Opilic concrete blocks: overview of the characteristics of the material, production and styling technology

Opilic concrete blocks are a novel and adaptable building material that is becoming more and more well-liked in the building sector. Because of their unusual composition—a blend of sand, cement, and organic fibers—these blocks are well-known. The incorporation of organic fibers improves the insulating qualities and strength of the blocks, making them a great option for a variety of construction projects.

The lightweight nature of opilic concrete blocks is one of their best qualities. When compared to conventional concrete blocks, these blocks are simpler to handle and transport even though they are strong and long-lasting. This feature makes them a more affordable option for builders by streamlining the construction process and lowering the total amount of labor needed.

The raw ingredients, which include cement, sand, water, and organic fibers, must be precisely mixed in order to produce opilic concrete blocks. After molding the mixture into blocks, it is cured to give it the necessary strength and durability. Because of the consistent quality and performance guaranteed by this method, these blocks can be trusted for a variety of construction applications.

Using hydraulic concrete blocks is simple when it comes to installation. They provide more design and construction flexibility because they are easily cut, shaped, and fitted. Furthermore, their superior thermal insulation qualities support the maintenance of comfortable interior temperatures, enhancing building energy efficiency.

In conclusion, opilic concrete blocks are a desirable option for contemporary building projects because they combine the advantages of strength, lightweight design, and insulation. They are even more appealing due to their simple production and installation procedures, which offer builders who want to maximize cost and performance a useful and effective option.

General characteristics of the material

Begin by becoming familiar with the subject matter. Let’s investigate its composition, key characteristics, and distinctive set of benefits and drawbacks.

Composition and properties

Sawdust is a unique filler that is used in the composition of sawdust concrete blocks. Cement mortar serves as the binder.

It may also contain specialized additives like aluminum sulfate, calcium chloride, nitrate, or liquid glass. Their assistance improves the organic component’s and the binder’s adhesion.

Naturally, the unique makeup of sawdust concrete blocks led to the emergence of a unique set of characteristics that set them apart from other materials and which we will now examine.

Some images display hemp concrete, which is closely related to sawdust concrete and is referred to as "arbolite" in general. Since their external features and properties are remarkably similar and the only distinction is in the type of plant filler, this is not a big deal.

Conversely, materials with higher densities have a higher coefficient of thermal conductivity than those with lower densities.

Note: By adjusting the component proportions during the production process, the average density can be altered. This reliance is depicted in the picture.

Classification of products

Wall and partition blocks are made from sawdust concrete. Wall products are utilized in the internal and external construction of walls. To install partitions, one uses partition, respectively.

• Products can also be solid and hollow. The former are characterized by the absence of voids, are distinguished by greater weight, density and a weaker ability to maintain temperature.
• Hollow blocks can be both with through and blind voids. Their number and shape can also be different. The weight of such products is, of course, lower, as are the strength and density indicators.

• The sizes of sawdust concrete blocks in accordance with GOST can be as follows: 288*288 (138) *138, 390*190*188, 190 (90) *190*188, 290*190*188. Partition products: 590 (190, 90) *190*188.

In addition, GOST permits the production of sizes other than the ones listed above with the buyer’s consent.

Sawdust concrete can have structural or heat-insulating properties, depending on its density. The density grade of the first kind is no higher than D400. An indicator with the D500-850 range characterizes the second type.

Advantages and disadvantages of sawdust concrete

Qualities such as the following indicate strengths:

• A reduced thermal conductivity coefficient allows you to save not only on insulation, but also on heating the room in winter;
• The density of the products is sufficient for using the material as the main one in the construction of low-rise buildings;
• Ecological friendliness and fire resistance are also not unimportant advantages;
• The low weight of the products significantly reduces the load on the foundation and reduces the cost of its construction;
• Dimensions speed up the construction process;
• Sawdust concrete is easy to process, and its use is accessible to everyone;
• The possibility of making it yourself is also worth considering as an advantage, because this will help the developer not only gain invaluable experience as a manufacturer, but also save money;
• Low price.
• Vapor permeability and excellent sound insulation.

• Relatively high hygroscopicity;
• Shrinkage;
• After manufacturing, the products take a long time to reach brand strength, the period can reach 3 months;
• Poor geometry of the blocks, which makes it impossible to leave the masonry without additional covering, even if it is an outbuilding.
• The prevalence of handicraft production of this material increases the risk of purchasing low-quality products.

