Expanded clay concrete is a multipurpose building material that is well-known for its superior insulation and lightweight characteristics. Cement, water, and expanded clay aggregates are combined to make it. Because of its special composition, it offers a number of advantages and can be used for a variety of building projects.
To meet particular needs, the ingredient proportions can be changed to produce a variety of strengths and densities. Builders can design long-lasting, energy-efficient structures by knowing the proper combination.
Expanded clay concrete comes in a variety of forms, each intended for a specific use. The right material for the job can be chosen by understanding the qualities of each type, whether it is for insulation, walls, or floors.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Composition | Expanded clay, cement, sand, and water |
| Proportions | Typically 1 part cement, 3 parts expanded clay, 2 parts sand |
| Types | Structural, insulating, and structural-insulating |
| Characteristics | Lightweight, good thermal insulation, durable, fire-resistant |
| Uses | Walls, floors, roofing, foundations |
Types of expanded clay concrete and their characteristics
The brand and density of expanded clay concrete define its primary properties. The components and their respective fractions utilized in the construction material’s composition determine these indicators.
Building materials are divided into three groups based on density:
- sandless;
- porous;
- dense.
Concrete that doesn’t require sand is made with cement, gravel, and water. No more sand is added to the mixture.
This low-cost material is used for the walls, ceilings, and floor bases of low-rise buildings.
Three different kinds of building blocks are created using porous mixtures, and they vary in terms of strength indicators:
- thermal insulation blocks d (400-700) – used to insulate the walls of buildings;
- thermal insulation and structural products d (800-1400) – designed for insulation and construction of internal partitions;
- wall building materials d (1400-2000) – used for the construction of engineering structures.
While dense expanded clay concrete has many of the qualities of both porous and non-porous concrete, it also contains a lot of cement. Due to its high cost, this building material is not frequently utilized in construction.
Bulk density is another factor used to classify ceramic concrete.
This indicator classifies the building material into three groups:
- heavy – bulk density of 1200-1400 kg / cubic. m, strength value – 25 MPa;
- light – bulk density of 800-1000 kg / cubic. m, it includes a light expanded clay component;
- especially light – bulk density of 600-1800 kg / cubic. m, strength value – 7.5-40 MPa.
In addition to expanded clay, you can also add slag pumice or ash gravel when making your own concrete mortar.
What grades are there
Expanded clay concrete comes in the following grades based on the properties of strength:
- M300 – the material has increased strength indicators, so it is used in the construction of foundation bases and load-bearing engineering structures.
- M200 — used for casting lightweight basement floors and producing building blocks for erecting walls.
- M150 – the material is intended for casting wall panels, the production of lightweight expanded clay blocks.
- M100 – the composition is often used to arrange the floor ties.
- M (50.75) – building material is designed to arrange partitions in rooms and thermal insulation of external walls.
What is built from this type of concrete
In the construction industry, keramziton concrete is a versatile material that is frequently utilized. Its characteristic is
- In low -rise construction. Build blocks, panels, and other overlapping materials are made from light expanded clay concrete solution. Often this building material is used for the construction of baths and as the inner layer of multi -level wall panels.
- To arrange a floor screed, internal partitions. When pouring the floor screed, the material performs the heat -insulating function. To make the floor screed harden faster and gain the necessary strength, it is recommended to make a solution in the following proportion: 1 part cement, 3 parts sand, 2 parts stone, 1 part water.
- Production of floor slabs. The building material is manufactured using casting technology. Advantages of finished products: heat retention inside the house, low weight, moisture resistance, long service life. The only drawback is that the building material is quite fragile.
- Construction of foundations and load-bearing walls of buildings. High-strength expanded clay concretes made of Portland cement are used for these purposes. Monolithic slabs are additionally reinforced with a steel frame, which increases the strength of the material.
Expanded clay blocks
Depending on their intended use, expanded clay concrete blocks come in a variety of sizes. Products can look different from one another. Building materials primarily come in two varieties: solid and hollow blocks.
Based on the shape of the cavities, hollow products are classified into the following subtypes:
- cylindrical;
- rectangular;
- slotted;
- fine-slotted.
Solid products are stronger than hollow blocks, but they don’t insulate well against heat. These blocks are made to order with metal pin holes in them.
Cement serves as the primary binding agent for building blocks. When creating the material yourself, keep in mind that the product’s thermal insulation qualities will decrease with the amount of cement added to the mixture. To increase the building material’s water-repellent properties, hydrophobic cement is frequently utilized.
It is advised to incorporate a small amount of alite cement into the mixture if heat treatment of expanded clay concrete blocks is required. In this instance, the products’ polymerization will happen more quickly when heated.
Composition
Making your own expanded clay concrete mixture is not hard. Maintaining the ratios of the solution’s constituent parts, which are determined by the material’s intended use, is crucial.
Normal ratios of the elements that make up ceramic concrete:
- 1 part cement;
- 2 parts sand;
- 5 parts of expanded clay.
Additionally, expanded clay concrete can be combined with ash or sawdust.
The dry ingredients of ceramic concrete are thoroughly mixed without the addition of water first, and then the liquid. One can prepare this concoction on their own. Since additives hinder the concrete’s ability to harden, it is advised to prepare the expanded clay concrete mixture using only clean, cold water. It is best to take drinking water instead of using contaminated water as this will cause a white coating to appear on the finished products’ surface.
You will require specific forms if you need to create building blocks. After filling them with the completed mixture, a vibrating tool is used to compact it, and if more solution is needed, it is added. The products are left to air dry for a week after pouring.
Expanded clay concrete is a multipurpose material with special advantages for a range of building uses. Expanded clay, cement, water, and sand are the ingredients that give it strength and light weight, as well as good fire resistance and insulation.
To achieve the desired properties, it is imperative to comprehend the proper proportions when mixing expanded clay concrete. There are various varieties of expanded clay concrete that are designed for particular applications, like soundproofing, thermal insulation, or structural components.
The particular qualities required for a project should be taken into account when choosing expanded clay concrete. Expansion clay concrete is a long-lasting and effective material that can be used for walls, floors, or foundations, and it can withstand the rigors of contemporary building practices.
Builders and engineers can design strong, resilient structures that are also energy-efficient and environmentally friendly by utilizing the special qualities of expanded clay concrete. This material is becoming more and more well-liked as a cutting-edge choice in the building sector.
The ingredients of expanded clay concrete, a flexible and lightweight building material, are cement, water, and expanded clay aggregates. This article examines the ideal ratios for making robust and long-lasting mixtures, the different kinds of expanded clay concrete, and their unique qualities that suit them for a range of construction applications, from structural support to insulation and soundproofing.
