Types of lintels for aerated concrete blocks, installation methods

The stability and longevity of the structure when constructing with aerated concrete blocks depend on the type of lintel chosen. Horizontal support elements called lintel are positioned over openings such as windows and doors to help distribute loads and prevent structural failures. There are various kinds of lintels out there, each with special benefits and useful uses.

A popular variety that is renowned for its strength and adaptability is the reinforced concrete lintel. Concrete is poured into a mold containing embedded steel reinforcement to create these lintels, which provide a sturdy support capable of supporting heavy loads. The steel lintel is an additional choice that is frequently chosen due to its portability and simplicity of installation. Typically, steel lintels are prefabricated and available in multiple sizes to accommodate a range of apertures.

An increasingly popular option for individuals seeking a lighter solution are aerated concrete lintels. Because they are constructed of the same material as the blocks, these lintels have a uniform appearance and feel while still providing sufficient support. Prefabricated lintels are another option; they come in a variety of materials and are ready to install straight out of the box, saving time and effort on the building site.

Aerated concrete block lintel installation calls for exact planning and execution. Accurately measuring the opening and selecting a lintel that meets the project’s unique needs are crucial. Typically, the installation procedure entails firmly positioning the lintel over the aperture, making sure it is level and oriented correctly. Additional steps, such as mortar or mechanical fasteners, may be required depending on the type of lintel.

Gaining knowledge of the various lintel kinds and how to install them will have a big impact on how well your construction project turns out. You can guarantee the safety, stability, and longevity of your structure by choosing the appropriate lintel and carrying out the installation process according to the guidelines.

Factory solutions

As soon as the aerated concrete blocks are unloaded onto the construction site, factory-made lintels are prepared for installation. The components consist of steel frames embedded in silicate cellular material, shaped like rectangular beams. There is a unique anti-corrosion compound applied to the metal.

The following benefits are offered by the products:

1. Precise geometric shapes and sizes. The size of the beams corresponds to the parameters of the blocks, which allows you to make continuous rows of equal thickness in the masonry.
2. Optimal ratio of flexibility and strength. A volumetric iron frame made of reinforcement gives the beams the ability to bend under loads, and aerated concrete material ensures the creation of volume with good resistance to vertical pressure.
3. Durability. Gas blocks are resistant to temperature changes, humidity and ultraviolet radiation. The material is waterproof, reliably protects the steel core from moisture. Gas silicate is designed for 100 years of operation in dry climates.
4. Ease of use. The aerated concrete lintel is lightweight. There is no need to use special lifting devices to lift it to a height. The product can be delivered to the installation site using manual rigging equipment.
5. Low thermal conductivity. The material is identical to that from which aerated concrete blocks are made. Thanks to this, there is no need for additional insulation of the walls.

The products’ price is their sole downside. But, this factor has little bearing on the construction budget because private homes typically have few external openings and internal partitions.

Ready-made version of a reinforced aerated concrete lintel according to GOST

GOST defines the requirements for aerated concrete lintels, which impact factors like size, specific gravity, resistance to heat and frost, degree of bending, and strength.

• height — 124 mm;
• width — 115, 150, 175 mm;
• length — 1300, 1500, 2000, 2500, 3000 mm.
• density — 800-1500 kg/m³;
• part weight — 60-150 kg;
• number of freeze/thaw cycles — 50;
• load — 200-500 kgf/m².
• frame material — reinforcement bars 10-16 mm (2, 3 and 4 cores).

The size and quantity of reinforcement cores in a good determine its price per unit. Shock-absorbing wooden pads are used to transport and store beams in a horizontal orientation.

The stack height is unrestricted. Despite the fact that the material is hygroscopic and readily absorbs moisture, it is advised to store it in a dry environment.

Aerated concrete pillar installation is done on a specific composition. A 2-3 mm thick layer of glue is applied during laying because the walls are even. With the help of this feature, you can shorten the construction timeline, save money, and get rid of cold bridges that are caused by cement mortar.

U-block structure

Using prefabricated structures, which are significantly less expensive than ready-made monolithic equivalents, can help you save money on materials. A U-shaped aerated concrete lintel is this option. Its installation can be done on the ground or on walls, with lifting and installation done afterwards, which is an advantage.

1. Base made of silicate material. The beam has a square cross-section, on the upper side there is a longitudinal recess in the shape of the letter U. The groove is designed for laying the core, which gives the finished product flexibility and strength.
2. Steel frame. Depending on the length and width of the workpiece, it is made of corrugated reinforcement with a strength of A500. For walls with narrow windows up to 150 cm wide, a flat frame is made of two cores. Wider spans are covered with beams, the core of which has a spatial shape with a square section with a side of 40-50 mm, formed by four pins.
3. Filler. Lightweight concrete grade M100-M150 is used. Expanded clay can be used as a filler. The solution is poured into the groove not to the top. The remaining 50 mm are covered with a strip of gas silicate.

