What is a monolithic house and how is it better than a brick one

The choice between a brick and a monolithic house is important when it comes to selecting the proper construction style for your house. While there are benefits to each approach, knowing what a monolithic house offers will help you make an informed decision.

One pour of concrete is used to build a monolithic house, meaning the foundation and walls are poured simultaneously. Using this method, the building’s structure is seamless and free of joints and connections between its various components. A brick house, on the other hand, is built by laying individual bricks or blocks and then mortaring them together. This conventional approach can require a lot of labor and time.

The strength and longevity of a monolithic house are among its main benefits. When properly poured, concrete creates a sturdy structure that is more resistant to weather and natural disasters like earthquakes than brick buildings. Since monolithic homes don’t have joints, they are also less likely to leak water or allow moisture to seep in, two problems that can arise frequently in brick buildings over time.

Monolithic homes are also renowned for being energy-efficient. When compared to brick homes, the dense nature of concrete can result in lower heating and cooling expenses because it stores heat during the day and releases it at night. This property of thermal mass is particularly advantageous in areas with harsh weather conditions.

The flexibility of monolithic construction in terms of design is another benefit. Concrete can be molded into practically any shape or size, giving designers and homeowners greater creative freedom to produce distinctive and contemporary designs. Large windows, open floor plans, and creative architectural features are made possible by this adaptability and could be difficult to accomplish with traditional brick construction.

Although monolithic homes have a number of advantages over brick homes, it’s important to take the initial cost and construction time into account. The upfront costs associated with building a monolithic house can sometimes be higher because pouring concrete requires specific tools and knowledge. On the other hand, long-term savings on energy and maintenance costs can frequently offset these costs.

In conclusion, your priorities, financial situation, and individual requirements will determine whether you choose a brick or monolithic home. In case you prioritize robustness, energy economy, and adaptability in design, a monolithic home might be a better choice. Making an informed choice when organizing your upcoming home building project can be facilitated by being aware of these distinctions.

What is a monolith

Monolithic refers to "mono"—one cast in a single cycle. As a result, the definition of a monolithic house is clear. This structure is built right there on the construction site, formwork, and reinforcement frame installed, all while sand-cement mortar is continuously poured into the formwork. In this instance, connecting seams are not implied by the design. It is a continuation of the preceding layer of concrete, whether it is a horizontal or vertical building element.

These homes are set on a foundation consisting of a solid cast slab with a steel reinforcement frame supporting it. Consequently, the building’s components are all monolithic, brick-monolithic, or monolithic-frame homes.

A monolithic house, where the walls, floors, and ceilings are poured all at once to form a single, solid structure, is a modern marvel in the construction industry. Monolithic homes are stronger and more durable than conventional brick homes, which are constructed piece by piece. They become more resilient to weather and seismic activity by removing joints and seams, which lowers the possibility of leaks and cracks. Furthermore, because of their airtight construction and flawless insulation, these homes frequently have superior energy efficiency. For those looking for a durable and effective home, monolithic houses are not just a trend but also a sensible option due to their quicker construction times and less maintenance requirements.

Types of monolithic houses

When discussing the definition of a monolithic house, it is important to discuss various kinds of these structures.

Monolithic-frame houses

Lightweight constructions that resemble conventional monolithic buildings fall into this category. The supporting components are the only thing that differs. Columns support the majority of the weight when building monolithic homes. Walls are utilized when monolithic frame construction technology is applied.

Additionally, since all external wall panels are composed of lightweight materials, any room layout is feasible.

Brick-monolithic houses

Conversely, solid concrete is also used to build brick-monolithic homes. Floor slabs, also known as monoliths, made of reinforced concrete are poured right at the construction site and set atop a sturdy foundation. The building’s exterior is lined with brick or brick-like materials. Between the brickwork and the reinforced concrete frame are a layer of waterproofing and insulation, typically in the form of aerated concrete. This is a necessary requirement because failure to do so will allow moisture to seep into the walls and cause the bricks to protrude.

It is impossible to build a seamless structure using such concrete pouring techniques without the use of a formwork system.

