Dowel for aerated concrete: types, features and installation rules

Selecting the appropriate dowels is essential when working with aerated concrete to guarantee the stability and security of your building projects. Dowels, sometimes referred to as plugs or anchors, are essential for fastening fixtures and fittings to walls made of aerated concrete. Knowing the various kinds of dowels that are available and their unique qualities can really help your installations succeed.

Because of its low weight and superior thermal insulation capabilities, aerated concrete poses particular difficulties for anchoring. Because of its porous nature, unlike regular concrete, it needs specific dowels that are made to hold firmly without causing damage to the material. These dowels are available in a range of sizes and shapes, each designed to satisfy particular demands and load specifications.

The primary dowel types that work well with aerated concrete will be discussed in this article, along with their advantages and best uses. Additionally, we will offer helpful installation advice for these dowels to guarantee optimal hold and longevity. Whether you’re mounting a television, hanging shelves, or fastening large fixtures, knowing these installation guidelines will help you produce a dependable and polished result.

With the correct dowel types and installation methods under your belt, you’ll be ready to take on your next aerated concrete project with assurance. In addition to increasing the safety of your structures, proper anchoring increases their lifespan, so your efforts will pay off. Let’s explore the world of aerated concrete dowels and provide you with the information you require for a smooth construction.

When choosing fasteners for aerated concrete walls, the following features are taken into account

Consider the components’ sizes, corrosion resistance, and strength of the working surface when selecting hardware.

The strength of the aerated concrete increases with material density. The load limitations on the fastener are established by this indicator. On building block packaging, technical specifications are listed in digital terms after the letter D.

The size of the dowels influences the connection’s strength. Therefore, products with large diameters and lengths are used to fix massive structures.

Fasteners are suitable for use in the installation of external structures and the arrangement of non-heated rooms due to their corrosion resistance.

Types of fasteners and execution of work

The product type is chosen based on the anticipated load:

• nylon dowels with a cross-section of up to 12 mm are suitable for fixing hanging mirrors or lamps;
• when installing pipelines and bulky objects, choose metal parts;
• frame types of fasteners are used to fix window and door frames;
• universal facade dowels are used when installing external profiles for facing slabs;
• wood screws are used to attach only light objects – photo frames or decorative elements.

There are multiple stages to the installation process.

The holes must be drilled precisely for the products to fit snugly into the base. It is best to use a hammer drill with the impact disabled or a non-impact drill for this. The cross-section of the drill should be one millimeter smaller than the fastener. The steel hardware is the lone exception. The hole will be smaller by 2 mm for them.

A dowel is inserted after the recess has been cleared of concrete dust. A screwdriver is used to screw in plastic fasteners. A hammer is used to drive metal components into the mounting hole. Making sure the product doesn’t skew is vital during the process.

Lastly, a standard mounting bolt or a self-tapping screw is screwed in. Using an electric tool is not recommended because it can damage the screw element when connecting to an aerated concrete block.

Installing dowels in aerated concrete can appear difficult, but a secure and long-lasting fit can be guaranteed by knowing the various types, their unique characteristics, and the right installation methods. This article will help you accomplish professional results in your construction projects by examining the different types of dowels that are appropriate for aerated concrete, highlighting their special qualities, and offering simple installation instructions.

Dowel

The component is a spiral sleeve with surface ribs. They expand as the screw is inserted, allowing them to firmly penetrate the base’s soft surface. These fasteners come in plastic or galvanized steel varieties.

The first choice is the most popular and also the priciest. It is utilized for installing profiles, hanging furnishings and equipment, and repairing different pipelines. In areas where fire is a risk, these fasteners are frequently used.

There are two variations of a metal dowel for aerated concrete that have different design elements and installation techniques. The components can be driven or screwed into the base. If a collet is intended to be installed on the aerated concrete floor, the latter choice is chosen.

There are fasteners with a traditional screw spiral and dowels in the shape of a cone with spiral blades, depending on the shape of the fixing ribs. The metal elements’ design additionally incorporates a locking side or cuff, which prevents the part from turning.

Such mounts are limited by their susceptibility to rust.

The primary benefit of plastic products is their ability to resist corrosion. Polyethylene and polypropylene are the materials used to make them. The details’ economy, environmental friendliness, and resistance to an aggressive environment are their positive traits. These dowels are not meant for outdoor use because the plastic may rupture when the weather gets cold.

Nylon fasteners for aerated concrete are in a different category. They can be utilized when facing facades because they are more wear-resistant. They are used with galing screw elements that have either a hexagonal or a secret head. The high cost of this kind of mount is a drawback.

