Arbolit with your own hands at home: proportions, composition, production technology

Arbolit can be a great option if you’re interested in making building materials at home. This environmentally friendly material creates a sturdy, lightweight product by mixing wood chips with concrete. Arbolit is a great option for do-it-yourselfers who want to experiment with concrete substitutes because it is not only reasonably easy to make, but it is also sustainable.

We’ll walk you through the steps of making arbolit at home in this article. You’ll discover the proper ratios and ingredient combinations required to produce a high-quality outcome. To help you maximize the potential of your do-it-yourself project, we’ll also go over production technology. Knowing these fundamentals will help you succeed whether you’re building a tiny structure or just experimenting with different materials.

Arbolit can be made in an eco-friendly and efficient manner with a little work and the correct ingredients. Let’s examine how to create arbolit from scratch in detail and discover how you can incorporate this cutting-edge material into your own projects.

Advantages and disadvantages

The unique performance characteristics of arbolite allow it to combine the benefits of two different building materials.

1. Material for the construction of all kinds of structures.
2. Insulation layer.

The solution can’t be applied in every construction setting because of its drawbacks as well as its benefits. The blocks’ main drawback is that they are susceptible to moisture. But the issue will be resolved if you plaster the building’s exterior and interior surfaces on time.

Advantages

The following are some of arbolite’s main benefits:

1. Long service life. Buildings based on such blocks can stand without deformation for more than 100 years – provided that the builders have followed all the rules and technological aspects.
2. The material does not have a dew point, which eliminates the problem of its freezing.
3. Ease of installation and maintenance.
4. Compliance with all environmental standards and requirements.
5. Reduced financial costs.
6. Possibility of installation on any foundation.

Disadvantages

Although they are few in number, the following drawbacks must be considered when creating arbolite by hand:

1. Excessive absorption of moisture if the arbolite production technology is not followed. The material needs good waterproofing, otherwise it will be exposed to the destructive effects of high humidity.
2. Experts recommend using arbolite-based blocks in regions with predominantly negative temperatures.

DIY production technology

Arbolite should be categorized as a light type of concrete if it is evaluated as such, as this is supported by its distinctive performance characteristics.

Arbolite is not a traditional representation of concrete, however, because its manufacturing process does not require the addition of sand to its composition.

Composition

The following elements make up arbolite’s composition:

1. Binding additives.
2. Filler (both light and heavy substances are used).
3. Sand.

Organic ingredients can fill the role of filler, and the right calculations of arbolite proportions are essential to achieving optimal brand strength.

Wood

Since wood is a natural material, it has some water dissolved in its pores. Additionally, it contains organic sugars that need to be eliminated in order to use the raw material. As a result, a premium material with improved performance and strength will be produced.

The technological procedure entails chopping raw wood chips, which are then put in a chemical reagent environment to extract the sugars. Since these chips have the right shape for a chaotic distribution throughout the block composition, the material must only be raw.

Such a stage appears straightforward at first, but it requires the master to follow the precise instructions and guidelines. If any requirements are overlooked, the finished design will start to fall apart.

Similar to cement, the adhesive indicators of the tree are low. Consequently, you must carefully handle the mechanism of interaction between chips, chemicals, and cement in order for it to acquire the necessary properties.

The amount of cement required to produce one square meter of block is determined by the size of the chip. Because of their small fraction and needle structure, dry raw materials require more cement mixture to be used.

1. 8-10 kg of chemical reagents.
2. 250 kg of cement.
3. As many chips.

Kneel technique requires that the chips be well moistened (to prevent excessive fluid release) and that the raw materials be completely submerged in the cement layer. All blown holes and pores will be sealed tightly after tamping.

Recipe

You can choose the proportions based on various recipes when making arbolite by hand at home. But whichever recipe is selected, there are a few standards that apply to all of them and should not be altered. Initially, all sugars and moisture must be eliminated, and the chips must be sealed off from external water infiltration.

Since a properly constructed structure has no dew point, it can be utilized as insulation or as a stand-alone building material. It is crucial to consider the sides’ operating conditions when selecting an appropriate recipe. As a result, there may be high humidity in one area, requiring a lot of drying for the raw materials, and an extremely low indicator in another.

