Characteristics of cellular concrete blocks

Because of their special qualities, cellular concrete blocks—also referred to as lightweight or aerated concrete—have grown in popularity as a building material. These blocks have a lightweight, porous structure because air or gas is added to the concrete mixture during the manufacturing process. This cutting-edge building material is perfect for a variety of building projects because it has several advantages.

The superior thermal insulation of cellular concrete blocks is one of its main advantages. Buildings stay warmer in the winter and colder in the summer thanks to the air pockets inside the blocks that help to slow down heat transfer. They are an eco-friendly choice since they have the potential to result in large energy savings over time.

The ability of cellular concrete blocks to withstand fire is another crucial characteristic. The blocks retain their structural integrity even at elevated temperatures and are non-flammable. Because of this, they are a secure option for both residential and commercial buildings, adding an extra line of defense against fire.

Cellular concrete blocks are well-known for their ability to insulate sound in addition to being fire and heat resistant. The blocks are perfect for use in hospitals, schools, and other places where noise reduction is crucial because of their porous nature, which reduces noise.

An additional noteworthy benefit of cellular concrete blocks is their durability. These lightweight blocks are robust and resistant to a wide range of environmental factors. Their resistance against moisture, mold, and pests guarantees a long lifespan with little upkeep.

All things considered, cellular concrete blocks provide a flexible and effective answer for contemporary building requirements. Because of their durability, energy efficiency, fire resistance, and thermal insulation, they are a sought-after material among architects and builders who want to design secure, cozy, and energy-efficient buildings.

Characteristic	Description
Density	Cellular concrete blocks have a low density, making them lightweight and easy to handle.
Insulation	They offer good thermal and sound insulation properties, keeping buildings warm and quiet.
Strength	While not as strong as traditional concrete, they provide sufficient strength for many construction needs.
Fire Resistance	These blocks are fire-resistant, enhancing the safety of buildings.
Eco-friendly	Made from natural materials, cellular concrete blocks are environmentally friendly.
Workability	They can be easily cut and shaped, allowing for flexible construction designs.

Properties

Cellular concrete wall blocks have the following characteristics:

• increased strength;
• resistance to temperature fluctuations;

Table of attributes of cellular concrete that are compared

• environmental friendliness;
• resistance to mold formation;
• resistance to rotting;
• extended service life.

Types of porous compositions

Concrete that is porous comes in two varieties:

• Aerated concrete obtained by mixing a cement solution with aluminum powder. When mixed, as a result of interaction, cavities are formed, increasing the volume of the massif fivefold. Aerated concrete acquires a spongy structure. When placing the composition in an autoclave, the mixture hardens, the products acquire an industrial appearance. The process is possible industrially, requires special equipment.
• Foam concrete, produced by adding foamed reagents to the cement composition, forming air bubbles. The composition acquires porosity when thoroughly mixed, hardening, turns into foam concrete. The specifics of the technology provide for the production of material in the conditions of a construction site and in a handicraft way.

Table of Aerated Concrete and Foam Concrete Properties and Characteristics

Arrange the different product types side by side. There are variations in appearance. Products made of aerated concrete sink, are lightweight, and have a clear geometry. Externally, foam concrete resembles cement and floats on the surface.

Purpose

Cellular concrete blocks can be classified into various categories based on the amount of pores present. These categories are typically used to categorize blocks:

• structural compositions, with a density of 600-1200 kilograms per cubic meter;
• thermal insulation composites, with a specific gravity of 400-600 kilograms per cubic meter.

The product’s density is determined by its porosity. Strength decreases as cavity volume increases, but sound insulation and heat protection qualities improve. Consequently, a denser porous material is used when building a building’s capital exterior walls, which need to be stronger. Structural products are utilized in the construction of:

• capital walls;
• internal low-load walls;
• partitions.

Building homes of any complexity is a good fit for cellular blocks.

Thermal insulation elements that enable the following are used in building thermal insulation measures:

• insulating the surfaces of reinforced concrete floors;
• creating a thermal insulation circuit of multilayer wall structures;
• thermally insulating attic floors;
• providing thermal insulation of special equipment with the help of heat-resistant mixtures, the surface of which heats up to 700 ° C;
• protecting the surfaces of pipelines and process equipment, the operating temperature of which increases to 400 ° C.

When compared to brick structures, porous concrete multi-story private buildings have better thermal characteristics.

Because products now have lower dimensional tolerances, masonry can be completed with special glue that has seams up to 3 mm thick. This prevents the formation of cold bridges when laying on cement mortar.

What to choose: foam concrete or aerated concrete?

Which cellular concrete block is superior, let’s determine? It is challenging to provide a clear response to the query. The answer is contingent on the environment in which the wall material is intended to be used. Let’s examine the key points:

• It is advisable to use aerated concrete for the construction of load-bearing walls. It has increased strength.

A table comparing the key characteristics of foam and aerated concrete

• In terms of their ability to withstand negative temperatures, both compositions have equal properties.
• Foam concrete is less hygroscopic, superior to aerated concrete in terms of water absorption.
• Aerated concrete is more expensive, which is due to the autoclave production method.

The economic viability of employing aerated concrete in the construction of load-bearing structures is substantiated by the features of cellular concrete blocks. Foamed composition is utilized in the construction of premises’ partitions and insulation.