Opilic concrete blocks are a multipurpose building material that is well-known for its robustness, ease of use, and thermal insulation. This post examines their salient features, goes into detail about how they are made, and offers a detailed installation tutorial. Whether you’re a professional builder or a do-it-yourselfer, knowing the advantages and correct ways to use opilic concrete blocks can make a big difference in the caliber and effectiveness of your building projects.

Review of manufacturing technology

Let’s now discover how to create sawdust concrete blocks by hand.

Raw materials and equipment

Let’s begin with the basic components. Since the component proportions will depend on the strength of the blocks, you must first decide on their composition. Less water and more cement should be added to future products the higher their strength indicators.

For instance, approximately 340 liters of water are needed to produce sawdust concrete with strength grade M5–10. If you wish to create products with higher strength, like M15, the amount of liquid needed must be lowered to 250 liters.

1. For M5 grade material this is: 4 parts of sawdust, one each of cement and sand, 4 parts of lime (clay);
2. M10: 4 parts sawdust, 4 parts sand, two – cement and 3 – lime;
3. M15: 4 parts sawdust, 7 parts sand, 3 cement and two parts lime or clay;
4. M25: 4 parts sawdust, 10 parts sand, 4 parts cement and one part lime.

There are various ways to mix:

1. You can first add water and cement, and then gradually add all the other ingredients;
2. The second method involves mixing dry raw materials, adding water last.

Kindly take note! A quick test to see if the solution is ready is to squeeze a small amount of the mixture onto your palm. When you unclench your hand, the solution itself shouldn’t crumble or leak water out of it.

A factory’s sawdust concrete block production equipment can be either stationary or conveyor-based. The daily output volume varies depending on factors like cost, completeness, automation level, and so on.

If you choose to create sawdust concrete blocks by hand, you can get by with a small setup or a bare minimum of equipment, such as product molds and a concrete mixer.

This article’s video, "Equipment for the production of sawdust concrete blocks," will provide a clear explanation of the manufacturing process.

Kindly take note! Speak with sawmills if you want to save more money. Owners frequently give away production waste, such as sawdust, for free. There is also a decrease in the price of raw materials.

Stages of the production process

There are multiple steps involved in the creation of sawdust concrete blocks.

• The mixture is mixed in the proportions specified above, in accordance with the required strength indicators.
• Then the mixture is molded into molds of the required size.
• After partial hardening, the blocks are removed.
• Then sawdust concrete is dried for at least one month.

Kindly take note! Since lime lengthens the hardening time, you can substitute another component in the composition to expedite the process. Furthermore, using lime will cost more because it’s not a cheap material.

A straightforward technique to test the products’ strength or readiness is to drop them from a height of no more than one meter. The block must not be twisted or warped.

The video will assist you in seeing the sawdust concrete block production process in clear detail.

Masonry technology

As soon as the blocks are prepared, you must lay them out immediately. Let’s take a step-by-step look at the work process, beginning with a list of the equipment and supplies that are required.

Necessary materials and tools

And which is preferable, cement mortar or specialty glue, in your opinion? Now let’s examine.

• As we found out, sawdust concrete has a low thermal conductivity coefficient. Glue is characterized by the same quality. But cement mortar is quite the opposite.
• Moreover, the thickness of the layer when laying using homemade cement mortar will be significantly higher, which will increase the number of cold bridges, and, as a result, reduce the thermal efficiency of the wall.
• The solution is cheaper? In fact, this is so. However, if you calculate everything carefully, the costs can change significantly.
• The room will become colder, and this will require more intensive insulation. And if specialists are hired, their services will be more expensive, since mixing cement mortar requires more labor and time.
• We conclude: glue is definitely better and more practical.

The following equipment is needed:

• Building level;

• Thread or cord;

• Rubber hammer;

• Tool for applying mortar;

• Reinforcement mesh;

• Container for mixing glue;

• Concrete mixer if mortar is used. It is necessary for mixing it;

• Mixer, drill;

• Square.

Laying process

The process of laying sawdust concrete is comparable to that of building structures using prototypes of other lightweight concrete.

