • The prevalence of the material and the variety of areas of use should also be attributed to the advantages, and in this review we will be completely convinced of this. After all, the material is used not only in the form of products, expanded clay concrete in liquid form is also no less popular.
  • Shrinkage is not characteristic of the material.
  • When fixing objects to an expanded clay concrete wall, almost any hardware can be used, this distinguishes the material, for example, from representatives of cellular concrete. In the case of using the latter, it is necessary to purchase special fasteners.

  • Expanded clay concrete blocks are not so easy to handle. The abrasiveness of the material does not allow it to be cut evenly without the use of specialized power tools.
  • Hygroscopicity forces the developer to protect the wall from moisture without fail.
  • Fragility requires caution during transportation and use.
  • The prevalence of handicraft production increases the risk of purchasing low-quality products. When purchasing, it is necessary to check the quality certificate for expanded clay concrete.

Expanded clay concrete is a lightweight, adaptable building material with superior durability and thermal insulation. This article examines the various varieties of expanded clay concrete, emphasizing the special qualities and benefits of each. It also highlights the diverse range of applications, from industrial to residential construction and landscaping, demonstrating how this ground-breaking material is revolutionizing a number of industries. Knowing the advantages and applications of expanded clay concrete will help you, as a homeowner, builder, or architect, make wise choices for your projects.

Types of material and scope of application

The classification of expanded clay concrete is extremely broad. The division is made in accordance with certain criteria that establish the application’s range.

General classification

Given that we are discussing the application of expanded clay concrete in construction, it is pertinent to start by taking a look at the classification, which is the primary one in this context.

  1. Your goal is a summer house made of expanded clay concrete blocks or a small house? Give preference to products called structural and thermal insulation. Their density is quite sufficient for the construction of such buildings, while the ability to retain heat is at a relatively high level.
  2. But if you are interested in heat or sound insulation, expanded clay concrete insulation is what you need. Its thermal efficiency is significantly increased, which will make it possible to fully implement such plans.
  3. Expanded clay concrete cottages with a height of 3 floors or more should be built using structural products. Their load-bearing capacity is increased, which cannot be said about thermal efficiency. Their use involves additional costs for insulating the building.

The photo below shows the density and thermal conductivity of various densities of material. It also includes a gallery showcasing various structures built using expanded clay concrete.

What prerequisites apply to the materials mentioned above?

According to GOST:

  • Thermal insulation concrete must have a specific gravity not exceeding 500 kg / m3. The thermal conductivity coefficient should be no more than 0.14, which applies to products in a dry state. But the frost resistance grade for this type of material is not standardized.
  • Structural and heat-insulating products cannot have a bulk density of less than 500 kg/m3, a strength grade of less than B1, a frost resistance grade of less than 25.
  • The most durable expanded clay concrete (structural) must have a strength grade of at least B12.5, a specific gravity of no more than 2000 kg/m3.

Types of products

The substance under consideration is produced as a sizable number of products. Let’s use the table to think about them.

Table 2: Product Types.

Blocks may also be:

  • Facing. They do not need finishing. There can be two or one facing sides.

  • Ordinary, used for the main masonry and requiring subsequent facing.

  • Hollow. They are less dense and heavy, but their thermal efficiency is increased.

  • Solid. They are strong and heavy. They can be used even when erecting external walls of structures.

The division that followed was determined by the surface structure.

Blocks may be:

Take note: These products are known as besser. These kinds of expanded clay concrete blocks are frequently used to build fences. In addition to being reasonably priced, the structure has an appealing appearance.

  • Grinded;
  • Smooth;
  • Ribbed.

Kindly take note! The products’ shapes and materials may vary from one another. It establishes the number of cold bridges and, consequently, the future seam thickness during masonry. This is the reason you shouldn’t try to cut costs when building a residential structure by buying goods in bulk.

Investing in a more costly block with nearly perfect geometry will yield better results. However, products with chips and a small departure from the linear parameters can be used, for instance, if you decide to construct a cellar out of expanded clay concrete blocks.

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Raw material proportions for making mixtures of various types and areas of use

It is vital to pay attention to specific proportions when creating materials with various average density indicators and purposes. Let’s investigate more closely.

The following ratios of the solution must be prepared in order to fill expanded clay concrete floors:

  • One part cement;
  • Three parts sand;
  • Four parts expanded clay.

