Expanded clay concrete blocks GOST: an overview of the main characteristics and requirements of technical documentation

Because of their special qualities and advantages, expanded clay concrete blocks—also known as lightweight aggregate blocks—are becoming more and more popular in the construction industry. These blocks are a lightweight yet sturdy building material that are created by combining cement, water, and expanded clay aggregate. They are a popular option for both residential and commercial projects because of their superior thermal insulation, soundproofing capabilities, and resistance to fire and frost.

In order to guarantee consistency and quality, certain regulations govern the manufacture and application of expanded clay concrete blocks. The GOST (State Standard), which specifies specific requirements for the blocks’ mechanical and physical characteristics, is the Russian equivalent of these standards. In order to guarantee that the blocks fulfill the essential performance and safety requirements for construction applications, adherence to these standards is essential.

The density of expanded clay concrete blocks is notably lower than that of conventional concrete blocks, making it one of their distinguishing features. This lessens their overall weight and makes them easier to handle, which could result in savings on foundation work and transportation expenses. Expanded clay aggregate’s porous nature also improves the blocks’ capacity to insulate against heat, which helps create energy-efficient building plans.

The GOST standards also address the compressive strength of the blocks, which is an important topic. In order to guarantee that the blocks can sustain the loads and stresses present in different construction scenarios, this property is essential. In order to guarantee that the blocks offer sufficient structural support, the standards define the minimum compressive strength values that must be fulfilled.

Another important factor to take into account with expanded clay concrete blocks is moisture absorption. The maximum allowable moisture content is limited by the GOST standards in order to avoid problems like degradation over time and frost damage. Following these recommendations correctly contributes to preserving the blocks’ long-term performance and durability in various environmental settings.

Expanded clay concrete blocks provide many benefits for contemporary building, including better fire resistance, increased thermal and acoustic insulation, and ease of handling. Manufacturers can make sure that their products consistently meet the high standards needed for safe and effective building practices by adhering to the GOST standards.

What is expanded clay concrete and products made from it

Let’s first identify the type of material. What are its primary characteristics and composition? And according to GOST, what goods may be produced using expanded clay concrete?

Composition of products and requirements for the materials used

For future blocks, the solution’s standard ingredients are sand, water, cement, and expanded clay, which serves as a porous filler.

Crushed stone, sand, algoporite, slag, or pumice gravel can also be utilized in addition to it. Special requirements are placed on materials because their precise content and proportions have a direct impact on future indicators of the attributes and qualities of the products.

The following details are included in GOST for expanded clay concrete blocks regarding this issue:

1. The expanded clay concrete solution used for the production of blocks must comply with the requirements of GOST 25820.
2. Cements are used as the main binder.
3. Fillers can be the following: expanded clay sand and gravel (GOST 32496), fly ash (GOST 25818), slag sand of ferrous and non-ferrous metallurgy (GOST 5578), sand of rocks (GOST 22263), perlite sand (GOST 10832), ash and slag mixture (GOST 25592).
4. Dyes can be used in the manufacture of tinted products;
5. Water must be purified and meet the requirements of technical documentation (GOST 23732).
6. Specific activity of radionuclides is controlled using GOST 30108.

Main requirements for technical characteristics

Let’s now examine the material’s primary technical, physical, and operational characteristics using the table.

GOST for goods: the primary collection of characteristics and attributes

Naturally, expanded clay concrete performs noticeably worse in this regard when compared to aerated or foam concrete, but this is more than offset by higher density indicators.

It is important to keep in mind that products with humidification that are in use have higher numerical values. The thermal conductivity coefficient is directly impacted by humidity, which greatly raises it. This also holds true for other materials, such as expanded clay concrete.

Regarding expanded clay blocks, GOST 33126-2014 establishes a minimum threshold of 15 cycles for the frost resistance of the products. A maximum of 500 cycles is used.

Manufacturers state that wall blocks have a numerical value between 150 and 200 cycles.

Number: extremely high.

Be aware that this is the only lightweight concrete material that can be utilized for foundation construction.

Classification and scope of material

Let’s now examine the different kinds of blocks and the criteria used to classify products.

The following products are differentiated based on the kind of expanded clay concrete they are made of:

• Wall blocks. Products have standard sizes. Used in the construction of walls and partitions. Blocks of the lowest density are used as thermal insulation material.

• Foundation blocks. Especially strong products. Used in the construction of foundations.

• Ventilation products. Highly specialized, have openings for the wiring of various utilities.

Slabs and panels are also made from expanded clay concrete, but they are not considered block products in the broad sense.

Products made from expanded clay concrete can vary depending on the average density of the blocks.

• Heat-insulating. Have the lowest density indicator, equal to 500 kg / m3. They cannot withstand any significant loads, therefore they are suitable only as a material used to insulate structures.

• Structural and heat-insulating. The most popular type of product. Actively used in the construction of buildings.

Utilized in the building of dividers and walls. possesses a 500–900 kg/m3 density.

• Structural. Characterized by high densities, reaching up to 1600 kg/m3. Used in the construction of structures subject to heavy loads. For example, load-bearing walls.

It’s also important to note that expanded clay block products come in a range of densities, with the highest being 2000 kg/m3. The formation of a different classification was predetermined by the product’s structure.

In accordance with it, the blocks are:

• Full-bodied. Heavier and more durable products. Can be used, for example, in the construction of external walls.

• Hollow. Lighter and less durable blocks. Characterized by a reduced thermal conductivity coefficient.

Both non-through and through voids are possible. While there is no set number, it usually ranges from 4 to 8 pieces.

Products vary depending on their intended use.

• Ordinary. Used in the construction of walls. Require subsequent finishing both external and internal.

• Facing. Can have 1 or 2 faced sides.

