Because of their exceptional strength, light weight, and insulating qualities, expanded clay concrete blocks are a choice that is becoming more and more common in the construction industry. Their thermal conductivity is one of the main characteristics that distinguish these blocks. However, what does this actually mean and why is it relevant to you?
The term "thermal conductivity" describes a material’s capacity to transfer heat. When it comes to building materials, better insulation with a lower thermal conductivity can result in large energy savings. Comprehending the thermal characteristics of expanded clay concrete blocks can be essential for both builders and homeowners to make well-informed decisions regarding energy-efficient construction and building practices.
By adding expanded clay aggregate to the concrete mixture, expanded clay concrete blocks are created. By doing this, the blocks’ weight is decreased and their insulating capabilities are improved. Because of the porous structure of the expanded clay, heat transfer is slowed down and air is trapped. Therefore, fewer excessive heating or cooling systems are required in buildings built with these blocks because indoor temperatures can be maintained more consistently.
Although the advantages of reduced heat conductivity are obvious, it’s crucial to take into account how these blocks stack up against alternative building materials. Expanded clay concrete blocks are a desirable alternative for both residential and commercial projects since they frequently perform better in terms of insulation than regular concrete. They are an exceptional option in contemporary construction because of their capacity to blend strength and energy efficiency.
In conclusion, it is important to consider the thermal conductivity of expanded clay concrete blocks. It affects a building’s overall environmental impact in addition to its comfort and energy efficiency. It can be a game-changer for those who want to build economically and sustainably to understand this property.
| Topic | Details |
| Thermal Conductivity | Expanded clay concrete blocks have low thermal conductivity, meaning they keep heat inside well, making them energy-efficient. |
| Energy Efficiency | This low thermal conductivity can lead to lower heating costs, as buildings made with these blocks retain warmth better. |
| Comfort | Buildings made with expanded clay concrete blocks can provide a more comfortable indoor environment due to better temperature regulation. |
| Worth Attention? | Yes, because the thermal properties contribute to energy savings, comfort, and overall building efficiency. |
An important consideration in the construction of buildings is the thermal conductivity of expanded clay concrete blocks, which affects both indoor comfort and energy efficiency. These blocks are well-known for being insulating and lightweight, and they significantly lessen heat transfer. Because of this, they are a great option for both residential and commercial buildings, particularly in regions with harsh weather. Expanded clay concrete blocks are a wise, environmentally friendly choice for contemporary building projects since they can result in significant savings on heating and cooling expenses when this thermal characteristic is understood and utilized.
- Main technical characteristics of the material
- Brief overview of expanded clay concrete blocks
- Classification of expanded clay concrete and area of application
- Thermal conductivity as one of the most important properties of the material for laying walls
- Thermal conductivity indicators
- The relationship between the thermal conductivity of blocks and the thickness of the walls of the future building
- Thermal conductivity of expanded clay concrete in comparison with other building materials
- Video on the topic
- Construction of a house from expanded clay concrete blocks "ThermoComfort"
- House from expanded clay concrete blocks "ThermoComfort"
- Building blocks "ThermoComfort": high environmental friendliness, thermal conductivity, strength
Main technical characteristics of the material
Brief overview of expanded clay concrete blocks
These days, expanded clay concrete is highly sought-after by developers and builders alike. This is because the products are reasonably priced and have high quality indicators.
What then is this substance?
Expanded clay, as the name implies, is what sets expanded clay concrete blocks apart from other comparable building materials. The material is cheap, lightweight, and most importantly, durable. It also has the ability to insulate against sound and heat.
The blocks are made of expanded clay, cement, sand, water, and organic contaminants in the form of ash or sawdust. The qualities of the final product are directly influenced by the expanded clay and cement grade, which ranges from M100 to M500.
Expanded clay concrete block manufacturing is a fairly straightforward process that is similar to that of block manufacturing using other materials in many aspects. After the mixture is complete, it is put into molds, dried, and heated to a high temperature.
One option for those looking to cut costs on construction projects is to attempt making your own expanded clay concrete blocks. Nonetheless, it is important to remember that there is a multiplex increase in the likelihood of producing subpar goods.
Classification of expanded clay concrete and area of application
There are three types of expanded clay concrete, depending on the ratios of the component materials, some variations in the production processes, and the application area:
- Heat-insulating
- Structural and heat-insulating
- Structural
Let’s examine this in greater detail:
- The first type expanded clay concrete is used exclusively as thermal insulation. Such a block has a low weight and low density, but its thermal insulation property, or temperature exchange, is much higher than that of most materials. As can be seen in the photo, the heat-insulating block is externally distinguished by particularly pronounced porosity.
- Second type – has greater density and thermal conductivity, due to this, strength indicators increase, however, the property of temperature transfer is significantly reduced. This type of block is used as a material for the construction of partitions and internal walls.
- Third type, structural, has the highest density. Can be used as a wall cladding material, for the construction of partitions for the purpose of sound insulation and external walls of low-rise buildings. Such blocks are often used as one of the components of load-bearing structures in the construction of various engineering structures. For example, a bridge. Sometimes used as an alternative to curb stones. Can also be used as a support for a bench.
Take note! There are benefits and drawbacks to each of these varieties of expanded clay concrete blocks, so you’ll need to decide which to prioritize: strength or thermal conductivity. However, with the correct strategy, this might not have an impact on the upcoming structure. For instance, the lowest density thermal insulation blocks are ideal for construction of bath houses, where heat retention is crucial. However, it is preferable to use denser products when constructing a two-story home.