For the purpose of making arbolite blocks, the chips must be kept dry and free of swelling while being mixed. A related issue that arises frequently is referred to as swelling.

The kind of chemical additives that will be added to the arbolite should then be decided. The proper performance properties of the material are provided by four different types of reagents. They are chosen with the future building’s location in mind.

Chemical additives

Due to the sugar and polysaccharides in trees, cement mixtures stick to them poorly. They start to change into water-soluble sugars when they interact with an alkaline environment, which has an adverse effect on the material’s final properties.

Such materials exacerbate the hardening chemical reaction once they are in the cement’s aqueous solution, which hinders the creation of monolithic stone. The time required for the cement to reach its strength is established based on the sugar content. If there are too many, the stone will come loose and be more susceptible to harm. Its potency and unifying attributes will significantly diminish.

Using specific reagents, you should successfully remove sugar from the chip’s composition to avoid such issues.

1. Aluminum sulfate.
2. Calcium chloride.
3. Liquid glass.
4. Slaked lime.

Water absorption is decreased and wood pores are effectively filled as additional advantages of chemical treatment. This lessens the material’s edema and deformation caused by moisture.

The detrimental effect on the stone is ascertained based on the moisture deformation. A swollen tree can weaken the strength of wood concrete and distort hardened cement.

Aluminum sulfate

Because this chemical reagent can break down sugars, it is widely used in the production of wood concrete. Additionally, the term "gaining brand strength" is shortened by the addition.

Calcium chloride

Potassium chloride has become a popular supplement as well. It eliminates all microorganisms from the wood and gives wood chips anti-rot qualities when combined with aluminum sulfate. The resistance of blocks to different harmful influences is increased when two reagents are used in tandem. Aluminum chloride can be used in its place if calcium chloride is not readily available.

Liquid glass, or sodium silicate

You must be aware of the ingredients and ratios of wood concrete and take care of a reagent, such as liquid glass (sodium silicate). The part is made to seal all of the wood’s pores and shield the chips from moisture infiltration. The addition is made after the sugars have broken down. It additionally enhances the solution’s setting.

Slaked lime

In place of the first two reagents, the additive is used as a substitute solution. Sugars and microbes in the wood chips are broken down by the substance, which also gives a quicker set of the required performance characteristics.

Organic components

Arbolite requires the composition to be diluted with organic materials. Crushed plants are also used in place of chips, giving the raw material a needle-like shape.

1. Twigs with foliage.
2. Branch trimmings.
3. Branches.

Needles shavings, produced by machine-cutting wood, are an essential component of wood origin. In addition, sawdust, chips, hay, and straw are added to dilute the composition.

The components are either treated with a lime solution (50 kg of slaked lime per 200 liters of water) in which 4 m³ of chips are submerged, or they are thoroughly dried outside for two to three months.

The proportions of the mixture

The required brand of the material is taken into consideration when choosing the additive proportions.

1. General (structural). It has such strength brands: M25, M35, M50.
2. Insulation – M5, M10, M15.

Density indicators range from 610 to 860 kg/m³. Low-brand thermal insulation species work well for warming horizontal structures. To process walls or vertical cavities, more robust alternatives are required.

1. Separate chemical reagents only affect the chips.
2. Other additives are intended for cement sand.

Six to ten kilograms of calcium chloride and aluminum sulfate are needed to make one cube of chips. The mixture is then conditionally split into two equal parts at a 2:1:3 ratio. The chip in front of the batch is treated with a smaller portion that is dissolved in the liquid. The cement is mixed with the remaining raw materials when they’re dry.

Loading order

When learning how to make arbolite blocks by hand, you must pay attention to the sequence in which the components are loaded. Although using a concrete mixer is more efficient, you will still need to set up a large trough and shovel for a more comfortable mixing experience.

It is difficult to stir the mixture by hand because the production process uses less water than it does for traditional forms of concrete.

1. Wood filler is initially added.
2. Then the cement mixture with all additional components is added.
3. Finally, water and chemical reagents are placed in the trough.

