What is better: gas silicate or expanded clay concrete

The success of your project can be greatly impacted by the concrete block type you choose when selecting building materials. Aerated concrete blocks and expanded clay concrete blocks are two common choices. Every one has a unique set of advantages and disadvantages that can impact everything from cost and ease of construction to strength and insulation.

Lightweight clay pellets are used to make expanded clay concrete blocks, which are renowned for their superior moisture and heat resistance. They are a great option for both residential and commercial buildings because they are reasonably simple to work with and offer effective sound insulation. However, depending on the particular application, their strength and durability might not always compare favorably to other options.

In contrast, aerated concrete blocks are lighter and offer better thermal insulation because air bubbles are added to the concrete mixture during the manufacturing process. Their great compressive strength and fire resistance are frequently praised. To prevent damage during construction, they may need to be handled carefully and at a higher cost.

Which is therefore superior? It truly depends on your unique needs as well as the project’s specifications. Making an informed decision and ensuring your building is efficient and functional can be achieved by being aware of the benefits and drawbacks of each.

Contents

Comparative analysis of the characteristics of materials
Advantages and disadvantages of expanded clay concrete
Advantages and disadvantages of aerated concrete
The scope of the use of materials
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Comparative analysis of the characteristics of materials

While both materials are environmentally friendly and part of the cellular concrete group, there are some notable differences between them.

The strength of expanded clay concrete is from 50 to 150 kg / cm 2, while the strength indicator of aerated concrete does not even reach 20 kg / cm 2 .
Expanded clay moisture absorption is 2 times lower (50%).
GS has a lower bulk density, which is 200 – 600 kg / m 3 . For expanded clay concrete, this figure fluctuates between 700 – 1500 kg / m 3 .
The shrinkage of aerated concrete is 1.5%, with zero shrinkage of expanded clay concrete.
The number of freeze-thaw cycles for expanded clay concrete is 50, and for aerated concrete 10.

Although GS’s thermal conductivity is higher than that of its "cellular brother," the cost difference is nearly twice as great.

Let’s continue our analysis of the advantages and disadvantages of aerated concrete versus expanded clay concrete blocks.

The key consideration when contrasting aerated concrete and expanded clay concrete blocks is which material will work best for your particular construction requirements. Expanded clay blocks are a great option for energy-efficient building because of their great thermal insulation and lightweight nature. Conversely, aerated concrete is easier to work with and has better fire resistance, making it more versatile for a range of structural designs. The choice ultimately comes down to weighing considerations like fire safety, thermal performance, and the kind of project you’re working on.

Advantages and disadvantages of expanded clay concrete

The following benefits of expanded clay concrete over GS should be emphasized when discussing its advantages:

It has good density and strength. An interesting pattern is that the strength of expanded clay concrete increases every year, due to which the material does not age.
Due to its high frost resistance, the service life of the material is 50 – 100 years.
Does not require maintenance and tolerates temperature changes well.
High level of sound insulation.
The mortar can be easily prepared independently.
Resistance to fire and moisture.
Least cracking.
Environmental friendliness.

Furthermore, an expanded clay concrete wall can be simply decorated with a shelf, cabinet, or picture without the need for additional anchors or bolts. This material is also simple to work with because regular plaster mix adheres to it with ease.

Expanded clay concrete, however, also has drawbacks:

Additional leveling and grinding are required.
Specialized tools must be used to cut building blocks.
Additional drying is required, since expanded clay concrete has low vapor permeability.

Advantages and disadvantages of aerated concrete

With regard to aerated concrete, we can state with confidence that it has the following benefits:

Low specific gravity.
Unlike expanded clay concrete, this material does not require additional processing, due to which the construction time is reduced by half.
High thermal insulation properties. Single-layer structures can be erected from GS without fear that they will be cold.
Gas silicate masonry can be carried out on glue, due to which the thickness of the seam is reduced (2 mm). Expanded clay concrete is laid only on a cement-sand mixture, and the minimum seam height is 10 mm.
Easy to grind and cut.
Has good vapor permeability.
Smooth and even blocks with the correct geometry.

Among the drawbacks associated with gas silicate, the following are noteworthy:

Fragility. Due to low strength, cracks form in the cladding quite quickly. Therefore, gas silicate is rarely used for the construction of load-bearing walls.
High level of moisture absorption (100%).
Low compressive strength.
Low level frost resistance.
The inability to manufacture aerated concrete blocks at home, without specialized equipment.
The feud of walls. Without special fasteners on a wall of gas slander, it is impossible to fix objects. Of course, the nail easily breaks through the surface, but there will be no metiz in it.
Not amenable to decoration. Applying decorative plaster on a perfectly smooth surface or any other composition will be very difficult.

Wholesome There are rumors that gas storage is dangerous for people. This isn’t the case, actually. The material’s primary component, lime, loses its undesirable qualities during processing.

The scope of the use of materials

The information above makes it simple to decide whether to use expanded clay concrete or gas silicate for a given task.

Expanded clay concrete is a better option for building both interior and exterior walls. Additionally, it works better for building monolithic structures like floor slabs and screeds.

Using aerated concrete makes more sense when discussing small-scale constructions. The most common uses for this material are in the construction of cabins, garages, and other home amenities. GS is also utilized for cladding, heat and sound insulation, and when building more stories to a home.

Construction of gas silicate structures occurs at a rate several times faster than that of expanded clay concrete structures.

Criteria	Expanded Clay Concrete Blocks	Aerated Concrete
Insulation	Good thermal insulation, better than regular concrete but not as high as aerated concrete.	Excellent thermal insulation, superior in energy efficiency.
Weight	Heavier than aerated concrete, which can make handling and transportation more difficult.	Lighter, making it easier to handle and transport.
Cost	Generally more affordable than aerated concrete.	Can be more expensive due to the manufacturing process.
Strength	Strong enough for most building applications, though not as strong as aerated concrete.	Very strong and durable, suitable for various structures.
Environmental Impact	Made from natural clay, which is relatively eco-friendly but involves energy in heating.	Made from sand, cement, and aluminum powder; more energy-intensive but can offer better overall environmental benefits through energy savings in buildings.
Ease of Use	Requires more effort to cut and shape compared to aerated concrete.	Easy to cut and shape, which can speed up construction.

Both aerated concrete and expanded clay concrete blocks have advantages and disadvantages that must be considered when making a decision. Blocks made of expanded clay concrete are renowned for having good fire and heat resistance. They provide good durability and are also reasonably priced. These blocks are a good option if you’re searching for an affordable option that performs dependably in a range of weather circumstances.

Aerated concrete, on the other hand, is notable for its exceptional light weight and superior insulating qualities. Construction might proceed more quickly because it is simpler to handle and work with. Better sound insulation is another benefit of aerated concrete, which may be significant if you’re building near a noisy location. It may, however, cost more and need to be handled and installed with more caution.

The optimal option ultimately depends on your financial situation and particular needs. Expanded clay concrete blocks might be the best option if cost and durability are your top priorities. For those who value superior insulation and ease of use, aerated concrete may be worth the additional cost. Both materials have a place in contemporary building, so before choosing one, think about what matters most to you and your project.