The options available when selecting the ideal building material can be quite daunting. Aerated concrete and polystyrene concrete, two well-liked substitutes with special qualities and advantages, are among the most discussed. These materials are frequently chosen because they are affordable, effective at insulating, and lightweight. How do they actually compare, though? Comprehending their distinctions can have a big effect on your project’s outcome.
Autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC), another name for aerated concrete, has long been a mainstay in the building sector. Its superior thermal insulation, manageability, and fire resistance are what make it appealing. Its disadvantages, though, are that it costs more than other materials and is more prone to moisture.
Conversely, polystyrene concrete is a relatively new material that has drawn interest due to its low cost and excellent insulating capabilities. The lightweight and highly insulative structure of this material is achieved by combining cement with polystyrene beads. Despite these benefits, it is criticized for having less strength and for using polystyrene, which may have negative environmental effects.
The choice between polystyrene and aerated concrete is based on a number of considerations, such as your project’s particular requirements, financial constraints, and long-term objectives. In order to assist you in making an informed choice, we will compare and contrast these two materials in this article.
- Comparison of the qualities and properties of both materials
- Technical characteristics of aerated concrete
- A brief overview of polystyrene concrete
- The main differences in the materials
- Advantages and disadvantages of products
- Pros and cons of aerated concrete
- Strengths and weaknesses of polystyrene concrete
- House Weight Calculator
- Approximate calculation of the cost of erecting walls
- Video on the topic
- Polystyrene concrete in formwork
- Aerated concrete vs. Polystyrene concrete: understanding the reinforcement of walls for reliability and strength!
- What is better aerated concrete or polystyrene concrete? // Frost resistance // Gleb Grinfeld
- Polystyrene concrete block vs Gas block
Comparison of the qualities and properties of both materials
Given the difficulty of the task at hand, it is important to fully comprehend the properties of each material. When building walls, ascertain which characteristics are essential and which are very minor. Maybe we should start with aerated concrete, which is one of the industry leaders in construction and has become very popular among developers.
Technical characteristics of aerated concrete
Think about utilizing the numerical indicators of the primary characteristics in the table.
Table 1: Aerated concrete characteristics
Name of the indicator | Meaning |
KG density/m3 | 400-800 |
Compression strength, class | At 2.0-by 3.5 |
Thermal conductivity | 0.1-0.14 |
Water absorption | 20-25% of the total mass |
Recommended wall thickness | From 0.4 meters |
Vapor permeability | 0.2 mg/ mart |
Frost resistance | From 50 cycles |
Shrinkage | 0.03 mm/m2 |
The brand in density | D350D700 |
Soundproofing | Average |
Price category | Average |
A brief overview of polystyrene concrete
Despite being a relatively new material, polystyrene concrete took only a short while to become widely used by prospective building owners. Let’s investigate the reason.
Name of the indicator | Meaning |
KG density/m3 | From 250 |
Compression strength, class | In 0.5-B 2.5 |
Thermal conductivity | 0.1-0.145 |
Water absorption | 4% of the total mass |
Recommended wall thickness | From 0.3 meters |
Vapor permeability | 0.2 mg/ mart |
Frost resistance | From 70 cycles |
Shrinkage | From 0.3 mm/m2 |
The brand in density | D250 D700 |
Soundproofing | Average |
Price category | Average |
Aerated concrete and polystyrene concrete share many similarities, but there are still, it seems, some distinctions. But if you just look at these features, it’s reasonable to say that both materials satisfy the fundamental requirements of SNiP and GOST.
The main differences in the materials
Different technologies are used in the production of polystyrene concrete and gas concrete products. This holds true for both the raw material composition and the actual release process methodology.
Let’s use the table to compare the primary structural, external, and production differences. It will assist us in determining which type of concrete—aerated or polystyrene—to choose.
Table 3 compares two materials according to their manufacturing technology, application range, and other characteristics:
Name of the indicator, conditions, factor | Aerated concrete | Polystyrene concrete |
Raw materials used for manufacturing | Quartz sand, cement, lime, water. | Cement, water, polystyrene chips, as well as additives, such as resin. |
Main production methods | There are 2 manufacturing methods: |
- Autoclave
- Non-autoclave
The way that final goods are dried makes a difference. In the first instance, exposure to high temperatures and pressure is achieved in a specialized apparatus called an autoclave. In the second instance, organically.
Naturally, the autoclave speeds up the procedure considerably, and the blocks are stronger and more resilient to environmental and mechanical stresses. Additionally, the products’ performance attributes have been enhanced.
- Foundry
- Vibration pressing
When attempting to make something with your hands, the first method is most frequently employed. It is comparable to the process used to make aerated concrete without autoclaving.
The process is as follows: the completed solution is put into forms, and depending on the weather, it is left to harden for three to seven days.