The following is the work order:

1. The first products are laid in the corners of the future building.
2. Experts recommend installing the first row using a cement-based mortar.
3. A construction cord is pulled between the products, which will help to better navigate in terms of evenness.
4. If it becomes obvious that you need to cut the block, you can use a simple hacksaw for this, since sawdust concrete is easy to process.
5. When laying row after row, do not forget about the dressing, do not allow the vertical seams to coincide.
6. To improve the strength characteristics of the structure, it is necessary to carry out reinforcement.
7. During the work, it is imperative to control the evenness of the masonry using a level and correct it in time, since after the mortar has set, it will no longer be possible to disassemble the laid section.

Consequently, until the masonry reaches the necessary height, row after row is laid.

Calculation of the composition of the mortar for masonry work

Comparison of sawdust concrete with other competing materials

Concrete made of sawdust and other lightweight concrete substitutes:

Property	Sawdust concrete	Hebrew concrete (arbolite on fire or chips)	Foam concrete	Polystyrene concrete	Expanded clay concrete
Thermal conductivity, W * Ms	0.07-0.3	0.07-0.28	0.08-0.37	0.05-0.16	0.14-0.5
Frost resistance, cycles	50	150	100	150	200
Density, kg/m3	400-850	400-900	300-1200	150-600	400-2000
Strength grade, B	0.5-3.5	0.5-3.5	0.5-12.5	0.5-2.5	1.5-20
Water absorption, %	15%	15%	10%	5%	18%
Shrinkage	5%	5%	3%	3%	Not subject to

I want to focus especially on the comparison between arbolite and sawdust concrete.

• In fact, these materials are extremely similar to each other, including in terms of properties. However, there are also fundamental differences. The fact is that arbolite, unlike its brother-Opilco concrete, is made using wood chips, which can also replace a fire of flax, rice straws or hemp.
• It is the presence of such a filler that provides increased strength of the material to bending and deformation. It is in these indicators that arbolite seriously surpasses sawdust concrete.
• The combination of thermal conductivity and density also speaks in favor of arbolite. In order for sawdust concrete to reach a strength equal to M25, its density must be at least 900 kg / m3. And arbolite with a larger filler will be enough and 700 kg / m3. With an increase in density, the coefficient of thermal conductivity also increases, that is, thermal efficiency – falls.
• The cost price of arbolite is significantly higher. This is due to several factors. Firstly, wood chips cost money, secondly, it must be carefully processed.

Because sawdust is a waste product, it is entirely free to obtain. And for pennies, as they say, if they have to be bought.

That is, because sawdust concrete and arbolite on a fire share a wood component in their composition, we can draw comparisons between them based on similarity. The primary distinctions between the materials are determined by the form in which this component is present, which also influences the indicators.

Characteristic	Details
Material Composition	Opilic concrete blocks are made from a mixture of cement, water, sand, and specific additives to enhance strength and durability.
Production Process	The mixture is poured into molds and left to cure. During curing, the blocks gain their strength and specific properties.
Styling Technology	Blocks are laid in a staggered pattern to ensure stability. A layer of mortar is applied between blocks to bond them securely.
Advantages	These blocks offer excellent thermal insulation, soundproofing, and are resistant to fire and pests.
Applications	Opilic concrete blocks are ideal for constructing walls, partitions, and various structural elements in buildings.

Opilic concrete blocks provide a strong and adaptable answer for contemporary building requirements. These blocks, which are well-known for their sturdiness and strength, can be used for both residential and commercial construction projects. Their composition, which consists of a mixture of sand, cement, and lightweight aggregates, guarantees handling ease and durability while construction is underway.

In order to achieve the proper material balance, opilic concrete blocks must be produced through a precise mixing process, molding, and curing. Blocks produced using this manufacturing process are consistently high-quality and high-performing. The blocks are a versatile option for architects and builders since they can be shaped and sized to match unique building specifications.

Optic concrete blocks are relatively easy to work with when it comes to installation. Because they are lightweight, workers experience less physical strain, and aligning and stacking them is made easier by their uniform size and shape. An attractive and robust final structure is guaranteed by using proper styling techniques, such as the use of appropriate mortar and placement.

All things considered, hydraulic concrete blocks are a dependable and effective choice for building projects. Because of their strength, simplicity of use, and adaptability, they are a preferred option for builders who want to finish their projects quickly and with high-quality results. These building blocks offer a strong foundation for success whether you’re starting a small-scale remodel or a large-scale construction project.

Video on the topic

sawdust concrete blocks. sawdust concrete blocks

Sawdust concrete after 2 years! Review of FIVE Sawdust Concrete Houses!

Arbolite blocks. Technology for the production of high-quality arbolite from the BorStroyLes company