Thermal conductivity as one of the most important properties of the material for laying walls
The physical characteristic of a material that allows it to radiate heat is called thermal conductivity. On an area of 1 m2 at the base and 1 meter thick, the thermal conductivity coefficient shows how quickly and in what volume energy is transferred from a warmer to a colder object in an hour.
Thermal conductivity indicators
In short, the building’s ability to maintain a constant temperature is determined by the thermal conductivity coefficient of expanded clay concrete blocks; the higher this indicator, the quicker the building will heat up or cool down.
Let’s investigate the factors influencing the coefficient’s quantitative value. The ability of a future home’s walls to transfer heat is directly impacted by several factors.
Among them are:
- Block porosity. This indicator is influenced by the amount of expanded clay and its fraction. The more pores, the less weight and density, which in turn affects thermal conductivity.
- Block size and voidness
- Source material: aspect ratio and brand.
Let’s take a closer look at everything in a table format: dependence of a block’s density on its thermal conductivity.
| Thermal conductivity of expanded clay concrete W/(m °C) factory indicator | Thermal conductivity index under operating conditions W / (m ° C) | Density index |
| 0.12 | 0.15-0.2 | 500 kg/m3 |
| 0.15 | 0.20-0.26 | 600 kg/m3 |
| 0.20 | 0.25-0.30 | 800 kg/m3 |
| 0.25 | 0.3-0.4 | 1000 kg/m3 |
| 0.35 | 0.4-0.5 | 1200 kg/m3 |
| 0.45 | 0.55-0.65 | 1400 kg/m3 |
| 0.55 | 0.7-0.8 | 1600 kg/m3 |
| 0.65 | 0.82-0.9 | 1800 kg/m3 |
Table 2 provides a summary of the materials needed to prepare a mixture for expanded clay concrete blocks with varying densities.
| Cement M400 | Expanded clay density, kg/m3 | Expanded clay quantity, m3 | Water, l | Sand, kg | Density expanded clay concrete |
| 250 | 700 | 1.0 | 140 | — | 1000 |
| 430 | 700 | 0.8 | 140 | 420 | 1500 |
| 430 | 600 | 0.68 | 140 | 680 | 1600 |
| 400 | 700 | 0.72 | 140 | 640 | 1600 |
| 410 | 600 | 0.56 | 140 | 880 | 1700 |
| 380 | 700 | 0.62 | 140 | 830 | 1700 |
Table 3: The impact of voidness on the block’s characteristics and weight
Expanded clay concrete blocks not only transfer heat but can also regulate the amount of humidity in a space. A higher value indicates that moisture is absorbed, and a higher value indicates that moisture is provided, resulting in the most comfortable conditions during a visit.
The relationship between the thermal conductivity of blocks and the thickness of the walls of the future building
The formula for determining the required standard thickness of future walls involves the coefficient of thermal conductivity of expanded clay concrete. This formula is equal to the product of the thermal energy conductivity index (Rreg) and the value of thermal transfer resistance (δ).
Assume, for illustration purposes, that the thermal conductivity of an expanded clay concrete block (λ) is 0.3 W/m*оС and that the resistance is 3.5 sq.cm.*оС/W. In this instance, multiplying these values yields the wall thickness. Thus, we obtain: 3.5*0.3=1.05 meters.
The resistance index is directly influenced by the future building type and the local climate. This indicator’s numerical value is determined by SNiP 23-02-2002.
Kindly take note! A special level of caution should be used when calculating the ideal wall thickness. This will lessen the need to pay for future room heating and additional wall insulation.
Thermal conductivity of expanded clay concrete in comparison with other building materials
More and more prospective customers are choosing to buy expanded clay concrete walls each year due to their decreased thermal conductivity. When discussing expanded clay concrete, it’s important to consider the features of related wall materials, such as brick and cellular concrete products.
Examine the comparative table carefully.
Table 4 lists the primary characteristics of wall materials along with the suggested wall thickness.
The table shows that aerated concrete leads the field in thermal conductivity. But keep in mind that prioritizing one trait frequently denotes vulnerability in another when selecting a material. Additionally, the customer always has the final say.
Anyone working on building or renovating projects needs to be aware of expanded clay concrete blocks’ thermal conductivity. These blocks, which are well-known for being insulating and lightweight, have several advantages in terms of energy efficiency. They contribute to the maintenance of constant interior temperatures and hence lower heating and cooling expenses by limiting heat transfer.
Expanded clay concrete blocks combine strength and insulation, which is one of their unique features. Because of these two advantages, builders can achieve thermal performance without sacrificing durability. When building a new building or renovating an old one, these blocks offer a sturdy, dependable solution that also improves the building’s thermal efficiency.
The comfort and sustainability of your building can be significantly improved by including expanded clay concrete blocks in your building plans. By emphasizing materials with advantageous thermal characteristics, you help create a more environmentally and energy-conscious world. In the modern world, where energy efficiency is not only a desire but a requirement, this factor is especially crucial.
All things considered, expanded clay concrete blocks’ thermal conductivity is definitely something to be concerned about. It is essential to the creation of long-lasting, cozy, and energy-efficient living environments. Positive changes in the construction industry are likely to result from an increase in the use of these blocks as more builders and homeowners become aware of their benefits.