Types of formwork for monolith

Solid reinforced concrete structures are built using the formwork structures listed below:

  • Removable. In this case, the wooden, plastic or iron frame is removed after the concrete solution has hardened and moved to an adjacent area for further filling with a building mixture. In this case, we are talking about reusable formwork, which is most often used in the construction of residential and industrial multi-story buildings.
  • Non-removable. Formwork structures of this type are not rearranged, but become part of the structure. Such formwork is installed not only for the convenience of pouring concrete, but also to increase heat, sound and waterproofing. These systems are most often used in private construction.

When discussing the characteristics of formwork design for monolithic construction, the frame can be:

  • Shchitov. Formwork elements are manufactured for any type of structure and fastened together on the construction site.
  • Tunnel. Ready-made formwork elements manufactured for specific structures are purchased.

Although monolithic work will take a little longer in this scenario, the first type is better suited for private construction. These efforts will be worthwhile, though, because the finished structure will be robust and long-lasting.

Advantages of monolithic houses

Now that you know what monolithic homes are, you can probably infer that they have many benefits, including:

  • Possibility of performing interior finishing work upon completion of the main construction.
  • Light weight due to reduced wall thickness.
  • Possibility of building a structure on problematic soils.
  • Uniform distribution of loads on the foundation.
  • Possibility of constructing buildings of any number of storeys, layout and architectural style.
  • Increase in internal areas by 10% (compared to buildings constructed using other technologies).
  • Durability (a monolithic house can last up to 140 years).
  • Water resistance. Even in flood conditions, the building will withstand the pressure of water.
  • Earthquake resistance (up to 8 points).

In contrast to panel houses, monolithic structures are easily redeveloped without running the risk of weakening the building’s overall strength.

Nevertheless, there are a number of drawbacks to monolithic construction in addition to its many benefits.

Disadvantages of monolithic houses

The following are some of the key drawbacks of solid-frame homes:

  • High cost of building materials and labor. With individual construction, costs increase by 10%.
  • Dependence on weather conditions. If concrete is poured directly on the construction site, it is necessary to monitor the ambient temperature or heat the concrete monolith, which means additional costs.
  • The need for precise adherence to the technological process of construction (continuous pouring of concrete mortar).

Furthermore, extra waterproofing, sound absorption, compaction, and insulation are required for reinforced concrete monoliths.

With so many advantages and disadvantages balanced, do you think using pre-made panels is a simpler option?

A monolithic home is superior to a traditional brick home in a number of ways. In order to create a seamless structure without joints or connections between panels, concrete is first poured into molds or forms on site. This technique increases longevity and lowers the possibility of water leaks or structural flaws in brick homes, where mortar joints may eventually deteriorate.

Furthermore, monolithic homes typically have higher energy efficiency. By absorbing heat during the day and releasing it at night, concrete’s thermal mass helps regulate indoor temperature and lessens the need for heating and cooling systems. This feature helps create a more comfortable living environment year-round in addition to reducing energy costs.

In addition, compared to brick homes, monolithic houses may be constructed more quickly. Pouring concrete into forms is a fairly quick process once the foundation is ready. Because of its efficiency, monolithic construction can be a cost-effective and time-efficient option for developers and homeowners alike.

Moreover, monolithic homes frequently show superior resilience against earthquakes, hurricanes, and fires. Brick buildings are less resilient to strong winds and seismic forces than continuous reinforced concrete structures, which can experience structural failure at wall intersections or mortar joints in severe weather.

In conclusion, while brick and monolithic homes have their benefits as well, monolithic construction has a number of advantages over brick construction, including increased longevity, energy efficiency, speed of construction, and resilience to natural disasters. For those wishing to construct or purchase a property that prioritizes long-term stability, reduced operating costs, and improved safety against environmental hazards, monolithic houses are a compelling option because of these advantages.

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Andrey Ivanov

Experienced civil engineer with more than 20 years of experience. Specializing in the construction of industrial and civil facilities. Author of many publications in professional journals.

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