Aerated concrete is becoming more and more common for construction because of its superior thermal insulation qualities, low weight, and simplicity of use. To ensure structural integrity, it does, however, have its own set of requirements, just like any other building material. An important part of this process is reinforcing the aerated concrete walls, which improves the construction’s strength and durability.
In order to keep the structure from cracking and make sure it can endure different kinds of stresses over time, reinforcement is required. To add more support, this entails putting steel bars or mesh into the aerated concrete. Builds can be made to be both safe and durable by following established building codes and practical guidelines.
Anyone using aerated concrete must be aware of the building codes regarding reinforcement. These codes offer comprehensive guidance on the kind, location, and quantity of reinforcement needed for various applications. They are made to make sure the structure satisfies all safety requirements and functions effectively in a variety of scenarios.
In actuality, there are a number of crucial processes involved in reinforcing aerated concrete walls, from design and planning to the actual installation of reinforcement materials. To guarantee that the reinforcement is effective and that the walls retain their structural integrity, each step needs to be carefully considered. Building professionals can accomplish a sturdy and resilient construction by adhering to best practices and guidelines.
Aerated concrete walls require reinforcing in order to maintain structural stability and longevity, especially in areas that are vulnerable to earthquake activity or large loads. Following building codes and best practices increases the structure’s overall durability and safety by preventing cracks and other damage. In order to create a sturdy and dependable construction, this article will walk you through the fundamentals of wall reinforcement, including the different types of reinforcements, correct installation methods, and adherence to applicable standards.
- Reinforcement of partitions and walls
- Reinforcement with rods
- Reinforcement with mesh
- Anchoring at the joints of walls and partitions
- Device of lintels
- Video on the topic
- Oleg SE | Assalt mesh reinforcement of aerated concrete.
- The technical supervision of a house from aerated concrete from Gleb Green: Full analysis of construction technology // APS DSK
- A gas block wall reinforcement
- How to plaster aerated concrete. Which glue is suitable for gas blocks? Reinforcement
- Do I need to reinforce gas blocks? / Reinforcement of aerated concrete blocks
- REINFORCEMENT OF AERED CONCRETE / HOW AND WHY TO REINFORCE AERATED CONCRETE WALLS / reinforcement of aerated concrete walls
- There is no need to reinforce aerated concrete masonry. The topic is closed!
Reinforcement of partitions and walls
When installing walls, it’s important to follow the suggested technologies to avoid cracks. These include:
- be sure to equip a reinforced strip foundation in accordance with building codes and the depth of laying below the level of soil freezing;
- strictly maintain the horizontality of the rows of walls made of aerated concrete blocks,
- reinforce (strengthen) the masonry every two or three rows in height;
- equip monolithic reinforced concrete lintels above the openings,
- correctly perform a monolithic reinforced concrete belt along all load-bearing walls under the floor and roof slabs.
Rebar should be placed every three rows in height (for blocks h 250), per the process map for building and reinforcing aerated concrete walls composed of products under the Ø 500 – Ô 600 brand.
Reinforcement with rods
Because the adhesive joint thickness for aerated concrete should not exceed 3 mm, the technology for reinforcing wall structures composed of aerated concrete is different from that outlined in SNiP 3.03.01-87. However, the thickness of the horizontal joint in masonry composed of regular-shaped stones cannot be greater than 12 mm (or 16 mm in the case of reinforced masonry).
When installing rods in walls thicker than 200 mm, move back from the block’s edges by 60 mm and use a chaser to create two 25 x 25 mm grooves. In contrast to structures reinforced with other piece materials, there is no need for transverse rods because the reinforcement Ø8 is bent into place and grooves are cut at corners using roundings.
For the purpose of preventing metal corrosion, the grooves must be thoroughly cleaned of dust, moistened, and filled with glue before the reinforcement is laid. Any imperfections from the previous row should be cleaned and sanded before starting the next.
For the purpose of preventing metal corrosion, the grooves must be thoroughly cleaned of dust, moistened, and filled with glue before the reinforcement is laid. Any imperfections from the previous row should be cleaned and sanded before starting the next.
According to technical solutions, the masonry beneath window openings should be strengthened with class AIII Ø 6-8 mm reinforcement, extending 50 cm past the window opening. The procedure for reinforcement is as follows: glue-filled grooves are inserted with the rods.
- with longitudinal reinforcement, the rods are connected along the length by welding;
- joints of smooth reinforcement are arranged without welding, the ends of the rods overlap by 20 diameters, finish with hooks and tie with wire (for reinforcement Ø 8, the overlap will be 160 mm).
Video: Aerated concrete wall reinforcement:
Reinforcement with mesh
There is a belief that a reinforcing mesh can be used for reinforcement. Limiting the adhesive joint’s thickness, shielding the metal from corrosion, and ensuring adequate thermal insulation along the transverse reinforcement (the absence of "cold bridges") are requirements that must be met in order to choose a mesh.