Cement and treated organic waste are combined in a container. They are then diluted with (+15…+25ºΡ) warm water. Once the ingredients have dissolved, you must check the water’s temperature; if it is too cold, you will need to warm it up.

Add 1% superplasticizer to the liquid when manually mixing the solution or building a monolithic wall for an arbolite house. You can use the "Polyplast" product, which costs 5.1 thousand rubles for a 25 kg bag, given its quality.

By adding this, the arbolite mass gains more elasticity and mobility, which improves formwork filling and subsequent compaction.

Formation of lintel blocks

Using shovels or buckets, the solution is poured into the appropriate shapes. The wooden ramming tool is only used when the mortar has completely filled the container, creating a little mound on top.

After pouring each layer, there is no need to compact. High quality is ensured by a chaotic mixture. You can slightly press each section when laying to ensure that the material fits snugly. Tamping an incomplete form is a mistake that results in poor layer demarcation and setting quality.

After the mixture has been in the form for two to three days, it needs to be taken apart and its contents left outside to dry. Investing in a vibrating table to guarantee the material’s compaction in the forms is advised if money is not an issue.

Pouring a monolith

It is required to use a solution containing a superplasticizing additive in order to pour monolithic walls. As with the placement of monolithic reinforced concrete, reinforcement must also be considered. Metal components will give the structure better strength characteristics and prevent it from creeping under heavy loads.

Steel, fiberglass, or carbon fiber reinforcement with a diameter of 16 mm for vertical reinforcement or 8–10 mm for horizontal reinforcement is used to create reinforcement. Before putting in the formwork, the frame needs to be fastened. Connecting the pieces together will become more difficult otherwise.

Any material on hand can be used to arrange the formwork.

1. Cement-bonded particle boards.
2. Walls from old cabinets or doors.

Using a non-removable foam or polystyrene structure is also acceptable. They will, however, exacerbate arbolite’s vapor permeability. The fiberboard slab is the best option.

Equipment

Purchasing specialized equipment for arbolite production at home entails significant financial outlays.

1. Wood chipper.
2. A container for wood chips and a hopper for cement.
3. Containers for chemical reagents and water.
4. Molds for blocks.
5. A chamber for drying raw materials.

Arbolite cannot be produced on an industrial scale without such structures. The equipment you choose will be different if you are working on private construction projects and only need a small amount of material.

Stages of production and pitfalls

The various wood chippers on the market vary in:

1. Operating principle.
2. Power indicators.

Individual units are appropriate for basic tasks such as processing waste and branches and are part of the household group. You will require additional equipment to cut raw materials when using such a machine.

It is preferable to purchase a strong tool with a broad neck and cutting components right away in order to prevent unnecessary expenses. A wood chipper with a rotary knife is the best option. Such an installation costs 500,000 rubles, but it soon makes up its cost.

For personal use, a shredder that turns wood layers into noodles is appropriate. You can lower the cement grade to M400 by using the device.

The wood chipper’s installation site needs to be built for a 10 kW engine and connected to a 380 volt uninterruptible power supply. Except for large shavings from a rounding machine, sawdust or shavings cannot be used to make arbolite.

The most economical machine, which costs RM200, is appropriate for producing arbolite blocks at home.

Optimal equipment for production

The following units are used in the production process:

1. Disc chipper. You can use the DS31 model worth 199 thousand as it. rub. It has compact dimensions, ergonomics and accessibility, but is dependent on power supply.
2. Hammer chopper (DS31). The cost of the device is 273 thousand. rub. The advantages include increased power, and the disadvantages include the need to use special equipment to transport the final raw materials.
3. Rotary chopper (BMP). Sold at prices up to 230 thousand. rub. Characterized by combined chip production and increased productivity. The disadvantages of the model are the limited neck size, which is why the raw materials need to be adjusted to size.
4. Mixer (BMP). Cost – 400 thousand. rub. Has a large volume for commercial chip production, but is not suitable for simple tasks in private construction.
5. Liquid reservoirs. In their quality, you can use Irplast models, which are available at a price of 7 to 10 thousand. rub. Capacity — 500 l.