Foam concrete U-shaped window lintels can be sawed to the appropriate size prior to assembly. The thickness of the walls affects the volume of concrete.

U-blocks are also easy to make on your own. This is accomplished by layering and adhering multiple stones onto a level foundation. Excess material is removed by using a grinder or chaser to make cuts once the solution has solidified. After that, the workpiece is reinforced and concreted. Once assembled, it becomes so heavy that you have to lift it with machinery.

Reinforced concrete

Products made of reinforced concrete are both incredibly lightweight and durable. They are made to withstand temperature fluctuations, moisture, and UV rays and are intended to support heavy loads. Standard-sized reinforced posts are known as reinforced concrete lintels. Producers create goods with dimensions that line up with brick or sand-lime block sizes.

Compared to aerated concrete beams, reinforced concrete products require a deeper wall support because of their substantial mass. This results in the acquisition or self-manufacture of longer, heavier beams. As a result, there is an increase in the construction timeline, budget, and need for lifting equipment.

• height — 124 mm;
• width — 115, 150, 175 mm;
• length — 1300, 1500, 2000, 2500, 3000, 3500 mm.
• density — 2200-2500 kg/m³;
• part weight — 160-550 kg;
• number of freeze/thaw cycles — 100;
• load — 600-2500 kgf/m².
• frame material — reinforcing bars 10-16 mm (2, 3 and 4 cores).

Because of their extreme durability, the pillars don’t need to be stored or transported under specific circumstances. Items can be kept outside, including in locations where flooding is a possibility.

One consideration that should be made when selecting products made of reinforced concrete is that the material has a high heat conductivity. It is best to install it in aerated concrete walls only if insulation is intended for those walls. Otherwise, condensation and frost will form, creating cold bridges.

Selecting the appropriate lintels and comprehending their installation is essential when dealing with aerated concrete blocks in order to guarantee structural integrity and equitable distribution of load. There are several types of lintels, which are horizontal supports above openings like doors and windows. Prefabricated aerated concrete lintels, reinforced concrete lintels, and steel lintels are among the varieties available. Every variety offers distinct advantages and installation techniques designed to meet particular building needs. To prevent structural problems and guarantee the longevity and stability of the construction, proper installation techniques are crucial. These include making sure the components are positioned correctly and receiving enough support. You will learn about the various lintels that are appropriate for aerated concrete blocks in this guide, along with detailed instructions on how to install them.

Support depth and maximum opening length

The distance that a beam extends onto the wall of a window or door opening is known as the support depth. Building constructors consider things like the minimum support distance and the maximum length of the overlapped clearance. The area to which the beam weight is transferred determines the silicate wall’s resistance and safety level.

The calculation’s peculiarity is that blocks may break under load if there is a tiny contact area. The terms and cost of construction increase with a large support depth.

1. Reinforced concrete pillars. Products are designed for installation in an opening, the distance of which does not exceed 300 cm with an overlap on each side of at least 30 cm. Additional insulation is required after installation. If this is not provided for by the project, protective finishing is not required.
2. Monolithic foam concrete window lintels. Can be used for openings up to 200 cm long with an overlap on the sides of 25 cm. After construction, insulation is not used, a waterproof external finish is required.
3. Collapsible silicate beams with reinforcement. Depending on the type of frame, the indicators for the maximum width of the opening vary. With internal reinforcement, it is 200 cm. When using external reinforcement (angle, rods), the maximum distance is 120 cm with a support depth of 20 cm. Insulation is not carried out after installation. Facade plaster is applied.

It’s important to keep in mind that aerated concrete requires the use of strong, lightweight fasteners that don’t put undue strain on the blocks when selecting a building technique.

Installation methods

Every approach to installing lintels has advantages and disadvantages of its own.

In order to perform construction work, the following equipment and supplies must be ready:

• level;
• tape measure;
• mallet;
• pliers;
• grinder;
• welding machine;
• hacksaw for silicate;
• knife;
• plane;
• marker;
• ladder or sawhorses;
• helmet, respirator, safety glasses and gloves.

It is best to work in dry, windless conditions.

Using U-blocks

Because of their light weight, the products don’t require a crane to operate. Lifting and installing this product requires caution because it is brittle and can shatter under a vertical load. During installation, you are not allowed to sit, lean, or stand on it.

