Secrets and nuances of the device of a plinth from aerated concrete

There are special benefits to building with aerated concrete, especially if you’re building baseboards or skirting boards, or "plinths." These fundamental components cover gaps between walls and floors and improve a space’s aesthetic appeal in addition to their utilitarian uses. Known for being both lightweight and durable, aerated concrete installation involves certain subtleties and tricks that must be followed to get the best results.

Cement, lime, sand, and water are the ingredients of aerated concrete, also known as autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC), which is a lightweight building material. Its air-bubble-filled porous structure provides excellent thermal insulation and ease of handling during construction. Because AAC resists mold, moisture, and pests, it is a low-maintenance and long-lasting material for plinths compared to more conventional options like wood or plaster.

Aerated concrete plinth installation entails a few essential steps that are marginally different from those for other materials. First and foremost, surface preparation is essential. The surfaces of the walls and floors need to be dry, spotless, and free of any debris that could prevent proper adhesion. Aerated concrete plinths are easier to handle and cut than heavier materials, which makes them more manageable for accurate fitting and adjustments during installation.

Selecting the right adhesive is one of the keys to installing aerated concrete plinths successfully. It is advised to use an excellent, flexible adhesive that is appropriate for AAC. With this kind of adhesive, the plinth and the wall or floor surfaces are guaranteed to be firmly attached, allowing for small movements without breaking. Future problems can be avoided by following the manufacturer’s instructions and applying the adhesive evenly and giving it enough time to cure.

The finishing of aerated concrete plinths is another crucial factor to take into account. Aerated concrete plinths can frequently keep their smooth, natural finish, unlike traditional plinths that might need extensive painting or sealing. To further improve their aesthetic appeal, they can, if desired, be painted with appropriate AAC-friendly paints or coatings to match the décor of the room.

Finally, compared to other materials, aerated concrete plinths require little maintenance. They normally require little maintenance because they are resistant to mold and moisture. Their appearance can usually be maintained over time with a little bit of detergent or a damp cloth, which makes them a sensible and long-lasting option for both commercial and residential settings.

In conclusion, knowing the subtleties of aerated concrete plinth installation can make a big difference in how well your building or remodeling project turns out in general. You can make sure that your plinths have long-lasting functionality and durability in addition to a beautiful appearance by paying attention to these insights and suggestions.

Is it possible to build from aerated concrete blocks?

The hydrogeological characteristics of the land plot and the architectural design of the residential property dictate the use of aerated concrete blocks in plinth structures.

The plinth needs to be placed on the foundation and can range in height from 0.8 to 2 meters.

Its functions include distributing loads from the building elements to the foundation and establishing a barrier to prevent the infiltration of street cold and ground moisture.

It frequently serves an architectural purpose as well; a house that has a low base nevertheless appears far more presentable than one that does not. Many owners also set up boiler rooms, garages, utility rooms, and laundry rooms in the basement.

Experts typically approve the construction of a building’s basement and basement level using both monolithic and aerated concrete blocks. But in this instance, several preventative actions will have to be done simultaneously.

This is mostly because aerated concrete has a high hygroscopicity. The soil basement will absorb moisture if proper protection is not taken, which is undesirable since it will result in unfavorable operating conditions for the entire house.

In terms of thermal protection, since aerated concrete is a warm wall material, selecting the necessary wall thickness effectively resolves the thermal protection problem for the aerated concrete-block basement.

Preferably, a monolithic strip foundation should be equipped if the project calls for aerated concrete blocks or monolithic GB for the base and walls of the house.

In what cases is this not suitable?

The foundation’s stability is threatened when aerated concrete block bases develop fissures due to improper foundation parameter selection and calculation. This results from the aerated concrete’s base masonry’s poor bending strength.

Furthermore, the base may bend with the subsequent formation of cracks if the foundation upon which it rests is not stable and rigid, has notable geometric variations, and does not match the type of soil, terrain, or height of the building.

An expertly finished home project is required to avoid this, and experts are required to build the foundation and base in accordance with the plan.

The project must consider the unique features of the terrain, such as the presence of slopes and elevation variations, the design load on the foundations, and the characteristics of the soil, such as the degree of heaving and the height of groundwater.

