What are polystyrene concrete blocks – wall, partition: pros and cons, types, sizes, characteristics

Modern building materials like polystyrene concrete blocks are becoming more and more popular in construction because of their special qualities and adaptability. These blocks offer an inventive solution for a variety of building needs by combining the strength of concrete with the lightweight and insulating qualities of polystyrene. They offer a balance of strength, efficiency, and environmental benefits, and are frequently used for walls and partitions in residential, commercial, and industrial buildings.

The superior thermal insulation of polystyrene concrete blocks is one of their main benefits. By adding polystyrene beads to the concrete mixture, the material greatly minimizes heat transfer, assisting in the maintenance of comfortable interior temperatures while lowering energy expenses. These blocks are also well-known for their ability to insulate sound, which makes them a great option for structures that are located in noisy areas or for establishing quiet, private areas inside buildings.

Polystyrene concrete blocks have numerous advantages, but they also have certain disadvantages. Their use in some load-bearing applications may be restricted because they might not be as strong as conventional concrete blocks. Additionally, projects with a tight budget may want to take into account their comparatively higher cost when compared to conventional materials. Nevertheless, these upfront costs are frequently compensated for by the long-term energy cost savings and the simplicity of installation.

To meet diverse construction requirements, polystyrene concrete blocks are available in a range of sizes and types. Typical varieties comprise load-bearing, non-load-bearing, and insulating blocks, each intended for distinct purposes inside a structure. These blocks come in a range of sizes as well, giving designers and builders more creative freedom. While standard dimensions are offered, custom sizes can be produced to fulfill specific project needs.

It is crucial to take into account the unique qualities of polystyrene concrete blocks, such as their density, compressive strength, and thermal conductivity, when choosing them. Understanding the requirements of your project is essential for making the best decision, as these qualities can change based on the mix proportions and manufacturing techniques employed. All things considered, polystyrene concrete blocks provide a strong set of advantages that make them a desirable choice for contemporary building projects.

Main characteristics

Prior to purchasing prefabricated blocks for constructing a private residence, it is essential to examine their primary attributes, which are standardized by GOST standards.

Density indicators range from 150 to 800 kg/m³, and frost resistance is measured in freeze-thaw cycles, or F35–F300. G1 is the flammability group and 0.05 mg is the vapor permeability level. Expanded polystyrene, however, lacks the necessary compressive strength to be utilized in the construction of buildings taller than two stories.

There are benefits and drawbacks to a decreased level of vapor permeability. Because they lack the ability to absorb moisture, blocks do not fear exposure to below-freezing temperatures. This keeps the air exchange from being balanced but guarantees good resistance to frost.

Experts differ in their opinions about environmental friendliness. The material’s proponents maintain that polystyrene foam is entirely safe, while its detractors disagree.

You can be certain of the material’s harmlessness and purity if you follow the guidelines provided by currently valid hygienic certificates.

Blocks are particularly popular in private construction because of their ideal density. There are three groups of polystyrene foam based on this indicator:

1. The first group – it is represented by blocks with a bulk density of 150-300 kg / m³. Such material is effective for external decoration of premises and the arrangement of internal partitions with a load-bearing function.
2. The second group – this includes heat-insulating blocks with density indicators of 350-500 kg / m³.
3. The third group includes polystyrene concrete with a density of 500 kg / m³. It performs structural functions and can be used in the arrangement of external walls in low-rise buildings (up to 2 floors).

Advantages and disadvantages

The benefits and drawbacks of polystyrene concrete blocks should be examined before determining what qualities they possess.

1. Efficient thermal insulation, allowing you to keep the heat in the rooms in winter and provide a comfortable microclimate in the hot season.
2. Low weight and lightness. These characteristics eliminate the need for builders to use expensive equipment and special equipment to implement the project. Also due to the reduced weight, the blocks are easy to transport.
3. Ease of self-processing. Communication systems can be laid in finished structures. At the same time, the owner of the house can make changes to the geometry of the blocks and implement any architectural ideas.
4. Long service life and high strength properties. According to manufacturers, a room made of polystyrene concrete blocks can last more than 100 years.
5. Good sound and heat insulation properties, which eliminate the need to purchase additional insulation materials.
6. Resistance to cracks under point loads.
7. Compliance with environmental standards.
8. Absence of reaction with chemical and biologically active substances.
9. High degree of frost resistance.
10. Fire resistance. Due to this property, the blocks can be used to construct buildings with the first category of fire hazard.

However, wall blocks composed of polystyrene concrete in a home have drawbacks in addition to benefits. Among them are:

1. Low strength of installation of fasteners, such as dowels, anchors and self-tapping screws. They can be removed from the structure by hand without using special tools. Because of this property, it is better to fasten hanging elements only in the voids between the blocks, where the concrete mixture is located, and use anchors as fasteners.
2. Loss of stability of doors and windows in case of non-compliance with the installation technology.
3. Vulnerability to open fire. At high temperatures, polystyrene granules begin to deteriorate and lose their thermal insulation properties. To eliminate the problem, their surface must be covered with a fire-resistant protective film and plaster.

When beginning to construct a house using homemade blocks, you must choose an original raw material composition that is balanced and does not contain any granules larger than 20 mm in diameter.

Plastering is a fairly simple process, but it does involve following certain technological guidelines.

Production technology

According to its technical description, polystyrene concrete is a composite material made of cement and foamed polymer granule balls that together form a stable lattice. Use surface-active and air-entertaining additives to increase the homogeneity of raw materials.

The ratios of cement to water must be changed in order to create concrete with varying densities. Sand is added to the mixture in addition to liquid, which modifies the final product’s performance characteristics.