The installation process is completed in the following order:

1. Make measurements. Workpieces of the required size are cut out – a tray, reinforcement bars, fasteners for pins.
2. The tray is glued to the walls. At the edges, the part is supported by wall blocks, which are fixed with assembly glue.
3. Making a steel rod. Depending on the width of the tray, 2, 3 or 4 wires are used. It is better to tie them with wire or plastic ties, because. . welding provokes corrosion.
4. Installing the frame in the tray. The product is rigidly fixed in space with steel brackets. If the groove is excessively wide, then the free space is filled with strips of silicate or foam plastic.
5. Concrete is made. It is poured and leveled in the form. It takes at least 7 days for the solution to gain full strength.

Glue can be applied to the upper edges of the tray to continue construction after the jumper is installed.

Reinforced lintels

Builders can benefit from using factory-made products that are already assembled in many ways. The part’s weight, flexibility, and strength are all perfectly balanced. The beam’s elasticity is provided by the internal steel frame, but it is constrained by the hard outer shell that shields the rod from corrosion.

The amount of finished jumpers required is calculated during the design phase. You can choose from a variety of products to get beams that fit wall block specifications. This will enable you to postpone the task of modifying the product heights.

The installation process is completed in the following order:

1. After preliminary measurements, a beam of the required dimensions is selected. It is not necessary to shorten it, t. To. increasing the depth of the support will only reduce the load on the wall.
2. Markings are applied to the base for laying, this place is covered with assembly glue.
3. The beam is laid so that the guide arrow points upwards. The part is aligned vertically and horizontally.
4. Wall blocks are placed and glued to the right and left of the beam. Fixation is carried out with a minimum gap between the products.

It is only possible to grind off excess and perform other tasks once the adhesive solution has fully solidified.

On corners or reinforcing bars

When installing doors and narrow windows, one option for covering openings in homes constructed of aerated concrete material is to use a stop composed of corners.

During installation, adherence to the following guidelines is required:

• use a corner with a cross-section of at least 75×75 mm, and preferably 100×100 mm;
• the minimum permissible wall thickness for this method is 20 cm;
• after sawing into blanks, clean the metal from corrosion, treat with primer and a protective coating;
• connect the corners together by spot welding with subsequent cleaning of the burrs;
• in the blocks, make recesses in advance, clean them from dust and prime them;
• the depth of the support should be at least 25 cm;
• make the openings for the ridge of such a depth and width that there is room for glue.

The corners are placed in the center of the masonry or along the edges of the walls, depending on how thick the walls are. Their edges can be bent down and sunk into the blocks to give the supports stability.

Reinforcement is an additional method of lintel arrangement. In these situations, the width of the opening cannot be greater than 120 cm due to the extreme flexibility of the rods. Pins with a minimum diameter of 12 mm must be used.

• the reinforcement is cut into pieces, cleaned of rust and treated with protective agents;
• recesses are made in the walls to create a groove for the support;
• grooves are cut in the blocks corresponding to the passage of the reinforcement in the opening;
• the stones are placed on the guides and immediately glued together;
• the remaining voids below are filled with glue or starting plaster, the surface is leveled.

Such a lintel can be put together on the ground and then raised to a height. Care must be taken during this work to prevent joint cracking in the final product.

Type of Lintel	Installation Method
Reinforced Concrete Lintel	Place the lintel over the opening and secure it with mortar. Ensure it is level and aligned with the wall.
Steel Lintel	Position the steel lintel over the opening, making sure it rests securely on both sides. Fix it in place using anchors or screws.
Precast Concrete Lintel	Lift the precast lintel into place and set it on the aerated concrete blocks. Use mortar to fix it in position.
Composite Lintel	Install by placing the composite lintel over the opening, ensuring it is supported on both ends. Use appropriate fixings as recommended by the manufacturer.

Selecting the appropriate lintel type for aerated concrete blocks is essential to guaranteeing the stability and longevity of your building endeavor. Prefabricated lintels, reinforced concrete, steel, and other materials are among the many types of lintels that are available; each has its own advantages. Choosing the ideal lidel for the task will be made easier if you are aware of the particular requirements of your project.

Lintels installed over aerated concrete blocks are simple to install, but they need to be done carefully. Maintaining structural integrity and preventing sagging during installation requires proper support. Your construction will be stronger and last longer if you make sure that the fitting and reinforcement are done correctly.

When installing lintels, it’s crucial to adhere to local building codes and manufacturer instructions. This will guarantee your structure’s dependability and safety in addition to regulatory compliance. Your aerated concrete block construction will last for many years with the correct lintel and installation.

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