It’s acceptable to construct a house using lightweight wall materials—ideally made of comparable aerated concrete blocks—for basement walls composed of that material. The house can only have a maximum of two stories in terms of stories at the same time.

Given the aforementioned limitations, an aerated concrete basement shouldn’t be used.

1. shallow strip foundation;
2. columnar;
3. pile-screw and any other foundations with a drainage system.

Requirements

GOST No. 25485 from 1989 is the fundamental document governing the manufacture, installation, and use of aerated concrete for the base.

GOST permits the production of three types of aerated concrete blocks: heat-insulating, which is the weakest type; structural, heat-insulating, which is the medium strength; and high-strength structural. The requirements are categorized based on the modification and purpose of the products.

For blocks made of GB

The maximum product density for these aerated concrete modifications is determined:

• structural – grade D from 1000 to 1200;
• heat-insulating – grade D from 300 to 500;
• structural and heat-insulating – grade D from 500 to 900.

It is preferable to use structural aerated concrete with grade D 1000 and higher for long-lasting structures, which include the base. The grade D indicator is based on the product’s density in kilograms per cubic meter.

Principal attributes of aerated concrete blocks for grade M 1000 base:

• density, 1000-1200 kg / m 3 ;
• strength class, B5.0 – B 7.5;
• thermal conductivity coefficient, 0.29 W/m2 xC;
• frost resistance, F100 cycles;
• environmentally friendly;
• non-flammable;
• durability over 50 years.

Thick walls have a higher thermal resistance, which prevents heat from the inside of the home from escaping to the street. This means that masonry thickness is determined by considering both protective qualities and the strength of the base. The area’s climate is taken into account when calculating this indicator.

The basement walls made of M 1000 aerated concrete in Moscow must be thicker than 400 mm, per SNIP climatology and heat engineering – Rreq = 3.15, with an operational humidity of 5% and a thermal conductivity coefficient of 0.29 W/(m2 xC).

If the developer decides to install blocks with a lower thickness based on strength calculations for low-rise buildings, they will need to provide an extra layer of thermal protection using mineral wool or another heat insulator.

Because of the lime content in aerated concrete blocks, which makes metal more prone to corrosion, the blocks will require reinforcement consisting of polymer bonds or metal coated with an anti-corrosion layer in order to be strengthened.

Monolithic GB

The on-site formwork is filled with monolithic aerated concrete; liquid mortar needs to have the same properties as GB blocks:

1. Environmental safety.
2. Fire safety.
3. Strength not lower than B5.0 – B 7.5.
4. Thermal conductivity coefficient, 0.20 W/m2 xC.
5. Frost resistance over F100 cycles.
6. Durability over 50 years.
7. For basement floors, the sound absorption rate is additionally normalized to at least 40 dB.

Unlike GB blocks, monolithic foam concrete has certain limitations due to the formwork’s dimensions and pouring technology. These limitations include layer thickness, adherence to working mixture preparation proportions, and the requirement for additional surface protection following formwork removal.

Dispensers are specialized tools that must be used in order to complete monolithic work without altering the intended ingredient ratios.

Requirements for construction

Regarding cellular concrete and blocks composed of cellular materials, as well as specifications for building and structure foundations, they are defined by several regulatory documents.

Fundamental regulations and acts needed to build a plinth out of GB blocks and monolithic aerated concrete:

1. The minimum height of the plinth is determined to be at least 0.8 meters.
2. The need for waterproofing and heat protection work is left at 0.5 m between the base and the walls of the pit.
3. In basement rooms with air humidity from 65 to 75%, external/internal walls are hydrophobized, and at humidity over 75%, a separate vapor barrier layer is installed.
4. The maximum permitted crack opening width for GB is 0.2 mm for a short time.
5. The permissible shrinkage level of basement walls after drying is 0.5 mm per 1 m of masonry.
6. Mandatory use of fine-grained glue, which increases the heat resistance of the walls up to 30% due to the absence of "cold bridges" and increases their strength characteristics.