Vibration pressing differs, first of all, in a thicker consistency of the solution, achieved by increasing the dose of cement and reducing the amount of water.
- Hydration hardening (non-autoclaved)
- Synthetic hardening (autoclaved)
Sorting according to the kind of siliceous component:
- Block made on quartz sand
- Products containing secondary products of production
Different types of binders include:
- Ash
- Lime
- Slag
- Mixed
- Cement
This indicates that at least 50% of all raw materials are contained in the primary component.
Cement, for instance, makes up at least 50% of cement products.
According to density:
- Heat-insulating
- Structural and heat-insulating
- Structural
- Heat-insulating
- Heat-insulating and structural
- Structural and heat-insulating.
- By presence of cladding:
- Wall blocks requiring external finishing
- Polystyrene concrete blocks with cladding that do not require subsequent external processing.
- Construction of walls and partitions in low-rise construction
- Sometimes they fill a reinforced concrete frame when constructing multi-story buildings.
This material is utilized for thermal insulation less frequently.
- As a heat-insulating material,
- For the construction of the main walls of buildings and partitions
- As a facing material (blocks with cladding)
- In the construction of ventilation ducts
- In liquid form, it is used for pouring ceilings, floor screeds and other structural elements.
- Reinforced concrete products and slabs made of this material are also used in construction.
- geometry violations are possible,
- some of the material will be wasted due to the human factor and possible inexperience.
- the material will be more fragile with a lower density
- labor costs are significant
- construction times will increase significantly
The following will be the products’ drawbacks:
- The block will have an average or below average density
- It will not be possible to achieve good geometry, as a result of which the material consumption during masonry will increase. This fact will also affect the speed of erecting walls
- Changes in numerical quality indicators are possible due to inaccurate self-dosing
- And, what is obvious, as with any home production, the time spent on production will directly affect the entire work process, significantly increasing it.
Advantages and disadvantages of products
It is simply necessary to weigh the pros and cons of these two materials if you must choose between them in order to make the best choice.
Pros and cons of aerated concrete
As was already mentioned, consumers have long had a strong demand for aerated concrete. This is not a coincidence either, as this material’s combination of attributes, depending on building techniques, can make the future buildings dependable, long-lasting, and cozy.
Let us examine the primary benefits in more detail:
- The products are environmentally friendly, do not harm the environment and humans
- Aerated concrete is included in the group of non-combustible materials. Can withstand exposure to high temperatures for several hours.
- Low thermal conductivity contributes to a high level of heat retention in the cold season and coolness on hot summer days.
- Low weight, combined with sufficient density for the construction of a building with several floors, ensures minimal load on the foundation.
- Ease of processing allows you to carry out work on the construction of the walls of the future house in the shortest possible time
- The geometry of the block is at a decent level. Of course, much depends on the manufacturer, however, as the standards dictate, deviations should not exceed 1-2 mm. This guarantees high construction speed and minimal consumption of masonry material.
- High sound insulation in comparison, for example, with brick
- Due to the porous structure, the material is able to control the microclimate in the room. For example, with high air humidity, aerated concrete absorbs excess, and with excessive dryness, it gives off. Therefore, a comfortable stay in a room erected from these products is guaranteed.
- Aerated concrete is able to withstand biological and climatic influences.
- A wide range of sizes, the possibility of manufacturing at home are small, but still advantages. Those who want to save money can try their hand at independent production.
Let us now discuss the drawbacks:
- The products are quite fragile. During transportation and during the construction, part of the material may be spoiled. Mechanical influences are contraindicated.
- High level of water absorption. This is the most significant minus that is characteristic of almost all light concrete. Moisture falling into the pores destructively affects the structure of the block, especially after crystallization at negative temperatures.
- The probability of cracks in the shrinkage of the foundation is extremely high. This problem concerns not only aerated concrete, but also most construction products for walls. However, minus – on the face.
- Among the disadvantages should also include certain difficulties in internal and external wall decoration. This process is quite costly and requires special attention. Since if all technical requirements are not observed, the properties of the material can be reduced or partially lost.
It’s still too early to draw conclusions, but the advantages still outweigh the disadvantages.
Strengths and weaknesses of polystyrene concrete
Although polystyrene concrete and aerated concrete have many obvious similarities, there are some differences in their properties as well. Consequently, there are different drawbacks and benefits. Let’s investigate on our own.
Strengths consist of:
- Like the previous material, the blocks are lightweight, have impressive dimensions, which is convenient for construction, a relatively good indicator of strength, thermal conductivity and vapor permeability.
- Frost resistance, as promised by manufacturers, is at least 70-75 cycles and reaches 150. An enviable indicator, you must agree.
- Polystyrene concrete is fire-resistant and environmentally friendly
- Quite easy to process, can be cut. It is possible to give any shape.
- The ability to resist environmental influences.
