We build a house from monolithic foam concrete in permanent formwork: pros and cons, technology

Monolithic foam concrete in permanent formwork construction is a contemporary building technique that is becoming more and more well-liked due to its distinct benefits. This creative method offers a number of advantages over conventional building materials by fusing the insulating qualities of foam with the structural integrity of reinforced concrete.

The primary benefit is efficiency. By removing the need for traditional formwork removal after concrete is poured, the use of permanent formwork streamlines the construction process. This lowers labor costs related to assembling and dismantling formwork in addition to saving time. The permanent formwork system is an appealing alternative for both residential and commercial projects since it also helps to shorten the overall construction timeline.

Insulation offers yet another important advantage. Known for its exceptional thermal and acoustic qualities, foam concrete offers better insulation than regular concrete. As a result, the building will have greater energy efficiency because less energy is needed for heating and cooling throughout the year. This feature helps homeowners save on energy costs while keeping a cozy interior atmosphere, and it is especially helpful in areas with harsh weather.

Furthermore, compared to conventional concrete buildings, monolithic foam concrete structures are typically lighter in weight. In addition to streamlining foundation requirements, this weight reduction may result in structural support material cost savings. Moreover, the reduced weight can facilitate safer and easier handling and transportation of building supplies, increasing project efficiency overall.

There are things to keep in mind, though, just like with any construction method. Although foam concrete provides superior insulation, its strength properties may differ from those of regular concrete. In order to guarantee that the foam concrete satisfies all relevant building codes and safety standards, engineers and architects must carefully assess structural requirements. Furthermore, although permanent formwork minimizes labor during construction, the project budget should account for the formwork’s initial setup costs and material costs.

In conclusion, using permanent formwork to construct a home out of monolithic foam concrete is an attractive alternative for contemporary building projects. This technique presents a viable substitute for traditional building materials because of its effectiveness, insulating qualities, and potential cost savings. However, the successful application of this novel construction method depends on meticulous planning, consideration of structural requirements, and initial costs.

Monolithic foam concrete in permanent formwork construction presents unique benefits and considerations. This construction technique offers superior thermal efficiency and shortens construction time by combining the insulating advantages of foam concrete with the structural integrity of permanent formwork. But because it has special requirements for pouring and setting the foam concrete inside the formwork, it requires careful planning and experience. The benefits of increased energy efficiency and speedier construction are discussed in this article, along with the drawbacks of careful planning and possible difficulties in controlling the concrete pouring process. Anyone thinking about using this cutting-edge method of building homes needs to be aware of these factors.

Easy solution

When describing monolithic foam concrete homes, contractors quickly highlight their quickness, affordability, and dependability. In addition, you can construct a low-cost mansion yourself with little time or effort on your part.

What kind of material is it

Based on a concrete mixture, foam concrete is a lightweight, porous building material. Unlike aerated concrete, its pores are closed, preventing the bubbles from interacting with one another throughout the monolith’s thickness. As a result, the material exhibits exceptional frost resistance qualities and has no fear of moisture.

The ingredients for foam concrete blocks are sand, cement, water, a unique foam concentrate, and hardener. Foam concrete exhibits qualities that make it perfect for residential construction because of its unique structure, including environmental friendliness, the capacity to create an ideal indoor microclimate, the ability to create "breathable" walls, and heat conservation.

• Like concrete – strength, solidity, resistance to external negative factors, durability, high level of fire resistance
• Like wood – good nailability, ease of processing, sawability
• Like mineral insulation – good sound insulation, ease of installation, light weight, low thermal conductivity

Mode of production

Sand-cement mortar and prepared foam are combined in a pressure mixer or foam generator to create foam concrete. During the manufacturing process, air bubbles form, giving the material a lighter, less dense texture. Depending on the material’s intended use, the density parameter is changed. 2-4 times less cement is needed to produce a block than it is to produce a conventional block.

The right volume selection, component quality, and adherence to the complete production technology all directly correlate with material quality.