There are a few important tips and tricks to using aerated concrete to make a baseboard that is strong and long-lasting. To achieve longevity and strength, one must comprehend the ideal mixture ratios, the significance of exact installation methods, and the function of waterproofing. This article thoroughly examines these elements to offer homeowners and builders alike useful advice on how to install and maintain aerated concrete baseboards. Gaining control over these components will help you guarantee structural integrity while also improving the general caliber and longevity of your building projects.

Consumables and tools for construction

There are differences between the laying methods of block and monolithic aerated concrete, which affects the equipment required to complete these kinds of tasks.

For monolithic aerated concrete, a formwork tool is required:

1. a hammer;
2. grinder and jigsaw.

To blend and smooth out the concrete mortar within the formwork:

• vibrator;
• concrete mixer;
• mortar containers and a shovel for filling them;
• dispenser for feeding monolithic mortar into the formwork.

The following equipment will be required in order to construct the plinth’s walls out of aerated concrete blocks:

• measuring kit: plumb line, rope, level, steel square, ruler and tape measure;
• electric drill;
• saw for cutting blocks;
• chaser for creating recesses for reinforcement or laying utility lines;
• mallet;
• notched trowel and trowel;
• carriage for making smooth, uniform and thin seams;
• rake-scoop for applying an even layer in any direction;
• float for smoothing the edges of the block and leveling the horizontal plane of the walls.

Step-by-step instructions for construction on a strip foundation

Only after the foundation is professionally executed can the plinth be erected. The aerated concrete plinth’s foundation needs to have high levels of several indicators:

• sustainability;
• rigidity;
• strength;
• reliability.

Additionally, this design needs to be waterproof. Experts say that a recessed strip foundation is the best choice for an aerated concrete plinth, which typically has a depth of no more than 50% of the overall height. GB blocks can be laid out in a monolithic pattern or as part of the plinth’s walls. Installed below the soil freezing depth, which can range from 100 to 250 cm in certain locations, is a recessed strip foundation. Although this foundation option is heavy and costly in this regard, experts still advise using it when building a basement floor.

For example, for a foundation at a depth of 2 m of a square house with an area of ​​100 m2, the weight of the foundation reaches 100 tons, and the pressure it creates is approximately 0.5 kg per cm2 . If the soil is weak, it will be necessary to increase the support area, so a special heel is made – an extension to distribute the load from the foundation and structures of the house over a larger area.

From stones

A trio of workers is responsible for laying the aerated concrete base quickly while also ensuring worker safety and accounting for the glue’s drying time.

In order to prevent the moistened material from absorbing moisture from the working solution or glue, blocks must be moistened with water before being laid. First, the GB blocks are cleared of debris, examined to make sure they match the design size, and the sides are straightened if needed.

Before laying the necessary surface, it will also be necessary to continuously check the foundation’s horizontality using a level if there is a difference in blocks that is greater than 20 mm. Following that, the base’s diagonal and rectangularity are examined.

Checking the future building’s perimeter for proper dimensions and angles is one of the primary preparatory tasks. The future wall and matching diagonal lengths are measured in order to achieve this.

Using mortar, the first row of aerated concrete block masonry is installed after the foundation has been covered in two layers of rolled insulation. Following that, the future walls are marked out. This is done to even out the surface’s minor variations and irregularities.

The next layers are applied using a unique glue that offers several benefits, including lowering the price of masonry, enhancing the wall’s thermal resistance, and expediting the process.

Additionally, they strengthen the seam that connects the insulation to the first row of GB blocks. This step will strengthen the first masonry rows’ bearing capacity and help to distribute the load from the base to the foundation more evenly.

A 50×50 mm masonry mesh and 4 mm wire are typically used for reinforcement along the full perimeter of the house’s future walls.

