Arbolite blocks: characteristics: weight, density, strength, composition, dimensions, advantages and disadvantages

Arbolite blocks are lightweight building materials that are well-liked for their adaptability and simplicity of use in contemporary construction. The ingredients for these blocks are cement, sand, water, and a foaming agent, which during the manufacturing process inflates the mixture to produce air bubbles. Because of their low density and aerated structure, they are substantially lighter than conventional concrete blocks.

The lighter weight of arbolite blocks relative to regular concrete is one of their distinguishing features. Because of the higher percentage of air voids in their composition, these blocks typically weigh significantly less. This lowers labor costs related to lifting and moving heavy materials by making them simpler to handle and transport on building sites.

Arbolite blocks are lightweight and strong enough for a variety of construction uses despite having a low density. Depending on the particular mix proportions and manufacturing process, their density varies, but it typically falls within a range that strikes a balance between weight reduction and structural integrity. Because of this feature, they can be used in both residential and commercial buildings for both load-bearing and non-load-bearing walls.

Arbolite blocks are strong enough to last for the majority of construction needs. They are not as strong as solid concrete blocks, but they are still strong enough to support typical structural loads and act as insulation against heat. These blocks are frequently specified by architects and engineers due to their advantageous weight-saving and strength-to-weight ratio.

Arbolite blocks are generally composed of Portland cement, sand, water, and a foaming agent. Air bubbles produced by the foaming agent spread evenly throughout the mixture, giving it a cellular structure. They are lightweight in part because of this structure, which also keeps their compressive strength respectable.

Arbolite blocks are available in a range of sizes to accommodate different building requirements. Standard brick dimensions and larger blocks used for walls and partitions are examples of common sizes. These measurements provide flexibility in both building and design, meeting a range of structural needs and architectural styles.

As with any building material, arbolite blocks offer benefits and drawbacks. Because they are lightweight, installation labor requirements and transportation expenses are decreased. Because of their cellular structure, they also offer good thermal and sound insulation qualities. But given their weaker strength in comparison to solid concrete, structural designers may need to take this into account, particularly for high-load applications. In general, arbolite blocks present a strong choice for builders who want to strike a balance between insulation, weight, and strength in their building projects.

Aerated concrete blocks, or arrolite blocks, are lightweight construction materials that are highly durable and have a low density. The fine aluminum powder in these blocks reacts to form tiny bubbles, which give the material its cellular structure. The other ingredients are cement, sand, and fine aluminum powder. This improves insulating qualities while also lowering weight. Arbolite blocks are popular because they are easy to handle and cut when building, and they are available in a variety of sizes. Even though they offer benefits in terms of sound and thermal insulation, they can absorb moisture easily and must be handled carefully to avoid damage during installation. Comprehending their attributes facilitates builders in optimizing their advantages while mitigating possible disadvantages in building endeavors.

What is arbolite and its main properties

The material’s name, arbre, is derived from the French word for "wood," which is also how the blocks go by their alternate name, "wood concrete."

• Wood chips 1 centimeter wide and 25 centimeters long – crushed, usually wood (beech, pine, spruce), but flax shives, rice straw, pine wood, bark, cotton stems, etc. can also be used.d.
• Cement in the form of a binder – grade at least M300 and higher
• Special additives to improve the adhesion of components, the degree of hardening, plasticity – chemicals are used, most often aluminum sulfate, calcium nitrate / chloride, liquid glass, etc.d.
• The resulting material must comply with the standards and indicators specified in GOST 19222-84 or TU, SN 549-82.

The two primary types of arbolite are structural for building load-bearing walls (density up to 850 kg/m3) and heat-insulating, which is used as a heat insulator or for partition construction (density of about 400–500 kg/m3).

– a weaker, less expensive variety of the material.

Arbolite’s primary quality that makes it valuable for building homes is its capacity for thermal insulation, which enables you to build a warm home with little additional finishing work. Another significant feature of the blocks is their low weight, which enables you to quickly and easily construct a house on your own without the need for specialized tools.

However, the same features that give the material its positive qualities also determine its drawbacks with arbolite. Water tends to be absorbed by wood chips, which ensure low weight and good thermal insulation qualities. As a result, in order to prolong the service life of arbolite, mandatory protective measures must be properly implemented.

Accuracy of dosing components and compliance with technology

Water, cement, wood chips, and chemical additives are used to make arbolite blocks. The quality of the wood chips is a crucial factor that influences their strength. GOST specifies that chips should have a maximum length of 40 millimeters, a width of 10, and a thickness of 5 millimeters. Chips measuring 25 cm in length, 5 to 10 cm in width, and 3 to 5 millimeters in thickness offer the best block performance.

