Types of expanded clay concrete blocks: an overview of existing classifications and basic properties of products

Expanded clay concrete blocks are becoming increasingly popular as building materials because of their special qualities and adaptability. Their unique advantages stem from the fact that these blocks are a particular kind of lightweight concrete product made from expanded clay aggregate. Because of their superior thermal insulation, ease of handling, and soundproofing capabilities, they are frequently utilized in construction.

Expanded clay concrete blocks come in a variety of forms, each designed to meet specific requirements and uses in the construction industry. Selecting the appropriate kind for a given project can be made easier by being aware of the different classifications. Each type of block has advantages and characteristics specific to it, ranging from those intended for non-load-bearing partitions to those intended for load-bearing walls.

We’ll look more closely at the various categories of expanded clay concrete blocks in this article. We will examine their fundamental qualities, like density and thermal insulation, and talk about how these affect their application in building. Whether you work as a professional in the building industry or as a homeowner planning a renovation, having knowledge of these specifics will help you choose the right blocks for your projects.

Type	Description
Standard Expanded Clay Concrete Blocks	These are common blocks made with expanded clay aggregates. They are used for general construction purposes, offering good thermal insulation and durability.
Lightweight Expanded Clay Concrete Blocks	These blocks are lighter than standard ones because of their higher air content. They are ideal for building structures where reducing weight is important.
Heavy Duty Expanded Clay Concrete Blocks	These are designed to handle high loads and are used in structural applications requiring extra strength and durability.
Insulated Expanded Clay Concrete Blocks	These blocks have enhanced thermal insulation properties, making them suitable for energy-efficient buildings.
Decorative Expanded Clay Concrete Blocks	Used primarily for aesthetic purposes, these blocks come in various textures and colors, adding visual appeal to buildings.

What is an expanded clay block and how is it produced

Let’s focus on the material’s composition and manufacturing process before discussing the characteristics of expanded clay concrete blocks and their varieties. We will be able to comprehend the product features more fully in this way.

Composition and manufacturing technology

The ingredients for expanded clay concrete blocks are cement, sand, water, and filler. For the latter, expanded clay is typically utilized. Nevertheless, additional materials like pumice gravel, algoporite, and shungizite can also be utilized.

There are only suggested raw material ratios in the recipe for expanded clay concrete blocks; manufacturers can alter these ratios to alter the initial outcome. The recipe does not specify any specific amounts.

For instance, you can improve the product’s density and strength by adding more cement to the mixture. The average density of the material is directly impacted by the filler fraction as well.

Plasticizers and other additives are frequently added to the mixture to raise the block’s quality. They can increase the solution’s plasticity, preventing product cracking in the process.

Now that we’ve decided to tell you everything there is to know about expanded clay concrete blocks, let’s take a quick look at the technology used to create the material.

• Mix the solution. When making it yourself, you can use a regular concrete mixer;
• The mixture is molded and processed on a vibrating press;
• After the solution has hardened, you can remove the formwork;
• The products can be used after 28 days.

Kindly take note! Both the machine and the matrix for the expanded clay concrete blocks (form) can be manufactured separately. The products can cost you a lot less in this instance. You will need sheet metal for the forms and a 150 W motor for the equipment.

Basic set of properties

Enhanced clay concrete blocks: a summary of the key attributes

For the material that is used to build a structure’s exterior walls, the minimum threshold of 25 cycles should be typical.

Because the material has not had enough time to fully mature, the maximum threshold has not yet been confirmed.

Generally speaking, blocks with a strength of M50 or higher are used in the construction of private homes.

Lower value products are appropriate for outbuilding construction and insulation.

Kindly take note! The mass, density, and strength of expanded clay concrete blocks all increase with increasing coefficient values.

The product needs to be finished correctly technically. If not, there is a very high risk that the material’s useful qualities will be significantly diminished.

Advantages of products and disadvantages

Let’s now discuss the benefits and drawbacks of various products.