- An advantage is the presence of polystyrene concrete blocks with cladding on the building materials market. They do not require additional exterior finishing and at the same time look quite attractive. The cladding layer is made taking into account the requirements for the protection of products.
As you can see, practically all of the material’s benefits are the same as those of aerated concrete products.
The drawbacks are comparable as well:
- Difficulties with fixing the fasteners. It is necessary to purchase specialized hardware, and if it is necessary to place heavy objects with a high level of tearing on the wall, planning and strengthening the fixation points is mandatory.
- Relative fragility.
- One of the main disadvantages of polystyrene concrete, like aerated concrete, is the ability to absorb moisture. The result will be the same: the moisture accumulated inside the pores (or its crystals) will destroy the structure of the block.
- The presence of handicraft industries, due to the simplicity of production, can also be attributed to the disadvantages.
Counseling! When selecting blocks, go with reputable producers and make sure the items have a quality certificate. In this instance, you will no longer be at a disadvantage.
- The disadvantage inherent in most products for walls made of lightweight concrete has not bypassed polystyrene concrete. When finishing buildings, difficulties and additional costs may arise associated with improving the adhesion of the base and full protection of the block, primarily from the harmful effects of moisture and other factors.
But as was already mentioned, this block can last for a very long time if all the cladding, laying, and operating guidelines are strictly followed. You can learn all the subtleties that come up when selecting a block for construction from the article’s video.
House Weight Calculator
Approximate calculation of the cost of erecting walls
It would make sense to weigh the costs associated with building walls with aerated concrete versus polystyrene concrete.
First, utilizing aerated concrete as an example, we will figure out how many blocks are needed:
- To do this you will need to find out the area of the walls and one block. Let"s assume that we will build a house measuring 18*20 meters. The perimeter is: 18*2+20*2=76 m2.
- We consider the area of the block to be 625*400*250, which, in accordance with GOST, is suitable for erecting a wall in one row: 0.625*0.4=0.25.
- Find out the number of blocks in pieces: 76/0.25= 304 pieces.
- To find out the quantity in m3, we make the following calculations: 1 m3 / per volume of one block (0.625 * 0.4 * 0.25 = 0.0625 m3) = 16 pieces of blocks per 1 m3. 304/16=19 cubes will be needed for the construction of the proposed house.
Considering that polystyrene concrete has somewhat different dimensions than aerated concrete, the value will be roughly the same.
The following computation will be used to build an aerated concrete structure:
- The cost of 1 m3 of aerated concrete block varies from 2900 to 3500 rubles. Let"s take the average value of 3200 rubles. 19 m3*3200=60800 we need.
- The cost does not include delivery and possible deposit for returnable containers (pallets).
Polystyrene concrete blocks cost roughly 3100 rubles per cubic meter. 19 * 3100 = 58900.
Kindly take note! Make sure to factor in the cost of product delivery and unloading when selecting a material. Given that these services can have a substantial impact on the final cost and are rather costly.
The services required to build walls out of both materials will cost about the same.
Criteria | Aerated Concrete | Polystyrene Concrete |
Thermal Insulation | Good insulation, but may need additional layers in colder climates. | Better insulation due to polystyrene beads, often no extra layers needed. |
Strength | Moderately strong, suitable for load-bearing walls. | Less strong, more suited for non-load-bearing walls. |
Weight | Lighter than traditional concrete, easier to handle. | Even lighter, easier to transport and install. |
Durability | Durable but can absorb moisture if not properly sealed. | More moisture-resistant, but may degrade under UV exposure. |
Cost | Generally more affordable and widely available. | Usually more expensive due to the added insulation properties. |
It’s critical to take into account both the qualities of each material and your unique requirements when choosing between polystyrene and aerated concrete. Because of its superior thermal insulation and lightweight design, aerated concrete is a well-liked material for energy-efficient buildings. Builders also love it for its versatility in accommodating various construction styles and ease of use.
Conversely, polystyrene concrete is notable for its additional insulating qualities and superior soundproofing. It is particularly helpful in settings where heat retention and noise reduction are essential. Depending on where the project is being done, its ability to withstand moisture and remain strong in extreme environments can also be big benefits.
Ultimately, the unique requirements of your building project should determine which type of concrete—aerated concrete or polystyrene concrete—you should use. Aerated concrete might be a better choice if you’re looking for a lightweight, energy-efficient building. However, polystyrene concrete might be a better option if you require improved soundproofing, extra insulation, and moisture resistance.
Weighing the advantages and disadvantages of each material is crucial when deciding between polystyrene and aerated concrete. Because of its superior thermal insulation and lightweight nature, aerated concrete is a preferred material for energy-efficient construction. Conversely, polystyrene concrete is more moisture- and sound-resistant and has a higher degree of sound insulation, but it is frequently less resilient to structural stress. This article contrasts the two materials, highlighting features like price, usability, durability, and insulation to assist you in selecting the one that best meets your building requirements.