Reinforcement of aerated concrete – necessary materials, technology

Aerated concrete is unique among building materials in that it is both lightweight and strong. Aerated concrete, which is frequently used in construction due to its fire resistance and thermal insulation, can be reinforced even more. Through the integration of additional materials, this process improves its structural integrity and makes it appropriate for a wider range of applications.

Steel rebars or fibers are commonly used as reinforcement materials for aerated concrete. Because of their strength and capacity to withstand tensile forces in concrete structures, steel rebars are frequently used. During construction, these rebars are carefully positioned within the aerated concrete to offer support and stop it from cracking under pressure. As an alternative, fibers like glass or polypropylene can be mixed into the concrete mixture to increase its durability and resistance to shrinking.

Although the technology for reinforcing aerated concrete is simple, it is essential to the structure’s stability and longevity. The integration of reinforcement materials occurs after the assembly of the aerated concrete panels or blocks during construction. To get the best results from this process, meticulous planning and adherence to engineering specifications are necessary.

The increased strength of reinforced aerated concrete without sacrificing its lightweight characteristics is one of its main advantages. This makes it perfect for uses like residential and commercial buildings, as well as infrastructure projects, where both reduced weight and structural integrity are crucial factors.

Any architect, engineer, or builder who wants to make effective use of this versatile building material must understand the technology and materials needed for reinforcing aerated concrete. Aerated concrete can meet and even surpass performance requirements with the right reinforcing techniques, providing long-term solutions for contemporary building methods.

In order to guarantee structural integrity and durability, reinforcing aerated concrete in the construction industry requires certain materials and techniques. This article examines the key elements and methods required to properly reinforce aerated concrete. This guide attempts to give a clear overview, covering everything from knowing the different kinds of reinforcement materials, like fibers or mesh, to outlining the precise steps involved in their application. The significance of reinforcement in augmenting the robustness and adaptability of aerated concrete constructions will be underscored, providing readers with a better understanding of how to employ these techniques efficiently in diverse construction endeavors.

General information

Among the class of lightweight cellular concretes that are produced by a number of intricate production processes is autoclaved aerated concrete.

1. Mixing lime, quartz sand, gypsum, cement and water.
2. Forming the finished mixture.
3. Cutting blocks to size using a string cutting machine.
4. Autoclave processing of products, allowing you to get a material with specified properties.

Aerated concrete products offer the following benefits:

• low bulk density (400-600 kg/m3), which reduces the load on the foundation of the building;
• in terms of environmental friendliness, products made of porous concrete are not inferior to wood, but unlike it, are not subject to decay;
• the optimal size of the blocks allows to increase the laying speed several times and significantly reduce the labor intensity of the process;
• small thickness of the seams (up to 3 mm) – the laying is carried out on a special adhesive composition;
• low thermal conductivity;
• frost resistance F25 and higher;
• good sound insulation (Rw = 43-58 dB);
• high heat resistance (up to 1000 ° C);
• vapor permeability;
• ease of processing – the material can be cut with a regular wood saw.

1. High water absorption, which complicates finishing work associated with wet processes (rapid drying of the surface – the appearance of cracks).
2. Low resistance to mechanical loads. Even a small settlement of the foundation can cause the formation of cracks on the facade of the building.

Reinforcing aerated concrete blocks is one method of guarding against the aforementioned flaws in structures composed of porous materials.

This publication will address the effectiveness of this process as well as the types of reinforcement techniques used in contemporary construction. We also suggest watching the video in this article to get a better idea of how to reinforce aerated concrete and to know what surprises might occur during the project.

Reinforcement of masonry – features

Firstly, when building a building’s walls out of cellular concrete, the following areas of aerated concrete masonry need to be reinforced:

1. The first row of masonry of the external walls of the structure (masonry roll mesh or reinforcing tape for aerated concrete).
2. Every fourth tier (reinforcement bars).
3. Lintels for window and door openings (reinforcement frame).
4. Upper belt of masonry reinforcement at the level of the ceilings (reinforcement frame).
5. Reinforcement of partitions made of aerated concrete (masonry mesh or perforated tape).
6. Reinforcement of gable masonry.

Materials

There are various methods for reinforcing aerated concrete masonry. The primary technique is to use hot-rolled steel reinforcement of periodic profile AII, AIII to strengthen the load-bearing walls. Available in 6-to 12-meter measuring rods or skeins.

It is made up of two longitudinal ribs and corrugated profiles. One meter’s weight, 6.3–7.9 kg.

Soft knitting wire (0.8–1.2 mm) and low-carbon reinforcement VR-1 are also used for knitting the jumper frames and installing the upper reinforced belt.

It is sometimes permissible to use fiberglass (composite) reinforcement with the same diameter in order to conserve material resources.

When doing masonry work from aerated concrete blocks, the profile is widely used due to its low weight and affordable price.

The following is composite reinforcement’s primary drawback:

• low heat resistance;
• impossibility of connecting rods by welding;
• cannot be bent.

Consequently, steel reinforcement is required in any event when reinforcing aerated concrete blocks in the corners of load-bearing walls.

Typically, Ø 3 mm galvanized masonry mesh with 50×50 mm cells is utilized to reinforce the first row of blocks. Since the adhesive layer is only two to three millimeters thick, mesh can be used if masonry is being done on a cement-sand mortar. However, using such material for reinforcement will result in an additional three millimeters being added to the masonry seam.

Reinforcing perforated tape can be used as an alternative to mesh and fiberglass reinforcement. It is a 25–100 mm wide, 4–8 mm thick strip of galvanized steel. It is made into rolls.

With the exception of chasing the masonry, the reinforcement technology is the same as when employing reinforcement. The strips are adhered to the aerated concrete masonry using glue or screws.

The two main uses of reinforcing tape are interior partition laying and reinforcing aerated concrete pediments.

Tools

The following equipment is required to work on reinforcing aerated concrete walls (see table):

Work procedure

How can the aerated concrete masonry be reinforced to maximize the effect and give the structure exceptional strength and longevity?

In order to increase aerated concrete’s strength and durability in a variety of construction applications, reinforcement is essential. Through an understanding of the required materials and technology, builders can efficiently leverage the advantages of this robust yet lightweight material.

First off, steel rebars or mesh are commonly utilized as reinforcing materials for aerated concrete. These materials were selected because, in contrast to regular concrete, aerated concrete is not as strong at withstanding tensile forces. By distributing stress evenly throughout the structure, the reinforcement lessens the likelihood of cracks and enhances structural integrity overall.

Second, careful planning and execution are required for the reinforcing of aerated concrete process. Builders arrange the reinforcement materials according to engineering specifications before pouring concrete. By taking this step, you can be sure that the concrete structure will support loads over time without collapsing due to structural weaknesses.

Furthermore, sophisticated methods like fiber reinforcement and polymer additives are now part of the technology used to reinforce aerated concrete. These developments improve the material’s qualities even more, making it appropriate for a larger variety of building projects where insulating and lightweight qualities are preferred.

In summary, the purpose of reinforcing aerated concrete is to ensure longevity and dependability in construction, not just to add strength. Builders can fully utilize aerated concrete to create resilient and sustainable structures for the future by using the right materials and following the right procedures.

Video on the topic

Reinforcement of aerated concrete masonry, reinforcement scheme. How and what to reinforce aerated concrete block with.

REINFORCEMENT AND BANDAGE OF UNUSUAL WALLS FROM AERATE CONCRETE, full version

21) Reinforcement of aerated concrete masonry