Foam blocks are becoming a popular option in construction because of their affordability and adaptability. These lightweight building materials are a popular choice for both commercial and residential projects because of their many advantages. Comprehending the typical dimensions and attributes of foam blocks is imperative for making knowledgeable choices during the building process.
Foam blocks are made of cement, water, sand, and a foaming agent that inflates the blocks to produce air bubbles. Foam blocks are distinguished by their exceptional sound absorption and thermal insulation due to their special structure. Furthermore, because they are lighter, they are simpler to handle and transport, which cuts down on labor expenses and construction time.
Weighing the benefits and drawbacks of foam blocks is crucial when choosing them for your project. Positively, foam blocks provide good thermal insulation, are safe for the environment, and are resistant to fire. They do, however, have certain disadvantages, like a lower load-bearing capacity when compared to conventional concrete blocks. Kno
- What is foam concrete
- Production technology
- Technical characteristics
- Advantages and disadvantages
- Table of dimensions, sizes
- Types and weight
- Low compressive strength
- Construction features
- Features of fastening
- Application areas
- Prices for foam blocks
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What is foam concrete
This is the term for a porous substance made with foaming additives. To alter the material’s properties, both organic and synthetic impurities are used. This lowers the weight of the foam concrete. But the substance does contain cement.
Quite durable products are the end result. Furthermore, with use, their qualities get better. As a result, the foam block’s strength increases three to four times after thirty to forty years of use. As a result, the structure can function for a lot longer. You should learn the components of foam concrete when researching the definition of the material.
Thus, the primary ingredients—water, sand, and cement—are standard. Preference should be given to organic materials when selecting additives. Because of their protein foundation, you can create foam concrete blocks that are more resilient. These products are far more expensive than their synthetic additive-containing counterparts.
One major disadvantage of cheaper materials is that they are in hazard class 4. The completed foam concrete block cannot be harmful to health in spite of this. Dangerous only in the working solution. The composition of foam concrete is altered by the addition of foam-forming additives. You should use caution when handling the completed mass at this point. The toxicity of artificial additives reduces as it solidifies.
When attempting to define a foam block, it is important to keep in mind that various technologies are used during the manufacturing process, which affects the dimensions, smoothness, and quality of the edges. Bricks of any size can weigh very little.
The characteristics of foam concrete govern this parameter: air bubbles in the final mass produce a porous material. In addition, the foam block has a low density. It can be raised with the aid of bulk materials like ash and clay.
Simultaneously, the strength of foam concrete increases due to an increase in the dependability of the partitions between the pores. Due to a decline in consumption, cement’s price is also falling at the same time. There are drawbacks to this composition of foam concrete: the mixture’s increased thermal conductivity is caused by a reduction in the size of the air-filled pores.
This implies that the object’s wall should be thicker if foam blocks are used. Using thermal insulation is an additional choice.
Production technology
You should research the nuances of production if you’re curious about what foam blocks are. Thus, a solution is first made with the usual ratios for mixing traditional concrete. After that, the final mass is put into a particular mixing container. Foaming additives are added to the foam block along with water, cement, and sand. When the mixture is put in a mixing container, they are added to it. For this, a foam generator is employed.
A substance that foams in an aqueous solution is called an additive. Utilizing organic components will result in a higher-quality final product. The substantial thickness of the walls separating the pores is the cause of this. The strength of foam blocks reduces with the addition of synthetic materials. Such a material is not advised for use on a residential building’s walls.
Mixing components takes place under pressure. Following this, a monolithic slab is created, which is subsequently divided into bricks. Another popular technique is to use foam concrete, which has the same density in both situations, to fill the forms.
There are differences in the foam blocks’ sizes and the smoothness of the face surfaces. It is possible to create products of any length and width by cutting a monolithic slab.
Now that you know what materials foam blocks are composed of, you should study up on drying technology. The material naturally releases excess moisture through evaporation. As a result, the fine-cell structure’s homogeneity is diminished. Not only is the manufacturing technology very straightforward, but it also uses a lot less cement. Its quantity, though, cannot be lowered any further. In this instance, the pores combine to form channels, which will increase the blocks’ ability to absorb moisture.
As the strength of foam concrete decreases, so does its density. Because they quickly deteriorate, foam blocks—which have a high concentration of foaming agents and little cement—will only last for a short time.
Technical characteristics
GOST 21520-89 establishes the mixture’s composition and characteristics. The ratio of the components determines the characteristics. A certain amount of error in the quantity of materials is acceptable, but it must be minimal.