The use of fiberglass reinforcing mesh or a mesh of reinforcing wire with 5×5 cm cells is suggested. It is advised to place it five centimeters away from the outer wall’s edge.
The thickness of the horizontal joints will increase when the diameter of the reinforcing mesh rods rises to 3 mm and beyond. The procedure involves first laying the mesh on a layer of glue, then applying another layer on top, and finally mounting the blocks.
Kindly take note! Transverse reinforcement from small mesh blocks should be laid so that two or more reinforcement rods protrude 2-3 mm onto the inner surface of the pier, per SNiP 3.03.01-87.
Anchoring at the joints of walls and partitions
Fixing the masonry with T-shaped or L-shaped anchors, strip steel plates δ 3 mm, or metal brackets Ø 4-6 mm is required when connecting longitudinal and transverse gas block walls end-to-end. Every two or three rows of masonry, but no fewer than two elements per floor, ties are placed in the seams.
T-shaped anchors or metal brackets installed in horizontal seams are acceptable for wall and partition fastening.
The necessity of building walls out of blocks! Stainless steel or regular steel with an anti-corrosion coating are used to make embedded components.
Device of lintels
Due to the calculated loads, materials, and structures used, there are multiple design options for the lintel device in aerated concrete buildings.
- For the construction of monolithic sections, U-shaped aerated concrete blocks with a void inside are provided, which act as permanent formwork. They are installed so that the wide shelf is located on the outside. Aerated concrete block for external walls 30 cm wide or more is designed for the device of a load-bearing lintel.
Because U-shaped blocks come in 60 cm lengths and various widths, temporary formwork must be erected to support the blocks in order to install lintels above the opening.
Building codes generally require that the load-bearing lintel on partitions supporting openings up to 1800 mm wide be supported by a minimum of 25 cm. This means that the length of the monolithic section will be at least the opening width plus 250 mm x 2.
- Depending on the technical solutions offered by the manufacturers of aerated concrete blocks, the recommendations for equipping monolithic lintels on removable formwork may differ slightly. Thus, for self-supporting walls, it is recommended to equip ordinary lintels with reinforcement of class AIII rods Ø 10-12 mm, laid with a step of 5 – 7 cm and inserted into the piers by 300 … 350 mm.
In contrast, reinforced brick lintels in brick walls are constructed on formwork that is positioned beneath the opening’s bottom row of bricks. Rods are laid in mortar; the quantity depends on the project, but it must be at least three.
The ends of the smooth reinforcement, which has a minimum diameter of 6 mm, are bent with hooks and inserted 25 cm into the piers. Even without bends, rods with a periodic profile are inserted into the walls.
Metal cannot be placed on the exterior surface of the aerated concrete external wall device.
As per the specifications outlined in GOST 948-84, "jumpers," hot-rolled steel of class A-III or reinforcing wire of class VR-I should be used for the longitudinal reinforcement of the jumpers; for the transverse hot-bearing steel of class A-III, A-I or reinforcing wire of class VR-I. The project or computation is used to determine the diameter of the reinforcing rods.
For instance, wire Ø 6 can be used for longitudinal reinforcement Ø 10–12 on the below and above in reinforced concrete jumpers up to 2000 mm long. It is acceptable to use rods with a smaller section than the lower to reinforce the upper part.
How to knit reinforcement in a video:
Aspect | Details |
Building Codes | Follow national standards for wall reinforcement, typically requiring horizontal and vertical reinforcement bars. |
Materials | Use steel reinforcement bars (rebars) of appropriate thickness, often specified in building codes. |
Spacing | Reinforcement bars should be spaced at regular intervals, as recommended by building codes. |
Installation | Ensure proper placement and secure attachment of reinforcement bars to maintain wall stability. |
Inspection | Regularly inspect reinforcement placement and quality before pouring concrete to avoid structural issues. |
Aerated concrete walls must be properly reinforced to guarantee the stability and durability of the building. Following best practices and building codes will greatly increase the robustness and longevity of your walls. Using the appropriate tools and materials, like steel rebar or mesh, to provide the required support is part of this process.
Paying close attention to details is essential throughout the reinforcement process. Every step counts toward attaining the intended outcomes, from choosing the best reinforcement technique to making sure the installation is done correctly. A safe and dependable structure can be created by adhering to the rules and specifications established by building codes.
Even though aerated concrete has many advantages, such as ease of use and thermal insulation, properly reinforcing it is essential to preserving its performance over time. You may invest in your building’s longevity and safety by taking the time to properly reinforce your walls, which will ensure that it can bear a variety of loads and stresses.
In conclusion, strengthening walls made of aerated concrete is an important part of the building process that shouldn’t be disregarded. Building codes must be followed, and efficient techniques must be used, in order to construct a sturdy, long-lasting structure that satisfies safety requirements and offers comfort. Your aerated concrete walls will endure with the correct care, offering a strong base for any project.