Expanded clay blocks have the following advantages:

• High values ​​of density and strength and, at the same time, preservation of heat-saving characteristics;
• The composition of the products indicates their environmental friendliness due to the absence of harmful components;
• The material does not burn and is able to withstand exposure to high temperatures for a long time;
• The frost resistance grade and the durability of the erected structures are undoubted advantages of the material;
• The market of expanded clay concrete blocks is characterized by a wide range and, in the next chapter, we will finally be convinced of this;
• The products are not subject to either shrinkage or deformation;
• The dimensions of the blocks will significantly speed up the construction process. Expanded clay concrete blocks 390x190x188 (40 20 20) are standard;
• The price of the products is low, which makes them accessible to a wide range of consumers;
• SKC blocks are offered for sale by quite a few factories and dealers, which will allow a developer from almost any region to find an option located at the closest possible distance. Thus, you can save a lot on delivery.
• The small mass of the material implies a reduction in the load on the foundation of the building;
• The possibility of independent production is also an undoubted advantage;
• Biological stability of expanded clay blocks.

And now for a brief discussion of the drawbacks.

Thus, the following are some drawbacks of expanded clay concrete blocks and methods to reduce or eliminate them:

• Difficulty in processing products. The fact is that expanded clay block is abrasive, which forces developers to use specialized power tools when cutting the material. There is no way to overcome this drawback; when using a regular hacksaw or saw, the products will crumble and have uneven edges.
• Hygroscopicity. As already noted, recommendations for the use of expanded clay concrete blocks primarily consist of protecting them from moisture, which can not only reduce properties, but also gradually destroy the product.
• Be careful when transporting. Products, especially hollow ones, are fragile and break easily.
• Unfortunately, it is difficult to completely insure yourself against the purchase of low-quality products. The ease of manufacture, at one time, provoked the emergence of a large number of handicraft industries.

Product classification

Expanded clay concrete blocks are classified broadly, as was previously mentioned. Let’s investigate more closely.

Firstly, it is important to note that the material is divided into different types based on the bearing capacity, or more accurately, the product density:

1. Structural expanded clay block has the maximum value. It is used in the construction of load-bearing walls and structures.
2. For insulation, thermal insulation products are used. They are characterized by high heat-saving capacity and low density, which does not allow them to be used in the construction of walls or partitions.
3. Structural and thermal insulation blocks are more popular than others in low-rise construction. Their density grade is in the range from D500 to D900.

The aforementioned varieties vary from one another in terms of weight in addition to density and thermal conductivity. For instance, a 390x190x180 skts block with a density of D500 weighs roughly 12 kg, while one with a density of D900 weighs roughly 17 kg.

Blocks are categorized based on their purpose:

1. Wall and partition. Used in the construction of walls and partitions, respectively.

1. Ventilation. Characterized by the presence of ready-made holes intended for wiring communications.

1. Foundation. These are products of standard sizes, possessing the highest density and strength indicators. Used in the construction of building foundations.

Additionally, the block structure may vary.

It determines how products are differentiated:

• Solid – more durable and heavy.
• Hollow, characterized by inverse values. Their weight and strength are less. The nature of the voids can be different. Two-hollow, seven-slot and other types of blocks are produced.

In addition to being regular, a block can also have one or more facing surfaces. With a facing expanded clay concrete block, the developer won’t have to worry about the building’s exterior design.

The products have the following texture:

• Smooth surface has no signs of processing;
• Ground, as the name suggests, is subject to grinding;
• Riffled is characterized by the presence of geometrically correct depressions and bulges;
• The most popular texture of decorative products is split. They are called "Besser expanded clay concrete blocks". Most often, they are used to build fences, and are used in landscape design. They are relatively inexpensive (if we talk, for example, about decorative bricks), but they have an aesthetic appearance.

Nearly any shade is possible for colored expanded clay concrete blocks, which are frequently made to order following a buyer-supplier agreement.

It is noteworthy to discuss expanded clay concrete "three-layer" blocks separately. This is a first for the building material market. These products have enhanced density indicators and enviable heat-saving features, as stated by the manufacturers. To be more exact, the value that is inverse to the thermal conductivity coefficient—that is, the heat transfer resistance—is what is more important.

Three layers make up this product: polystyrene, textured concrete (facing layer), and expanded clay concrete. The most well-known brand of these products is "Teplosten," which is heat-efficient concrete blocks.

Products made of expanded clay concrete can vary in having a ridge and groove or a smooth surface. Although they are easier to work with, expanded clay concrete tongue-and-groove blocks must be used to build walls that are nearly perfectly flat. Termokomfort expanded clay concrete blocks are a traditional example of these goods.

Comparison of expanded clay blocks with the main competing materials

Let’s examine expanded clay concrete blocks side by side with their primary rivals using the table.