- When mixing the mixture, Portland cement with calcium silicate in the amount of 70-80% is used;
- it is recommended to use clay components – no more than 3%;
- quartz sand is used in an amount of up to 75%;
- the foaming agent consists of caustic soda, scrubber paste, hide glue, rosin;
- finely dispersed fly ash resin may additionally be included in the composition;
- high strength is ensured by reinforcing fiber or fiber;
- density varies from 150 to 900 kg / m³, which depends on the grade of concrete;
- thermal conductivity indicators: 0.08-0.38 W / m * K;
- vapor permeability of foam concrete also changes, the characteristics depend on the grade of the mixture;
- frost resistance varies from F15 to F50;
- range of compressive strength indicators: 0.75-12.5.
Advantages and disadvantages
After examining the features of foam concrete, the following are its primary advantages:
- high strength: it is possible to erect load-bearing structures of low-rise buildings;
- low density of the solution, on the basis of which the level of load exerted on the soil is determined;
- low thermal conductivity, which is due to the porous structure of the material, large sizes of foam concrete blocks (due to this, energy saving is ensured);
- when studying a foam concrete block, its characteristics allow to reduce the costs of soundproofing the object, since. . such products retain noise;
- fire resistance: the thickness of the foam block can be any, this does not affect the ability of the material to withstand high temperatures, which means that in the event of a dangerous situation, such products will not lose their shape and properties;
- moisture resistance: the service life of foam concrete increases due to the ability of the material to withstand the effects of water, this is due to the presence of a large number of closed pores;
- when foam concrete is planned to be used as the main material, the block sizes can be different, the products are easy to cut, they are adjusted to the required dimensions;
- environmental friendliness of the material containing organic additives;
- large sizes of foam blocks: due to this, installation is accelerated, because. . instead of many small-sized products, you need to install several large blocks.
Consider the benefits and drawbacks of foam blocks before making a purchase if you intend to buy any. A disadvantage of the structure is its unsightly appearance. Surfaces must always be faced.
Furthermore, a long service life of foam concrete can only be guaranteed if the products’ quality is monitored, including the blocks’ shape and edge smoothness. Allowable deviation: 2 mm.
Table of dimensions, sizes
Principal product dimensions:
Height, cm | Width, cm | Length. cm | Number of full-size foam blocks in 1 m³ |
20 | 25 | 62.5 | 32 |
20 | 29 | 59 | 29 |
20 | 30 | 60 | 27 |
20 | 40 | 60 | 20 |
25 | 25 | 62.5 | 25 |
25 | 30 | 62.5 | 21 |
25 | 35 | 62.5 | 18 |
25 | 37.5 | 62.5 | 17 |
25 | 40 | 62.5 | 16 |
25 | 50 | 62.5 | 12 |
Standard wall foam block sizes are identified from the available options; products 60x20x30 and 60x30x20 cm are two examples. The smaller width of the half-block is what sets it apart. In addition, the foam block’s standard dimensions are 60 by 10 by 30 cm. Products from various manufacturers may have different dimensions. Furthermore, when cutting a monolithic slab during the foam block manufacturing stage, the dimensions are decided individually.
Types and weight
- structural blocks: used in the construction of load-bearing structures, they can be identified by the concrete grade: D1000-D1200;
- structural and heat-insulating: used in the construction of load-bearing structures and for the purpose of thermal insulation, the concrete grade is D600-D900;
- heat-insulating: used only to reduce heat loss at the site, their strength level is low, the use of foam concrete grade D100-D300 is justified when erecting internal partitions.
The types of foam blocks vary in terms of size, density, and weight when making a purchase. Where the material is used is determined by the combination of parameters.
- structural: 39-47 kg, the weight of a half-block varies from 19 to 23 kg;
- structural and heat-insulating: 23-35 kg, the weight of a half-block reaches 17 kg;
- heat-insulating: 11-19 kg, a half-block weighs no more than 10 kg.
Additionally, the weight of a single foam block is indicated while accounting for the humidity level of the air. This is because the material has a slight moisture-absorbing capacity. If the humidity level stays below 75%, the value of this parameter can be ascertained with the greatest degree of accuracy.
Low compressive strength
The resistance to loads is unaffected by the dimensions of foam concrete blocks. The material is trustworthy if the production technology is followed. However, occasionally, when the solution is being prepared, poor-quality cement or an inappropriate brand is used. It is advised to verify the material’s quality certificate as a result. The structure collapses when products with the wrong parameters are used.
You are able to assess the content’s quality on your own. Insert a nail that is at least 10 cm long to accomplish this. It indicates that the block is strong enough if it cannot be removed without the use of a tool.