Types, sizes and approximate prices

Concrete blocks made of polystyrene in a variety of sizes and characteristics are available for purchase.

1. Wall with dimensions 300x380x588 mm.
2. Wall – 188x300x588 mm.
3. Partition walls – 92x300x588 mm.

One square meter of blocks costs 3.5 thousand rubles on the construction market. A comparable volume of aerated concrete will set you back 3.8 thousand rubles. The cost of a cubic meter of foam concrete masonry material is 3.5 thousand rubles.

Cladding-containing designs are also offered; the price per square meter is 4.5 thousand rubles. Better strength characteristics, a longer service life, and environmental friendliness are the reasons for the price increase.

The cost of the material varies depending on operating environment features and climate. Blocks in Moscow may therefore be less expensive than those in Vladivostok or other far-off places. It is crucial to select the proper polystyrene concrete type and avoid economizing on less expensive alternatives if you want to construct a sturdy and long-lasting home.

The block needs to be strong, resistant to load-bearing loads, able to tolerate exposure to negative temperatures, and have good sound and heat insulation.

Innovative building materials known as polystyrene concrete blocks are made of lightweight polystyrene beads mixed with cement to form durable, insulating, and adaptable blocks for walls and partitions. These blocks are perfect for both residential and commercial construction because they have many benefits, such as superior thermal insulation, soundproofing, and ease of installation. They do, however, have certain disadvantages, including reduced structural strength when compared to conventional concrete and possible environmental issues with polystyrene. Polystyrene concrete blocks are valued for their distinctive qualities and are becoming more and more common in contemporary construction projects. They come in a variety of types and sizes.

Choice

In order to select a high-quality polystyrene concrete block, you should take into account the following features and criteria:

1. Familiarize yourself with the history of the manufacturing company, all kinds of certifications and trust from customers. The material must meet European quality standards, have a balanced recipe and geometry.
2. If possible, visit a construction site where a similar material is used.
3. Refuse cheap blocks of dubious quality, which were produced at home by inexperienced specialists.
4. The block section should contain numerous polystyrene granules.
5. The material should be of the same size and fit tightly together.

Additionally, you should confirm that the block is free of any superfluous voids or deformations. The material’s weight and the density indicators must match the necessary values; otherwise, the strength qualities will decline.

Manufacturing

The following equipment and supplies are needed to make your own polystyrene concrete:

1. Concrete mixer.
2. Scoop shovel.
3. Water.
4. Cement mixture.
5. Quartz sand.
6. Polystyrene granules.
7. Additional components.

1. First, you need to properly mix the polystyrene granules with chemical components and liquid, and then immerse them in a concrete mixer and mix for 1-2 minutes.
2. At the next stage, cement is added to the composition and mixed for another 3 minutes until a homogeneous mass is formed.
3. To increase water-repellent properties, tar is added to the solution.
4. The finished mixture should be placed in plastic forms, the surface of which is pre-lubricated with waste oil.
5. The process of hardening the blocks takes about 25 hours.
6. At the last stage, the finished product should be removed from the plastic containers and moved to a cool environment for final drying. This can last 2-3 weeks, after which the blocks can be used for their intended purpose.

Masonry

For the load-bearing walls, the proper foundation construction must be completed before beginning any masonry work. In order to accomplish this, mix a 1:3 cement-to-sand mortar, apply it to the surface, level it, and use a building level to ensure it is even.

It’s important to prepare an adhesive solution before laying the first row. Take dry glue and pour in liquid, stirring until it becomes the consistency of thick sour cream. Since the prepared mixture has a 4-hour shelf life, it is best to make it ahead of time and use it before beginning any masonry work.

The glue is applied with a trowel and leveled with a comb-spatula. After that, a brush must be used to remove any leftover dust. Placing lighthouse blocks in the corners and laying along a stretched cord will make the process easier. It will be difficult to disassemble the wall after the glue has set.

Particular care must be taken during the first row laying stage. Any deviations or irregularities must be eliminated, or else the building will be of low quality. A level is used to measure the masonry’s evenness, and a rubber mallet is used to make necessary adjustments. You must add another block if there are any gaps.

With the strength and durability of concrete combined with the lightweight qualities of polystyrene, polystyrene concrete blocks provide a contemporary and adaptable building solution. These blocks offer superior thermal and acoustic insulation, making them perfect for use as walls or partitions. They are therefore especially appropriate for residential buildings where energy efficiency and comfort are top concerns.

The ease of handling and installation of polystyrene concrete blocks is one of their main benefits. Because of their light weight, construction takes less time and requires less labor. Furthermore, these blocks exhibit resistance against moisture and pests, thereby extending the lifespan of structures constructed using them. They are therefore a financially sensible choice since they may eventually result in lower maintenance costs.

But there are a few disadvantages to take into account. The initial cost of polystyrene concrete blocks may be higher than that of conventional materials, and their structural strength may be lower than that of regular concrete blocks. Because of this drawback, they work better in non-load-bearing applications or require more reinforcement in walls that support loads.

Polystyrene concrete blocks are available in a range of sizes and types to accommodate diverse construction requirements. While standard sizes are offered, special sizes can also be produced for particular purposes. Because of this flexibility, the building process can be completed more quickly and effectively because builders can select the best block for the job at hand.

All things considered, polystyrene concrete blocks are a major development in building materials. They provide a useful combination of longevity, ease of use, and insulation that can greatly aid in modern construction. Builders and homeowners can choose whether or not to use these cutting-edge blocks in their projects by carefully weighing the benefits and drawbacks of each.

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