Simple construction

It is possible to build a house out of monolithic foam concrete by hand, but you will need to pay close attention to several details and the entire process. Every step needs to be carried out precisely and in a specific order.

First, preparation

Preparation is done before constructing a house on a completed foundation, whether by pouring material or laying blocks. Building a supporting frame is the first step, followed by installing ventilation boxes, mounting the formwork, and running an electric cable. Building is done during the warmer months; it is never done in the winter, when the material’s strength indicator could deteriorate.

Three methods

There are various technologies available for use in the construction of foam concrete houses, each with advantages and disadvantages of their own.

The easiest and fastest option is to pour foam concrete into permanent formwork; this method ensures that the walls are level and requires little finishing. The structure is put together quickly and easily.

Pros and cons

Building a home out of monolithic foam concrete requires some subtlety. If things were that simple and straightforward, other materials would have long since become obsolete. However, given that structures are still constructed today using brick, wood, and reinforced concrete slabs, it becomes clear that foam concrete might not be relevant in all situations.

Obvious advantages

People should live in a monolithic foam concrete house because it is completely safe for their health, permits good airflow, and prevents the growth of potentially harmful microorganisms.

• Low cost
• Minimum weight of blocks with a large size – the ability to save on installation
• Fast construction
• Ease of processing – foam concrete is easy to drill, saw, blocks can be connected into a monolith of any configuration
• Environmentally friendly and safe for humans
• High level of sound insulation
• Excellent thermal insulation properties – walls made of monolithic foam concrete retain heat well, surpassing even wood and brick
• High level of heat/moisture resistance
• The ability to implement complex projects – any configuration, single- or multi-story, with adjustable wall thickness as desired, creating volumetric rooms
• Reduction in reinforcement consumption by 20%

There are disadvantages

The inability to build in the winter, the material’s fragility under point load, the fear of freezing and quick destruction in the cold, and the necessity of carefully adhering to all pouring instructions and regulations (there is a risk of producing low-quality foam concrete due to unstable foam, incorrect selection of component proportions, low quality of the components themselves, etc.d.) are some of the drawbacks that a monolithic house made of foam concrete may have.

Additionally, when the structure shrinks, the layer of foam concrete may fracture. Because the material is quite delicate, excessive local loads should be considered.

As previously stated, adherence to material production technology and the construction process as a whole is crucial, and there aren’t many experts available yet. This is because building homes out of monolithic foam concrete is not something that happens very often right now.

Foam blocks can only be used to construct buildings no higher than two or three stories, which is more than sufficient for residential construction.

There are benefits and drawbacks to utilizing permanent formwork when constructing a home out of monolithic foam concrete. Its insulating qualities are one of its primary advantages. Excellent thermal insulation from foam concrete can eventually result in lower heating and cooling expenses. In addition to being lightweight and durable, this material facilitates faster and easier building construction when compared to conventional methods.

The ability to be creative with design is another benefit of foam concrete. It can be formed into a wide range of sizes and forms to suit diverse architectural tastes and styles. Its compatibility with other building materials adds to its versatility and gives builders additional construction options.

But there are disadvantages to take into account. The initial cost is one major worry. Although foam concrete can result in lower energy costs, the initial costs for supplies and specialized tools may be greater than those associated with traditional building materials. To guarantee structural integrity and effective insulation, foam concrete handling and pouring proficiency is also essential.

An additional factor to consider is the environmental impact. Cement is usually used in the production of foam concrete, which increases carbon emissions. Even though it is long-lasting and energy-efficient once installed, its long-term advantages should be evaluated against the environmental impact of its manufacture.

Conclusively, constructing a home using monolithic foam concrete within permanent formwork presents significant benefits in terms of insulation, construction velocity, and design adaptability. Due to these advantages, it is a desirable choice for contemporary building projects that seek to be both architecturally and energy-free. Notwithstanding, the possible disadvantages, such as upfront expenses and ecological issues, underscore the significance of meticulous preparation and proficiency in employing this inventive construction technique.

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