. and the use of products that are stored for less than 28 days after production when determining what size foam block to choose, how much material is needed, and where to buy it. They are frequently less expensive, but this is because of their inferior strength.
These blocks are more prone to cracking and shrinking. Products that do not become stronger after hardening ought not to be utilized in building.
Construction features
Reinforcing load-bearing structures is a prerequisite for the construction of objects. Every four to five rows should be reinforced, as well as any areas that have openings. Any object, including one-story and low-rise buildings, can be constructed using this principle. Reinforcement lengthens the structure’s service life while also enhancing its dependability.
Density that is acceptable is D500 and above. When building load-bearing walls, other factors, like frost resistance, are taken into consideration in addition to the foam block thickness. At least F50 is regarded as a sufficient value. This will extend the object’s ability to resist exposure to cold temperatures. The walls will start to fracture quickly if the frost resistance index is low.
For finishing, specific materials are utilized. The paint and plaster mixes that are universally used will not give the cladding layer much longevity. It is also possible to extend the structure’s service life. For this reason, covering materials are used to keep the object dry during the building process. Should you intend to utilize a foam concrete block, the measurements need to be noteworthy. In the middle zone areas, 64 cm of masonry is the recommended thickness.
Features of fastening
The material is characterized by low mechanical strength, which does not allow the blocks to be securely fastened using self-tapping screws and nails, although such fasteners are inserted into the foam concrete structure in the same way as into wood. It is better to use a type of product with an extension on one side.
Once the fastener is inserted to the necessary depth, the end portion expands. Standard dowels and anchors won’t offer enough dependability. These fasteners are made especially for materials that are porous. Products are available made of plastic, nylon, and metal.
Standard foam block sizes, which are usually 600x200x300 mm, are popular for both residential and commercial buildings because they provide a lightweight yet durable construction option. These blocks are well-known for their superior thermal insulation and simplicity of installation. They are primarily made of cement, sand, and a foaming agent. Although foam blocks are less expensive and use less energy than traditional concrete blocks, they do have certain drawbacks. One of these is their decreased structural strength. Making an informed decision for building projects is facilitated by being aware of these benefits and drawbacks.
Application areas
Various types of low- and medium-rise buildings are constructed using foam blocks. Such a material lacks the strength of concrete, and reinforcing it does not fully address the issue. Both private homes and commercial buildings are built using foam blocks. They are employed in the construction of internal partitions and load-bearing walls, as well as in the process of thermally insulating objects.
Different product types are used in each case: thermal insulation, structural insulation (which is the most durable), and both. The building is further insulated because the first option’s low thermal conductivity is insufficient. In contrast, thermal insulation products retain heat more effectively but are far less durable than their structural counterparts.
Prices for foam blocks
The price of foam blocks varies depending on where you live in Moscow. The material’s qualities, characteristics, and product dimensions all affect pricing. The cost of structural blocks is higher. Their cost for one square meter is 4,500 rubles. The cost of thermal and structural insulation material is between 3,200 and 3,800 rubles per square meter. Thermal insulation products are significantly less expensive. The price range has a maximum of 3,000 rubles per square meter.
The price difference in relation to simpler material increases with the quality of the blocks. A cost that is too low should also be concerning.
This type of material can be readily sold at a reasonable price because it hasn’t strengthened or was made with inferior cement. You should find out if the products come with supporting documentation because buying them at a premium price carries some risk.
Feature | Details |
Standard Size | 600mm x 200mm x 300mm |
Weight | Approximately 20-25 kg |
Composition | Cement, sand, water, and foaming agent |
Pros | Lightweight, good thermal insulation, easy to cut and shape |
Cons | Lower strength compared to traditional concrete blocks, can absorb moisture |
Comprehending the typical dimensions and attributes of foam blocks is imperative for making knowledgeable choices during construction endeavors. Because these blocks are usually lightweight, handling and installation are made simple, which can save labor costs and time. Their composition—typically a mixture of cement, water, sand, and a foaming agent—offers strong fire resistance and insulating qualities, making the building safer and more energy-efficient.
Though foam blocks offer numerous benefits, they also have certain drawbacks. They might not be appropriate for all structural applications because of their comparatively low density in comparison to other materials, especially when a higher load-bearing capacity is needed. Furthermore, moisture absorption can be an issue, so proper finishing and sealing are necessary to avoid water damage.
All things considered, foam blocks provide a flexible and affordable option for a variety of building requirements, especially insulation and non-load-bearing walls. If you weigh the benefits and drawbacks and take into account the particular needs of your project, you can decide if foam blocks are the best option for your build.