The equipment that is used needs to be strong, efficient, and ergonomic.

How to make arbolite with your own hands

You can start the arbolite production process after evaluating the primary working points. It is crucial to take into account whether the content will be used for commercial or private reasons. It is not necessary to purchase pricey units and equipment in the first scenario.

Equipment

A wood chipper is the essential tool for making arbolite blocks at home. By purchasing the main component from Turners, you can assemble it yourself. The expenses will be lowered in this instance by four times. The chip-feeding neck should be fixed vertically, and the cutting elements should be installed at a minimum angle.

1. Car spring.
2. Metal studs.
3. 2 bearings per axle.
4. Axle.

Having previously arranged the landing locations for the bearings, it is preferable to use a hexagon for the production of the final component. The Internet is replete with tutorial videos and project implementation guides for just this kind of thing.

Creating a hammer machine

The construction of a hammer machine comes next. You must drill holes and install a washer that is 10–20 mm wide in each of the two axle disks. You need to make a thread cut for a nut on one side of the axle. To create a rectangular protrusion for attaching the second disk, it is preferable, if you have a lathe, to process the shaft and remove the knife disk from it.

The final shaft thickness should be at least 50 mm, and two height differences for the disks must be arranged if at all possible.

The completed shaft is secured to a support and bearings. The outer casing will need to be redone or replaced if it is smaller than necessary. An ideal diameter steel mesh is used to seal the outlet.

Bunkers and forms

Standard sizes that match the specifications of foam concrete blocks or polystyrene concrete are available for industrial bunkers and forms. The dimensions of arbolite are 20, 40, or 60 cm. Making blanks by hand is difficult, so it’s preferable to use a grinder to cut metal sheets and set up a set form.

Development of technology

The stage of technological development where figuring out all the nuances of the equipment is the most challenging. The introduction of chemicals should be broken up into multiple phases. First, aluminum sulfate and sodium chloride are added. Then, the remaining additives are put in the hopper and mixed.

After the chips are done, liquid glass is used. The finished product is rammed into molds, poured inside, and allowed to harden for a while. After the molds are taken apart and the blocks are allowed to air dry, the setting process takes two to three days.

Use of blocks, panels, slabs, plastered arbolite blocks

Because of their benefits and ease of installation, arbolite slabs are typically installed on beams or floor slabs in modern construction. Townhouses and other buildings with long runs of walls are arranged using blocks. Building homes, garages, and bathrooms requires standard designs.

A useful method for producing an adaptable and environmentally friendly building material at home is to make Arbolit. You will be guided through the process by this article, which covers the proper composition and proportions required for successful production. You will gain an understanding of the basic technology that makes Arbolit possible, enabling you to confidently and easily produce this cutting-edge material.

Reviews of builders: positive and negative

It is essential that you become acquainted with both good and bad builder reviews before beginning the production of arbolite.

Reviews of owners of houses made of arbolite blocks: positive and negative

You should also read testimonials from homeowners who have arbolite homes.

Aspect	Description
Proportions	Mix 1 part cement, 2 parts sand, 3 parts expanded clay aggregate, and water as needed. Adjust proportions based on desired strength and density.
Composition	Arbolit consists of cement, sand, expanded clay aggregate, and water. Optionally, additives can be used for improved properties.
Production Technology	Mix the dry ingredients thoroughly. Add water gradually and mix until you achieve a uniform consistency. Pour the mixture into molds and allow it to cure for several days.

If you’re ready and take the proper procedures, making arbolit at home can be a satisfying do-it-yourself project. You can create a strong, long-lasting, and reasonably priced building material by combining the right amounts of wood chips, cement, and water. Maintaining the correct production methods and comprehending the fundamental composition will guarantee that your arbolit turns out as intended.

Don’t forget to measure and combine your ingredients precisely first. Achieving the desired quality requires consistency, so be sure to pay attention to the ratios and thoroughly combine the materials. For the best strength and durability, let the mixture properly cure before using it.

Arbolit can be inexpensive and practical to make at home with the correct method and attention to detail. Take pleasure in the process and the fulfillment that come from producing a versatile building material in your own home.

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