The grade of the solution in this instance will be M100. When we translate this ratio into kilograms, we find that 30 kg of sand-cement mixture must be used for every 25 kg of expanded clay.

Kindly take note! There are variations in how the floor is poured. It makes a distinction between semi-dry, dry, and wet screeds. We have thought about the final option’s proportions.

The following are the proportions for the structural material:

  • 1.5 parts sand;
  • One part cement;
  • One part of expanded clay.

To generate lightweight material, the following ratios must be used (for generating 1m3):

  • 250 kg of cement;
  • 130 liters of water;
  • 720 kg of expanded clay.

Sand can be added, or it can be omitted.

Note: Use expanded clay of a finer fraction for a denser material.

Briefly about the technology of using expanded clay concrete

Given that we are discussing applications, it is pertinent to consider the technology involved in laying the block.

Laying walls

Table 3: Steps for building a wall out of enlarged clay blocks instructions.

The remaining corners are then filled with blocks, and a construction cord is pulled between them. It’ll be a useful manual.

Application of monolithic material

Uses for monolithic expanded clay concrete include:

  • Construction of monolithic structures;
  • Insulation;
  • Soundproofing;
  • Screed and in many other cases.

We’ll think about the possibility of applying the formwork wall-building example.

  • The latter can be removable and non-removable.
  • The second option often involves the use of polystyrene foam together with reinforcement elements that hold the structure.
  • First, the formwork is assembled, there are usually no difficulties with this.
  • After it is ready, you can pour the mixture.

Everything is very easy, as you can see.

How is the floor put down?

Let’s think about this possible use case:

  • Let"s assume that our old floor is wooden on logs.
  • The old coating must be removed.
  • As a result, we get a floor of compacted soil.
  • The level is determined using a level (primarily laser).
  • The next step will be marking and installing a sand cushion.
  • Next you need to install waterproofing.
  • Next, beacons are installed, in accordance with which the screed will be made.
  • Finally, the solution is evenly distributed, starting from the corners.
  • In order to stretch the screed, you must use the rule.

The steps of a different method for utilizing the material when building a blind area to safeguard the foundation are shown in the video in this article, "Blind area made of expanded clay concrete."

Some options for exterior wall decoration made of expanded clay block: photo gallery

The most chosen choices are:

  1. Ventilated facade. After installing the frame, it is necessary to install the finishing decorative layer. It can be: clinker panels, siding, fiber cement panels, blockhouse and many other materials.

  1. Wet facade. The following can be used as a decorative layer: bark beetle plaster; enameled plaster; a composition with a fur coat texture and others.

  1. Painting of expanded clay concrete blocks can also be done. With preliminary preparation, the surface can be obtained almost ideal.

  1. To avoid the need for cladding the house, you can use the same expanded clay concrete products, but with a facing side.

  1. Ceramic brick cladding, silicate, hyper-pressed.

In the building sector, expanded clay concrete is unique as a useful and adaptable material. It is a desirable option for many different applications due to its lightweight characteristics and superior thermal and acoustic insulation. Expanded clay concrete has several advantages over regular concrete, regardless of whether it is utilized for infrastructure projects, commercial buildings, or residential structures.

Different needs and preferences are catered to by the various varieties of expanded clay concrete. Every variety has a distinct function, ranging from lightweight aggregate to insulating panels to structural concrete blocks. Because of its flexibility, architects and builders can choose the best solution for their projects, guaranteeing maximum effectiveness and performance.

Expanded clay concrete is actually used for a number of purposes, such as landscaping, floors, walls, and roofs. Its resilience to environmental influences and resilience to wear and tear extend the life of buildings, offering a dependable answer to contemporary construction problems. Furthermore, expanded clay aggregate’s environmentally beneficial qualities complement the growing focus on sustainable building methods.

All things considered, expanded clay concrete is a material that blends environmental advantages with practicality. Its numerous uses and capacity to satisfy particular building requirements highlight its significance in the sector. Expanded clay concrete is expected to find even more applications as techniques and technology develop, solidifying its place as a fundamental material for construction projects in the future.

Video on the topic

Smyshlyaev system monolithic expanded clay concrete

&003 Test review of expanded clay concrete blocks, in Moscow and the Moscow region.

Expanded clay concrete blocks🧱 #houseconstruction #brick #buildhome #builditself

Applications of expanded clay and its products in industrial and civil construction

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Dmitry Sokolov

Chief engineer in a large construction company. I have extensive experience in managing construction projects and implementing modern technologies.

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