Comparing expanded clay concrete blocks with alternative materials:

Property name	Expanded clay block	Foam block	Polystyrene concrete block	Aerated concrete block
Frost resistance, cycles	25-300	25-100	15-150	25-150
Density, kg/m3	400-2000	300-1200	150-600	300-1200
Thermal conductivity, W*mS	0.14-0.45	0.07-0.33	0.05-0.17	0.08-0.35
Durability, years	Up to 250	Up to 200	Up to 200	Up to 200
Shrinkage	Not affected	Up to 1 mm/m2	Up to 0.5 mm/m2	Up to 0.5 mm/m2
Hygroscopicity,%	18%	10-15%	5%	25%
Environmental friendliness	environmentally friendly	environmentally friendly	environmentally friendly	Eco-friendly
Fire resistance	Does not burn	Does not burn	Does not burn	Does not burn
average cost	3500	3200	3000	3300

There are several varieties of expanded clay concrete blocks, each with unique characteristics and applications. This article explores the fundamental traits and uses of these blocks while giving a concise synopsis of their various classifications. Knowing these categories, which range from low-weight to high-strength options, makes it easier to choose the best kind for a given construction project’s requirements while maintaining durability and efficiency.

Practical recommendations for choosing products and using

Selecting expanded clay concrete skts blocks, or any of its variants, is not too tough, and anyone can learn how to lay them.

Nonetheless, it is wise to heed the following advice:

• Expanded clay concrete facing block must meet the requirements for appearance. Chips and other errors are not allowed.
• When choosing a material, be sure to be guided by the scope of its application.
• Which expanded clay concrete blocks are better? The answer is simple: those whose properties and purposes correspond to those stated in the construction project.
• It is worth giving preference to the manufacturer whose products are characterized by the highest indicators. Too low a cost should confuse you. The popularity of the brand and supplier are also of considerable importance. For convenience and reliability, you can pay attention to well-known stores.

• How to check the quality of expanded clay concrete blocks when buying? Check the availability of a certificate of conformity from the supplier for the product. Products that have passed the test must necessarily meet all the requirements of the technical documentation.
• The dimensions of the products may be different. They are selected in accordance with the thickness of the wall, purpose and type of masonry. The width of the expanded clay concrete block, as a rule, is 18.8 cm, the length is 38.8. And this is not just like that.
• The fact is that the thickness of the solution layer is usually 1 cm, and the wall thickness of 1 brick is 20 cm. If you add 1 cm to the above values, you will get the same 200 mm.
• Some developers pay attention to the equipment used in the production of products. The highest quality option is considered to be the "ame maschinen" lines. Many manufacturers focus on this.

• After purchasing the material, decide what you will use when laying: mortar or special glue for expanded clay concrete blocks. In the latter case, you will better preserve the heat-saving capacity of the wall by reducing cold bridges.
• When carrying out work, strictly follow the order of work and technological recommendations. Do not forget about the displacement of the seam, control and adjustment.
• Do not mix too much mortar and do not dilute it in case of partial hardening.
• Start laying from the corners, and first waterproof the foundation.

These suggestions will assist you in avoiding unfavorable outcomes.

Additionally, you can learn more about the application of different kinds of expanded clay blocks from the video in this article.

Expanded clay concrete blocks are a versatile option for a variety of construction needs because of their special qualities. Knowing the various kinds of these blocks will help you select the ideal one for your project. Solid blocks, hollow blocks, and insulating blocks are the three main categories; each is made to fulfill particular needs like load bearing capacity, thermal insulation, and acoustic performance.

Because of their strength and longevity, solid blocks are a great choice for structural uses. They are frequently utilized in load-bearing walls and offer strong support. Conversely, hollow blocks can be used for partition walls as well as load-bearing walls because of their ability to lower weight and increase insulation. They are also easier to handle and more affordable due to their hollow cores.

Insulating blocks are designed with thermal efficiency in mind, which helps control indoor temperature and lower energy usage. These bricks come in especially handy in areas where insulation is essential. You can choose the best expanded clay concrete block for your project by taking into account its particular requirements, as each type has advantages of its own.

All things considered, expanded clay concrete blocks are a useful and adaptable building material that come in a variety of forms to suit a range of requirements. You can improve the performance and efficiency of your construction project by choosing the best blocks based on an assessment of their attributes and classifications.

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