Products made with expanded clay concrete may also have different textures.

The range consists of:

• Products with a split texture;

• Smooth blocks;

• Grinded;

• Corrugated.

In addition to having tongue and grooves, the ends may be smooth.

Let us now discuss the block sizes that comply with GOST.

The dimensions of expanded clay concrete blocks in compliance with GOST 6133-99:

Expanded clay blocks for external walls: product sizes.	Height	Length	Width
	138	288	288
	138	288	138
	188	390	190
	188	290	190
	188	190	190
	188	90	190
Expanded clay blocks for partitions: product sizes.	188	590	90
	188	390	90
	188	190	90

The standard size is reflected in the parameters above. The size of the expanded clay concrete block may differ from the indications listed in Table 2 upon mutual agreement with the customer.

It’s no secret that some product deviations from standards can serve as distinguishing factors. This fact is provided for by GOST. Let’s use the table to discuss the acceptable standards.

GOST values for expanded clay blocks: acceptable ranges of deviations from nominal sizes:

Small-piece expanded clay concrete blocks and their GOST: names of permissible deviations	Ordinary block	Face block
Width and length, mm	3	3
Height	4	3
Chips on rib	5	5
Thickness of the outer wall of the hollow product	3	3
Size of the shell, largest	4	4
Height of the bulge	2	2
The length of the chips is total, per 1 m of length	50	25
Number of chipped parts	2	1
Deviations from straightness of edges and faces	3	2

Acceptance of products, storage and transportation

As we shall see later, the standard includes extensive details on the policies for accepting products in addition to technical and physical attributes.

Acceptance rules

The following are the guidelines for accepting products:

• Products are accepted by the manufacturer"s control body;
• Acceptance is carried out based on the results of acceptance and periodic tests of product compliance with standards;
• The maximum batch is considered to be a quantity equal to 250 m3. A batch is a set of products manufactured in one shift, from the same raw materials and possessing similar indicators of properties and qualities;
• Acceptance tests include: control of compressive strength, tempering strength, geometric deviations of products, and other external characteristics.
• Periodic tests are subjected to: an indicator of frost resistance, thermal conductivity, density, sound insulation.

Every batch of goods must be shipped with a conformity (quality) document that includes the following details:

1. Batch number, date of manufacture and date of issue of the document;
2. Standard number;
3. Quantity of products;
4. Date of acceptance of the material;
5. Compressive strength;
6. Frost resistance of blocks;
7. Density grade;
8. Name of the manufacturer and its address;
9. Conventional designation of products.

Requirements for transportation and rules for storing products

Any kind of transportation can be used to move products. The conditions for packing and securing the material must be fulfilled during transit. The piling (dropping) method forbids the operations of unloading and loading.

The established sample is primarily stored on pallets. Products need to be wrapped in film to protect them from the elements. It is possible to store things in both an open and a closed space.

GOST-approved expanded clay concrete blocks provide a combination of strong and lightweight building materials that are perfect for contemporary construction requirements. Expanded clay aggregates, which improve thermal insulation and lower weight without sacrificing strength, are used in the construction of these blocks. To guarantee uniform quality and performance, the GOST technical documentation specifies precise requirements for dimensions, density, compressive strength, and water absorption. In order to ensure the efficiency and safety of construction projects, builders and architects must have a thorough understanding of these features and standards.

Methods of quality control of the material

Using the table as a guide, let’s examine the fundamental approaches for managing the primary technical, physical, and external attributes of products.

Control strategies compliant with GOST:

Name	Brief description
Strength of products	The strength of products is checked by placing a selected sample under a press, where it is affected, up to destruction.
Thermal conductivity	Control is carried out by creating a stationary heat flow directed to a product of the required thickness.

It is important to note that these tests are only performed on factory-made products, despite the fact that independent production is currently very popular. For the most part, they are unable to fulfill the GOST with their own hands since they lack the tools required to produce material of a high enough quality.

As a result, experts advise following the guidelines and favoring goods that have passed the test. Although they cost more, they clearly have confidence in adhering to quality indicators.

This article’s "Expanded clay concrete blocks: testing methods" video offers helpful process information.

Characteristic	Requirement
Density	Must meet specified ranges to ensure proper insulation
Compressive Strength	Blocks should withstand a minimum force to ensure durability
Frost Resistance	Blocks must resist freezing and thawing cycles to maintain integrity
Thermal Conductivity	Low thermal conductivity for effective insulation
Water Absorption	Limited water absorption to prevent degradation

Because of their exceptional strength, weight, and thermal insulation, expanded clay concrete blocks are a well-liked option for a variety of building projects. GOST standards control these blocks, guaranteeing that they fulfill certain performance and quality standards. Builders can feel secure in the dependability and security of the materials they use by following these guidelines.

The superior thermal insulation qualities of expanded clay concrete blocks are among their main advantages. They are therefore perfect for building structures that use less energy. In addition to their fire and moisture resistance, the blocks offer an additional degree of durability and safety to buildings made of them.

Expanded clay concrete blocks have many practical uses, but they also have environmental benefits. Natural resources are used in the production process, which produces very little waste. This is in line with the construction industry’s increasing need for sustainable building practices.

It is crucial to comprehend the GOST standards for expanded clay concrete blocks to make sure that building projects adhere to the relevant safety and quality standards. These standards provide a thorough framework for the use of these materials in construction by covering a variety of topics, including block dimensions, strength, and density.

Expanded clay concrete blocks are an all-around dependable and adaptable building material. Their suitability for a broad range of applications, from residential buildings to large-scale commercial projects, is guaranteed by their compliance with GOST standards. Builders can balance performance, safety, and environmental responsibility in their construction projects by selecting these building blocks.

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