There exist multiple types of dowels, contingent upon the specific application.

The mounting anchor and installation method will depend on the future load

It makes sense to use chemical fasteners when installing heavy machinery or an entry door. Hammer-in anchors for aerated concrete with an anti-corrosion coating work well for fastening pipes, kitchen appliances, ventilation systems, and suspended ceilings. They produce a fastening that is strong and long-lasting, ranging from 2 to 7 H/mm.

Mechanical anchor

This kind of component resembles a rod and is fastened to the work surface with screws or hammers. In this instance, the load is spread equally across the whole fastening surface. The edge sections split and the anchor assumes a butterfly shape when a screw is inserted.

In a pre-drilled hole, the technology offers good fixation. Fasteners are used, the edges of which stop the threaded part from moving forward, to stop it from expanding further.

Chemical anchor

This kind of product is thought to be the most dependable and long-lasting way to fasten porous materials. It has a unique tube with an adhesive substance that consists of both synthetic and organic resins, in addition to the steel base. The composition selected is determined by the fastener’s operating conditions.

It is possible to form anchor joints that are operational at below-freezing temperatures using specific glues, especially those that are based on vinyl ester resin.

Because it can be used to fasten anchor bolts even in wet holes and doesn’t cause internal stress in the building structure’s material, glue based on this type of resin is also very convenient. One salient feature of these resins is their lack of styrene, which is carcinogenic.

The element has a load-bearing capacity of more than 400 kg.

The installation of mechanical products and chemical anchors work on a similar principle.

Work order

Algorithm of work:

• a hole of the required depth is drilled in the wall, its bottom is slightly expanded by oscillating movements of the drill;
• construction dust is blown out of the hole, and a sleeve is inserted into its neck;
• the cavity is filled with an adhesive solution using a mounting gun or capsules are installed here;
• the anchor rod is immediately inserted into it.

Since pulling one of these fasteners out of the wall will be impossible, markings for them must be done precisely and carefully.

After two days, when the mass has fully solidified, the nut and washer are inserted.

Features of adhesive mixtures based on epoxy resin

These compositions rank among the most widely used techniques for anchor rod fixing. They are employed in the assembly of intricate technical structures, as well as in the maintenance of concrete components and sound-absorbing panels. This material was created specifically for class blocks higher than C20–25.

The characteristics of the content that have influenced its demand are as follows:

1. Ability to use fasteners in humid conditions and under water.
2. Absence of toxic substances.
3. Acceptability for use during outdoor work.
4. Universality. During installation, smooth and threaded fastening systems can be used.
5. This technique does not create stress inside the element.

Type of Dowel	Features and Installation Rules
Plastic Dowel	Lightweight, resistant to corrosion. Drill a hole, insert the dowel, and screw in the fastener.
Metal Dowel	Strong, suitable for heavy loads. Drill a hole, insert the dowel, and tighten the screw or bolt.
Chemical Dowel	High load capacity, secure. Drill a hole, inject the chemical anchor, insert the dowel, and allow to set before fastening.

Selecting the appropriate dowel for aerated concrete is essential to guaranteeing the steadiness and longevity of your building endeavor. Dowels come in a variety of forms, each intended for a particular use and set of load requirements. You can choose the expansion dowel, chemical dowel, or frame dowel that best suits your needs by being aware of their features and applications.

When choosing a dowel, take into account the weight it must support, the environment it will be used in, and the particular needs of your project. Because of its distinct qualities, every kind of dowel is appropriate for a variety of settings. For example, expansion dowels are simple to install and appropriate for lighter applications, but chemical dowels offer a strong bond and are best for heavy loads.

Your dowels will function properly only if they are installed correctly. For instructions on drilling the hole, putting the dowel in, and fastening it in place, refer to the manufacturer. By focusing on these details, you can avoid common problems that could jeopardize the structural integrity of your building, like improper load distribution or dowel failure.

In conclusion, a well-selected and installed dowel can greatly improve the functionality and security of your aerated concrete structures. You can guarantee that your project endures the test of time and offers dependability and peace of mind by being aware of the various types of dowels and the guidelines for installing them. Quality and accuracy should always come first when selecting materials and carrying out installations.

Video on the topic

fischer DUOPOWER – two-component dowel

How to choose the right screw for the dowel? Basic rules and mistakes

✅ Dowels # 1⃣. Selection of a screw for a dowel (how to do it right) Determine the length and diameter

Aerated concrete . Checking the strength of the fastener

How to fasten in aerated concrete, aerated concrete, foam block

Test for the strength of fastening in aerated concrete