Here are detailed instructions for installing an aerated concrete block base:

1. The masonry starts from the corners of the house, from the highest one, the 1st stone is laid on it on the mortar, after which it is leveled horizontally and vertically. The stone is installed in the same way on the next corner.
2. A cord is pulled between the corners, along which the first row will be laid. Sometimes, to simplify the work, metal rods are driven into the corners, and a construction cord is pulled between them.
3. The second and subsequent rows are laid on glue.
4. Glue is applied to the wall where the next block is planned to be placed, and to the end of the previous stone.
5. Using a notched trowel, the glue is leveled and a new block is laid.
6. The block is initially aligned horizontally and vertically, and then 2-3 light blows with a mallet on the end are pressed against the previous stone.
7. Each row is performed with a bandage, ideally if it corresponds to 1/2 the length of the aerated concrete block, so that the seam runs in the middle, but not less than 15-20 cm.
8. Subsequent rows, similar to the first, start from the corners.
9. After laying the corners, a cord is pulled from them and a row is laid.
10. During the work process, it is necessary to constantly check the project, not forgetting to leave technological openings.
11. Reinforcement is carried out in every fourth row. To do this, make 2 horizontal grooves in stones located in a row along the perimeter of the base, fill them 1/2 full with glue and lay fiberglass or steel reinforcement overlapping without breaks, then fill the groove completely with glue and align it with the main plane of the block.
12. The last row of the plinth is secured with a brick or reinforced concrete reinforced belt and protected with waterproofing roll materials.
13. The walls laid out on the ground side must be reliably waterproofed and, if necessary, insulated, after which a blind area with a width of at least 100 cm and a slope facing the ground is made.

The GB blocks are first positioned on the wall in accordance with the diagram for ease of base laying, and then the laying process starts. Since glue has a very short shelf life, it is not necessary to cook a large amount of it; typically, the manufacturer will indicate this information on glue packages.

From a monolith

Producing monolithic aerated concrete on the construction site itself or delivering mortar that has already been prepared by road are the two options. Foaming agents are used in the monolithic laying of aerated concrete technology to give the material porosity.

Concrete pumps deliver the mortar into the formwork, which is constructed out of brick, plastic, or fiberglass in accordance with the design. The mortar should be uniformly poured, with no gaps or bulges allowed in its thickness.

For instance, the formwork made of brick can be both detachable and non-detachable. The latter should be simple to put together and take apart, and its strength should match the size of the poured basement wall.

The formwork is put together, and then monolithic aerated concrete is poured. Using a laser level, basic limiting beacons are installed. Using a spatula to spread the mixture evenly, they also tap on the formwork to compact the mixture.

The pouring is completed in a single day. Following the procedure, the plinth is covered with polyethylene to protect it from the elements and the sun while also leveling the surface with a flat board. They are periodically moistened with water to ensure uniform drying.

There is a chance that air bubbles and voids will form when pouring concrete, which will severely weaken the plinth. A construction vibrator is used to compact the poured mass in order to achieve this.

When there are enough of the following indications of compaction, the process is stopped:

• there are no air bubbles in the solution;
• the shrinkage process of the concrete has stopped;
• a liquid layer has formed on the surface of the monolith, at this point it is very important to stop the tamping in order to prevent stratification of the monolithic mass.

The volume of the hardener used in the composition and the outside temperature will affect how quickly the monolith hardens. After 7 to 10 days, aerated concrete reaches its maximum strength; however, installation of the ensuing building structures can only begin 21 days after the material is manufactured.

Errors and difficulties of the process

The first mistake that novice performers make is selecting the incorrect material; a lot of them mix up aerated concrete and foam block. Though they appear to be nearly identical, including the same cut, using foam concrete in the basement is strictly prohibited due to its complete incapacity to support weights despite its good heat and water resistance. Typical errors made when building a basement out of aerated concrete:

1. The type of foundation was chosen incorrectly.
2. The foundation was not waterproofed with roll materials before laying aerated concrete.
3. The size of the free space between the wall and the ground in the underground part of the basement was chosen incorrectly.
4. The blocks were not prepared, low-quality material with poor geometry was used for construction.
5. The levels and diagonals of the foundation were not maintained before laying the GB blocks.
6. The first and every fourth row are not reinforced.
7. The block dressing scheme is broken.
8. There is no armored belt on the last block row of the base.
9. Violation in the scheme of external thermal and waterproofing of walls.

Pros and cons of use

While this choice isn’t appropriate for every kind of home and soil, using aerated concrete for the base’s construction should be made during the house’s design phase. A decision can only be made by means of expertly executed engineering and economic computations. whether or not this building material is appropriate for a given set of building circumstances.

