Characteristics of aerated concrete blocks

Because of their remarkable qualities, aerated concrete blocks have become a popular option in modern construction. Because of their strength and lightweight nature, these blocks are widely used to construct foundations, walls, and other types of structures. They have distinct advantages over traditional building materials because of their unique composition.

The superior thermal insulation of aerated concrete blocks is one of their most notable qualities. In other words, they contribute to energy efficiency and lower heating and cooling expenses by keeping buildings warm in the winter and cool in the summer. They also work well to insulate against sound, which makes them excellent for quieter interior spaces.

Another important feature of aerated concrete blocks is their durability. The longevity and safety of the buildings made with them are increased by their resistance to fire, pests, and mold. These blocks are also simple to handle and assemble, which expedites building and lowers labor expenses.

Environmentally friendly concrete blocks are also made with aeration. Compared to many traditional building materials, they have a lower environmental impact because they are made from natural raw materials. Their lightweight design furthers their eco-friendliness by requiring less energy for transportation.

Aerated concrete blocks are a wise option for both homeowners and builders due to their many advantages. Because of their strength, insulation, durability, and sustainability, they provide a flexible solution for a variety of construction applications. Aerated concrete blocks will probably continue to gain popularity as more people become aware of these benefits.

What are aerated concrete blocks?

Aerated concrete blocks are a building material made from the following ingredients:

• a binder, the functions of which are performed by various building materials;
• filler, which is sand or ash purified from impurities;
• porogenic components based on aluminum powder, lime or gelatin;
• water added to the finished dry mix to the required level of solution plasticity.

Cellular concrete wall blocks can be produced in a number of ways. The technology for creating cellular composites makes it possible to use both autoclave and non-autoclave techniques to produce completed products with porous concrete blocks that have a spongy structure.

It establishes the following traits:

• increased thermal insulation properties of walls made of porous materials;
• reduced density of blocks that have a small mass with an increased volume;
• high soundproofing properties that prevent noise from penetrating into the room.

Features that set cellular material apart:

• the correct shape of the products, corresponding to the configuration of a rectangular parallelepiped;
• cellular structure of porous concrete, which affects its main performance characteristics;
• closed or open structure of air cavities of structural thermal insulation material;
• presence of roughness on the surface of cellular concrete blocks, which improves adhesion;
• increased concentration of air shells in the concrete massif up to 75-85%, which determines the main properties of the material;
• stable diameter of spherical shells, which is 0.5-3 mm depending on the manufacturing technology;
• white or gray color range of finished products, due to the use of certain raw materials.

Increased performance qualities set these concrete blocks apart and enable them to successfully compete not just with other concrete products but also with brick and wood.

Cellular blocks – types of building material

Cellular blocks are categorized using the following standards:

• purpose of the building material;
• manufacturing technologies;
• type of binder.

Porous blocks are classified into the following types based on their intended use:

• structural products. They are distinguished by an increased safety factor, which allows them to be used for the construction of capital walls. The structural material is distinguished by an increased specific gravity, reaching 1.2 t/m3. With an increase in the density of the material, its thermal conductivity increases;
• thermal insulation composites. A distinctive feature of thermal insulation composites is their low density (up to 0.5 t/m3). Blocks have low thermal conductivity. Due to the reduced load-bearing capacity, the building material cannot be used for the construction of load-bearing walls. Thermal insulation blocks are used as insulation;
• structural and thermal insulation materials. They combine the properties of thermal insulation and structural concrete. They have a specific gravity of 0.5-0.9 t/m3. The ability of the material to retain thermal energy decreases with increasing density of the material.

The conditions under which the blocks harden vary depending on the technology:

• in special containers where high humidity and increased pressure are maintained. In aerated concrete, the cells are open, which negatively affects its ability to resist moisture absorption;
• in natural conditions corresponding to the temperature and humidity of the environment. In foam concrete, the air cavities are closed, which significantly increases the moisture resistance of the material.

Despite their varying levels of water absorption, foam concrete and aerated concrete still need protective finishing.

Blocks are constructed using a variety of binders:

• portland cement;
• lime;
• gypsum;
• ash;
• slags.

The production process, the binder, and the filler all affect the properties of cellular composites.

What are the advantages of cellular concrete blocks?

Some benefits of using porous building stone are as follows:

• reduced thermal conductivity compared to other building materials. Concrete used as a heat insulator reduces heat loss;
• increased dimensions with low weight. These characteristics allow to increase the speed of laying walls, and also simplify transportation;
• increased vapor permeability. The cellular structure of the concrete composite promotes unimpeded steam release, which helps to provide comfortable humidity;
• resistance to open fire and high temperatures. The structure of porous concrete is preserved in the event of fire hazards.