Advantages of porous composite

Cellular concrete blocks are very advantageous. Principal benefits:

• Ability to conduct heat. In terms of thermal conductivity, the material is close to wood, but there is no limitation on the width of the erected walls. With the thickness of the walls built from composites corresponding to the dimensions of the brickwork, a favorable thermal regime of the room is ensured. Integrity, homogeneity of the building structure is due to the lack of need for special insulation. This is relevant for the construction of private facilities, where the developer is interested in saving heat and, naturally, material resources.
• Economy. The insignificant weight of the porous product, which is lighter than brick, allows you to minimize the costs of construction and installation activities and foundation arrangement. The composite does not require additional insulation, and the use of special adhesives allows you to achieve savings during masonry.

Benefits of concrete with cells

• Ability to pass steam-saturated humid air. With an increase in the vapor permeability coefficient, the microclimate improves. A room made of porous concrete provides comfort in winter and coolness in summer. Ventilation of the building reduces the likelihood of mold and mildew.
• Resistance to ignition. Cellular blocks have high fire resistance, which distinguishes them from wood. There is no need for additional protection against ignition. The material is used as a fireproofing material.
• Increased accuracy of geometric dimensions. Tolerances are ± 2 millimeters, which allows for a minimum thickness of the masonry joint, reduce the consumption of adhesive mixture, and increase the thermal insulation of the walls.

Comparison with brick and wood

Cellular concrete blocks have favorable performance qualities that let them successfully compete with stone and wood. Let’s examine the characteristics of the materials:

• Workability. The block is easy to hammer nails into, it can be processed with a plane, and quickly cut with a hacksaw.
• Weight. Unlike heavy bricks, cellular blocks are lighter. This makes it possible to use larger-sized products and significantly reduce the consumption of material for connecting seams. Low weight allows for savings when transporting composites to the construction site. It is convenient to erect buildings using porous compositions on soils with low bearing capacity and use lightweight, less massive columnar foundations for buildings

Table comparing the thermal conductivity of wood, brick, and cellular concrete

• Flammability. The composite is fire-resistant, which is advantageous over wood.
• Ability to conduct heat. Due to its high porosity, the foamed composition is in the lead, which has low thermal conductivity, and is similar in its characteristics to wood.
• Frost resistance. Features of the structure of porous concrete and brick allow them to maintain their properties for 100 freezing cycles.
• Strength. The porous composite is quite solid, but less durable compared to the brick, which is associated with the structure. Having made a decision – to build a building with a overlap of heavy plates, use a brick for supporting structures, withstanding an increased load per unit area.
• The ability to absorb moisture. The water absorption coefficient characterizes the volume of water that can absorb material. Brick can absorb moisture in the amount of 8-12% of mass. It exceeds cellular compositions with water absorption of up to 20%, and wood with them, in general, is difficult to compete.

It is challenging to decide with certainty which material—porous compositions or regular brick—is better to utilize for the building’s construction after examining the parameters. It’s evident that wood has a restricted range of uses. Materials come with benefits and drawbacks that need to be considered when selecting raw materials for building.

Dimensions

Based on the compressive strength of mortar grades M20 through M50, aerated concrete wall blocks are manufactured. Its dimensions are 200-500 mm in width, 400-600 mm in length, and 150-400 mm in thickness.

Partition blocks consist of a blend of M500 grade. The dimensions are 400 mm in width, 100–150 mm in thickness, and 300–600 mm in length. Elements can be used to solve a variety of complex construction problems thanks to a broad range of manufactured products.

Because of their many advantages, cellular concrete blocks are a common material choice in construction. Because they are lightweight, the load on structures is lessened, which can save money on the foundation and structural supports. The construction process is accelerated by this ease of handling, which also translates into quicker and less labor-intensive installation.

Their superior thermal insulation qualities are yet another noteworthy benefit. By preserving comfortable interior temperatures, cellular concrete blocks lessen the need for significant heating or cooling. Because of their energy efficiency, they are a desirable alternative for eco-aware homeowners and builders because they can result in lower utility costs and a smaller environmental impact.

Cellular concrete blocks’ ability to block out outside noise and create a more tranquil living or working space helps to create a quieter indoor environment. Their resistance to fire also adds another degree of security, improving protection in the event of a fire.

Durability is yet another important quality. Cellular concrete blocks ensure the longevity and structural integrity of the building by resisting common problems like mold, pests, and moisture. This resilience lengthens the building’s overall lifespan and lowers maintenance costs.

To sum up, cellular concrete blocks are a great option for contemporary construction needs because they have exceptional fire resistance, lightweight qualities, and excellent thermal and sound insulation. These benefits support sustainable, economical, and efficient building techniques that satisfy the needs of the modern construction sector.

Modern construction can benefit greatly from the use of lightweight, adaptable, and energy-efficient cellular concrete blocks as building materials. They are created by adding air bubbles to the concrete mixture, which reduces energy costs and improves indoor comfort while providing superior thermal and sound insulation. These blocks are ideal for a range of architectural designs and construction needs because they are simple to handle, cut, and shape. They are also an environmentally friendly and fire-resistant option for both residential and commercial buildings.

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