Silicate concretes are a unique class of building material distinguished by their strength and adaptability. Unlike conventional Portland cement, silicate-based binders are used in the production of these concretes. Because of their distinct properties, silicate concretes are ideal for a wide range of construction applications due to their unique composition.
The silicate binder, which is frequently made from materials like fly ash or blast furnace slag, is the main component of silicate concretes. When these materials react with water, they create a substance that is hard and stone-like and has exceptional strength and resistance to environmental factors. Because of this, silicate concretes are especially helpful in harsh environments where other kinds of concrete might break down more quickly.
The environmental friendliness of silicate concretes is another benefit. When silicate binders are produced, carbon emissions are generally reduced in comparison to the conventional cement production process. Because of this, they are a more environmentally friendly option for developers and builders. Furthermore, the manufacturing process uses industrial by-products to minimize waste and encourage recycling.
Another notable quality of silicate concretes is their exceptional chemical and heat resistance. Their ability to tolerate elevated temperatures and chemical damage renders them perfect for use in industrial environments. Because of their resilience, silicate concrete structures last longer, require less maintenance, and are safer overall.
To sum up, silicate concretes provide a strong, sustainable substitute for conventional concrete. They can be used in a variety of settings, from industrial complexes to residential buildings, thanks to their special qualities. Silicate concretes are particularly noteworthy as a promising material for the future as the construction industry continues to change and develop.
| Property | Description |
| Definition | Silicate concretes are made using silicate binders like water glass. |
| Uses | Commonly used for building blocks, panels, and other construction materials. |
| Advantages | They have high fire resistance and good durability. |
| Disadvantages | Not suitable for environments with strong acids. |
| Composition | Typically includes sand, lime, and water glass as the binder. |
A type of building material known as silicate concrete combines the advantages of silicate-based compounds with the strength and longevity of regular concrete. These concretes are well-known for having better longevity, decreased permeability, and increased chemical resistance, which makes them perfect for a range of construction projects, including residential and commercial buildings. These concretes, which combine silicate materials to improve performance in abrasive environments and prolong the life of structures, offer a dependable and environmentally friendly answer to today’s building requirements.
- About the material
- Scope of use
- Features
- Varieties
- Manufacturing technology
- Heavy concretes
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About the material
The material silicate concrete is colorless. Limestone combined with siliceous material (which should be ground finely) serves as the binding element. The materials react chemically with one another to produce calcium hydrosilicate, which binds the filler and monolith together. Through such processes, silicate materials set themselves apart from other types of concrete.
As was previously mentioned, silicate materials have characteristics similar to cement. There are a number of noteworthy variations:
- Water-repellent composition. The mixture is impregnated, carbonized, covered with silicon compounds that reject moisture.
- Resistance to aggressive external factors.
- A large number of calcium oxide compounds (due to slag additives).
- The presence of artificial pores filled with gas, water, foam.
- The presence of aluminum powder, hydrogen peroxide in the composition (act as blowing agents).
It is important to keep in mind the potential for corrosion. It is dependent upon the substance’s density and the operating environment. Under sufficient service conditions and with little maintenance, the reinforcement does not corrode. We guarantee corrosion in the event of:
- high humidity in the room;
- lack of anti-corrosion additives;
- variable climatic conditions of the building.
Scope of use
It is thought to be uncommon to find silicate concrete. While it is essentially useless for home repairs, it will prove to be an invaluable tool when building on a large scale. Although it might seem to you that silicate concrete is never used, this is untrue. It is appropriate to use silicate concrete:
- for thermal insulation. Cellular silicate material is considered the most effective/convenient for thermal insulation work (it consists of air cells-bubbles);
- as a filler for industrial, residential, rural structures;
- for floor panels, internal walls;
- for beams, stair flights, flights, columns, purlins, cornice slabs;
- filler for asbestos-free pressed slate, reinforcement of silicate concrete railway sleepers;
- for load-bearing panels and ceilings;
- for highways, underground mines;
- filler for strip foundation formwork;
- for foundation blocks;
- as a filler for tiles, blocks, basement walls, tiled roofing, linear rafter systems.