The blocks are frequently utilized in low-rise construction because of their benefits.

Aerated concrete wall blocks – features of the material

The characteristics of aerated concrete blocks are as follows:

• good workability. It is easy to make a hole in the block building material or cut the block into pieces;
• resistance to temperature changes. The material preserves the structure of the massif during repeated freezing and thawing;
• resistance to biological factors. Fungal colonies and microorganisms do not develop inside the block and on its surface;
• long service life. Concrete retains its performance characteristics and strength for a long time.

Examine the features of porous composites carefully before making a purchase.

Properties of cellular concrete blocks

Principal characteristics of cellular blocks:

• the ability to retain heat in the room;
• different susceptibility to moisture.

The material’s thermal conductivity and density are proportionate. Heat retention is improved by lighter composites with more pores.

Determining the capacity to absorb moisture through experimentation is simple:

• foam concrete with closed air cavities slowly absorbs liquid, remaining afloat;
• Aerated concrete block with an open form of the inner pores intensively absorbs moisture and drowns quickly.

The material’s resistance to frost is dependent on its capacity to absorb moisture. A wet block cracks due to an increase in liquid volume during crystallization if there is no protective finish.

Main characteristics of cellular concrete composites

Key attributes of concrete blocks with cellular architecture:

• strength, ranging from 35 to 150 kg per square centimeter of area;
• shrinkage deformation, not exceeding 0.5 mm per meter of masonry;
• degree of moisture absorption, which is from 15 to 60% for different types of concrete.

The dimensions of the molding container dictate the size of the products. Wall-building blocks with dimensions of 60x30x20 cm and 40x20x20 cm are commonly utilized. Foam concrete is thinner when used to build interior partitions and ceilings.

Where are cellular blocks used?

A variety of buildings can be constructed using these blocks:

• residential buildings no more than three stories high;
• household buildings and garages;
• industrial premises;
• summer cottages.

The following structures are built with porous composites:

• load-bearing and internal walls;
• interroom partitions;
• heat-insulated ceilings.

The material can be used to insulate building structures because of its ability to conserve heat.

Nuances of block laying technology

The laying technology is unique in several ways. Crucial points

• blocks are laid at positive temperatures or glue with antifreeze additives is used;
• defects and irregularities on the surface of the blocks are eliminated with a grinding float;
• the sequence of operations provides for the initial installation of corner blocks;
• block rows are reinforced with steel reinforcement at intervals of 3 levels.

You can create thin joints and prevent the formation of cold bridges by using glue instead of cement mortar.

Recommendations

You can solve a lot of problems with composite blocks. Porous composites should be prioritized when choosing materials for the foamed house’s walls and ceilings as well as how to block the cellar. They outperform other materials, including cement and chip blocks, in terms of thermal insulation qualities. Consider filling the monolithic floor slab when you plan to build your own house. The CSP plate will be provided by reducing heat loss, so using the floor is financially justified.

Characteristic	Description
Density	Lightweight, usually around 400-700 kg/m³
Thermal Insulation	Excellent, helps reduce heating and cooling costs
Sound Insulation	Good soundproofing properties
Fire Resistance	Highly fire-resistant, non-combustible material
Workability	Easy to cut, shape, and install
Durability	Long-lasting and strong, resistant to pests and decay
Eco-friendliness	Made from natural materials, recyclable
Cost	Generally affordable and cost-effective

In conclusion, aerated concrete blocks are a cost-effective and adaptable building material that come with a number of advantages that make them a popular option in contemporary architecture. Because they are lightweight, handling is made easier and the overall load on structures is decreased, which lowers costs and facilitates installation.

Aerated concrete blocks’ superior thermal insulation qualities contribute to energy efficiency and the preservation of a cozy interior climate. They are therefore an eco-friendly choice for sustainable building methods since they may result in lower heating and cooling expenses.

Furthermore, these blocks’ capacity to insulate sound results in a quieter interior environment, which is especially useful in cities. Their ability to withstand fire improves building safety and provides builders and homeowners with peace of mind.

All things considered, the special qualities of aerated concrete blocks combine sustainability, safety, and functionality into a single, effective package, making them a useful and advantageous option for a range of building projects.

Blocks made of aerated concrete are strong, long-lasting, low-energy, and have superior insulating qualities. They are produced by incorporating tiny air bubbles into concrete by adding a foaming agent. In comparison to conventional concrete blocks, the blocks produced by this process are easier to handle and install, require less time to construct, and offer better thermal and sound insulation. Aerated concrete blocks are perfect for both residential and commercial building, and they help create a more economical and environmentally friendly building solution.

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