The chips need to be free of dirt, leaves, and bark. Sawdust, straw, and shives all lessen the chips’ strength properties. The characteristics of arbolite won’t be greatly impacted, though, if the composition includes no more than 5% leaves and 10% bark.

Arbolite is frequently made at sawmills and woodworking businesses by recycling waste, but this approach typically results in low-quality blocks because of the low-quality raw materials used (everything that is available is sent to work). It is preferable to buy arbolite from producers who have the necessary tools and make producing arbolite their primary business.

The kind of wood chips used must strictly adhere to the technology. Blocks can be made from a variety of wood species, but each has unique properties. For instance, larch requires twice as much mineralizer as other wood species. Deciduous trees are used less frequently to make wood chips; spruce and pine are the usual sources.

1. Intensive drying of raw materials for several months before production.
2. Mineralization of wood chips in a special solution.

Using both approaches yields the best results. In this instance, it is feasible to lower the completed structure’s water permeability and raise the material’s biological resistance. For mineralization, calcium chloride, alumina sulfate, silicate lump, and liquid glass are utilized.

The right amount of water is needed for the composition of arbolite blocks. The chips are added to a specialized forced-action mixer, which mixes mineralizer and water and spreads it evenly across the filler’s surface. After adding the cement and mixing for three more minutes, mix for about twenty seconds.

To ensure that the arbolite blocks are sufficiently strong, cement is typically grade M400. Since cement loses its properties during storage, it is ideal to purchase it fresh. Selecting grade M500 cement is preferable if it will be stored for a while.

• The accuracy of the dosage is regulated by GOST, deviations should not be more than 2-3%.
• It is important that the composition contains enough water: if there is not enough, the hydration process of the binder will not proceed as it should, if there is a lot, the blocks will be less strong, will be difficult to remove from the mold, the time until the primary setting will be longer.
• Volume of mineralizers – dosages are calculated in accordance with the type of wood and the size of the chips, humidity. It is advisable to select the optimal dosage empirically.
• The temperature of the water mixture and the mineralizer should not be lower than +15 degrees.

Technical characteristics and comparison with other building blocks

The benefits and drawbacks of arbolite are readily apparent; the only surprise may be the material’s poor quality. All of the properties are fairly predictable if the blocks are constructed in accordance with the technology, using carefully chosen components, and in the right proportion.

– also directly correlates with density and rises proportionately: the thermal conductivity coefficient is within 0.17 at 850 kg/m3, while the indicator is 0.06 W/m K for blocks with a density of 400 kg/m3.

Arbolite blocks have several benefits and drawbacks that become clearer when we compare them to alternative building materials. The table includes a list of some parameters:

Greater structural density, which makes it more resilient to compression. Arbolite, on the other hand, retains heat more effectively: the indications of a wall 50 centimeters thick match the roughly 120 centimeter thickness of a brick wall. Arbolite has larger dimensions, which makes masonry work easier and faster at the same time.

Foam blocks are lightweight and dense as well, but because of their porous structure, they require extra money for masonry reinforcement, lengthening and complicating the building process. Arbolite has 75% more thermal insulation.

The parameters are also visible here:

For building projects, Arbolite blocks provide a lightweight and adaptable solution. These blocks are much lighter than conventional concrete blocks, usually weighing between 300 and 600 kg/m³, which facilitates handling and transportation.

Arbolite blocks are lightweight, but they have a remarkable compressive strength—often more than 2.5 MPa. Because of their strength, they can be used in a variety of structural applications where the ability to support weight is necessary.

Typically, arbolite blocks are made of cement, sand, water, and different light aggregates like shale or expanded clay. Their composition improves their acoustic and thermal insulation qualities in addition to making them lighter.

Arbolite blocks are available in a range of sizes to suit a variety of building requirements. Standard modular dimensions that promote effective building techniques and minimize material waste during construction are examples of common sizes.

The thermal efficiency of arbolite blocks is one of their key benefits; it helps control indoor temperature and lowers energy usage for heating and cooling. Their lightweight design also makes construction easier, expedites project completion, and lowers labor expenses.

Arbolite blocks do have certain disadvantages, though. Because of their light weight, they may need to be handled carefully in windy situations, and in high-wind areas, extra care must be taken to ensure correct anchoring. Furthermore, even though they provide good insulation, in very cold climates, extra precautions might be required.

To sum up, arbolite blocks are a cutting-edge, effective substitute for conventional building materials. They are appropriate for both residential and commercial construction projects due to their strength, lightweight, and thermal characteristics. Builders can integrate arbolite blocks into economical and environmentally friendly construction methods by being aware of their features and taking into account both their benefits and drawbacks.

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