Features
The finest qualities of the constituent materials are combined in silicate concrete. Among them are:
- frost resistance (up to 100 cycles);
- heat resistance;
- resistance to temperature changes;
- low cost;
- strength/stability;
- long service life (over 70 years).
Silicate concrete is a low-cost building material used in residential construction. Government initiatives view this sector as promising and allocate funds for the use of silicate compounds. Please be aware that an artificial stone (which is incredibly durable) forms inside once the mixture hardens. Such a silicon component significantly alters the material’s structure. Frost-resistant and long-lasting indicators are added to the mixture by the stone, endowing the material with them.
Crucial: the amount of calcium oxide in the material determines its quality. The level is determined by how much the sand is ground. When sand and lime are combined, calcium oxide is created, which fortifies and gives the mixture unique properties.
Varieties
The following categories apply to silicate materials:
- special;
- structural.
They fall into two categories within these two types:
- concretes, the strength limit of which varies from 7.5 to 70 kg / m3;
- materials with an average silicate density: 1000-2400 kg / m3;
- substances that are at the silicate strength level in the range from 1 to 4 kg / m3;
- waterproof materials.
Depending on the kind, composition, and purpose, the aforementioned substances have different properties. Regardless of the type of concrete, the properties are all similar to the cement composition, which is the only thing that unites them.
Manufacturing technology
Such concrete doesn’t need a complicated production schedule. The primary binders in use are:
- lime / silica (from fine quartz sand, lime);
- slag (lime, metallurgical / fuel / phosphorus slag);
- lime / ash (fuel ash, crushed lime);
- lime/belite (sand, belite slag, lime, silica).
As previously stated, difficult-to-find materials won’t be needed. Assemble the supplies listed below to make concrete:
- binding agent (one of the above);
- filler;
- water;
- special additives (depending on the type, purpose).
Following the ratios listed in the material’s instructions, combine the ingredients one at a time. Such concretes retain an ideal microclimate that can, if needed, absorb excess moisture. The purpose of silicate concretes is to retain heat.
Heavy concretes
The presence of quartz sand distinguishes a heavy material from an ordinary one. It is the primary ingredient in a mixture with fine grains. When a structure is built of a heavy silicate material, sand gives it stability, density, and frost resistance. Additives to limestone, silica mixtures, etc., are used occasionally. Application: finishing exterior structures, civil buildings, residential buildings, reinforced concrete construction work.
One drawback is that it has a lower modulus of elasticity than cement formations, by several steps. This has a detrimental impact on deformations under substantial short-term loads. Please be aware that silicate stone creeps at a rate that is orders of magnitude less than that of cement.
Benefit: No reinforcement is required (because of the total deformations’ value).
Because of their special qualities, silicate concretes are useful for a range of construction uses. They are an excellent option for long-term projects due to their remarkable resilience to environmental influences and durability. This kind of concrete is perfect for industrial and infrastructure projects because it works well in challenging environments, such as those that involve exposure to chemicals and high temperatures.
The lessening of silicate concretes’ negative environmental effects is another important benefit. When silicate-based materials are produced, carbon emissions are frequently reduced in comparison to Portland cement production. Because of this, silicate concretes are a more environmentally friendly choice for environmentally sensitive building techniques, supporting international efforts to cut greenhouse gas emissions.
Silicate concretes have outstanding workability in addition to sustainability and durability. Their malleability facilitates a wide range of design and application options. Silicate concretes are versatile enough to accommodate a range of construction requirements, be they for intricate architectural details or simple structural elements.
All things considered, there are many advantages to using silicate concretes in construction, such as increased durability, environmental sustainability, and versatility. Because of these qualities, silicate concretes are an excellent material option for contemporary construction projects that promote both creative designs and environmentally friendly building techniques. The use of silicate concretes is anticipated to increase as the building sector develops, resulting in more durable and environmentally friendly infrastructure.