Furthermore, this kind of building material has numerous benefits despite its complexity when selecting it for the basement structure:

1. Ease of work, the stone is easy to process and lay, it is not heavy, which allows you to work without the use of lifting equipment.
2. Thoughtful optimal size of the stone, reduces construction time, compared to traditional brick.
3. High heat and sound insulation characteristics.
4. Highest fire resistance class.
5. High level of environmental safety, the radiation background of the material is lower than that of gypsum, and in terms of natural characteristics it is second only to wood.
6. High biological resistance without the use of antiseptics.

Drawbacks of using aerated concrete in basement construction and strategies to reduce them:

1. High moisture absorption, special protective treatment of walls is carried out.
2. Fragility – this disadvantage manifests itself when a poor-quality foundation is built, which manifests itself within 2-3 years. Working with aerated concrete requires experience and compliance with all technological standards.
3. Problems with fastening, equipment on such walls can be installed lightly and using special fasteners.
4. Frost resistance, even if this indicator is indicated in the passport as 50, in practice it can only correspond to 25. Therefore, it is necessary to take only certified material with frost resistance of at least 100 cycles.
5. The presence of a corrosive material in the composition – lime, for metal elements and devices, such as metal heating and water pipes passing through such walls, it will be necessary to perform anti-corrosion protection.
6. A gas concrete wall requires additional waterproofing and external cladding.

Average prices

The cost of the material and the labor involved in installing it will determine the overall cost of building a block or monolithic aerated concrete basement.

Aerated concrete block prices vary depending on the size, brand, and manufacturing method. Russian manufacturers’ average prices per 1 m 3 for aerated concrete blocks:

• Bonolit / Maloyaroslavets, D500, 625 x 250 x 500 mm, 6990 rubles.
• DRAUBER /Elektrostal, D500, 600 x 200 x 300 mm, packaging 50 pieces 24,000 rubles.
• Bonolit /Kupavna D500, 600 x 100 x 250 mm, 6400 rub.
• Kaluga D500, 600 x 400 x 250 mm, 6000 rub.
• Ytong, D500, 600 x 400 x 250 mm, 6400 rubles.

The volume and configuration of the object being constructed, the size and quality of the materials, and the type of masonry mortar used all affect how much laying work costs.

Generally speaking, self-organized builders charge between 700 and 1200 rubles for their services.Professional businesses that guarantee their work charge higher prices, between 1200 and 1700 rubles/m3, but they also offer long-term warranties.

Useful video

More details about the subject matter covered in the video:

To ensure durability and effectiveness, there are a few important factors to take into account when building a plinth out of aerated concrete. There are several benefits to using aerated concrete in construction. It is lightweight but strong. Because of its porous structure, which reduces weight and offers good thermal insulation, it can be used in a variety of building applications.

The foundation must be properly prepared in order to build a plinth out of aerated concrete. Making sure the base is level and stable aids in preventing future plinth settlement or cracking. The plinth’s structural integrity is improved by sufficient reinforcement, such as steel bars or mesh, particularly in locations where there is a risk of seismic activity or ground movement.

Securing aerated concrete blocks or panels requires careful selection of mortar or adhesive. Specialized thin-bed mortars for aerated concrete have a strong bond and are flexible enough to adjust for small movements. A consistent and durable bond between the plinth components is ensured by applying the mortar uniformly and in accordance with manufacturer specifications.

Paying close attention to details is essential when building. The plinth’s overall quality and appearance are enhanced by the accurate alignment and leveling of each component made of aerated concrete. Aerated concrete can be more prone to breaking than regular concrete, so handling it carefully is essential to prevent damage to the lightweight blocks or panels.

After construction, the plinth needs to be periodically inspected for any indications of deterioration or damage. By using the right aerated concrete repair materials to patch up cracks as soon as possible, moisture intrusion and additional structural problems can be avoided. Furthermore, adding paints or protective coatings designed specifically for aerated concrete can increase its longevity and weather resistance.

To sum up, building a plinth out of aerated concrete calls for meticulous preparation, accurate construction, and continuous upkeep. By adhering to these recommendations and making use of the special qualities of aerated concrete, construction professionals can produce plinths that support sustainable and energy-efficient building techniques in addition to being sturdy and stable.

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