Which is better: shell rock or aerated concrete? Comparing materials based on their characteristics, advantages and disadvantages

Selecting the best building material for your project can be a difficult undertaking. Aerated concrete and shell rock are two common choices. Due to their distinct qualities and special advantages, both materials can be used for various building applications. Making an informed choice for your upcoming project can be facilitated by being aware of these distinctions.

Natural stone shell rock is prized for its strength and capacity to withstand heat. It is renowned for its resilience to inclement weather and has been in use for centuries. As this material comes straight from nature and doesn’t undergo any significant processing, it is also environmentally friendly. But during construction, shell rock might be heavy and need special handling.

On the other hand, aerated concrete is a contemporary, lightweight building material that has grown in favor due to its superb insulating qualities and ease of use. It is created by adding air bubbles to a mixture of concrete, which produces a porous structure that weighs less than conventional concrete. Additionally, aerated concrete is simple to shape and cut, making it adaptable to a wide range of architectural styles. Notwithstanding these benefits, it might not be as durable as natural stone and, if improperly sealed, might be vulnerable to moisture.

Based on their traits, benefits, and drawbacks, shell rock and aerated concrete will be compared in this article. You will be better able to determine which material would be the best fit for your particular construction requirements by looking at these factors.

Characteristic	Shell Rock	Aerated Concrete
Strength	Moderate strength, suitable for low-rise buildings	Higher strength, can be used for multi-story buildings
Insulation	Good natural insulation	Excellent thermal insulation
Weight	Lighter material, easier to handle	Lightweight but slightly heavier than shell rock
Cost	Generally cheaper	More expensive due to manufacturing process
Environmental Impact	Eco-friendly, natural material	Energy-intensive production
Durability	Resistant to weather and pests	Good durability but needs protective finishes
Ease of Use	Easy to cut and shape	Easy to cut, precise blocks
Fire Resistance	High fire resistance	High fire resistance
Moisture Resistance	Good resistance to moisture	Can absorb water, needs sealing

For building projects, it’s critical to comprehend the distinct qualities, benefits, and drawbacks of both shell rock and aerated concrete. Natural stone shell rock is very durable and provides good thermal insulation, but it can be expensive and heavy. While it might not be as sturdy as shell rock, aerated concrete is lightweight, simple to work with, and offers good insulation. To assist you in making an informed choice based on your unique requirements and the specifications of your project, this article will compare these materials.

The concept of shell rock

Right now, natural stone is particularly common when building private homes. Many people automatically consider the expensive cost of the materials when they see a finish like this because it appears sturdy and firm.

This isn’t totally accurate when it comes to shell rock. Its cost is not as high as most products of natural origin, and its aesthetic qualities and characteristics are competitive.

What is the material: a little history

Since shell rock has been known to humans for a considerable amount of time, let’s take a brief look at its past to gain a better understanding.

Stone deposits can be found in regions where sea levels rose thousands of years ago. These are the Alps, Azerbaijan, the Odessa region, Moldova, Crimea, and Turkmenistan.

Shells and other marine animal remains were left on the shores as the seas gradually dried up and the bottom became visible. These locations later saw the formation of this material. It eventually became as hard as stone due to the effects of time and the environment.

It takes millions of years for formation to occur.

Frequently, a shell imprint that may have remained there during the time of the dinosaurs can be seen in the stone’s cut. One use for such a product is decoration.

The material was previously mined in a primitive manner, that is, with your hands and makeshift tools. These days, unique installations that assist in immediately cutting completed goods from stone are typically found in mining sites.

Features of the chemical composition of the stone

In essence, shell rock is limestone, which is made up of calcium salt. The composition of the stone is constant, regardless of where it was found.

• Carbon dioxide – about 40%;
• Calcium carbonate – about 50-55%;
• Magnesium oxide – about 0.5%.

How can pores be explained in shell rock? The solution is easy to understand. The whole idea is that calcium breaks down and releases carbon dioxide when it is exposed to acid.

The shell is essentially pale yellow in color. However, depending on the precise chemical composition, the shade might be a little bit paler or more saturated.

For instance, the material takes on a pinkish tint if it contains iron; however, if coal is present, the color may be grayish.

After examining everything mentioned above, we can say that the substance is entirely safe for the environment. Additionally, tests on completed goods have demonstrated its radioactive neutrality.

Main characteristics and areas of application of products

An overview of the primary features. Shell rock has a variety of advantages. Even just by looking, a stone’s strength can be determined. A paler material typically has a strength of 10–20 kg/cm2, whereas a more saturated yellow color indicates that the stone will have a compressive strength of 5–15 kg/cm2.

• In total, 3 types of shell rock are distinguished according to the brand of strength. The product of the M15 brand is loose in appearance, with large pores, and in most cases the color is yellow. Often the products are popularly called "yellow".

Note: Sand impurities, with their low heat retention, are the source of the yellow tint. The block is therefore comparatively cold. It weighs only roughly 10 kg.

This type of stone breaks when dropped because it is afraid of mechanical impact. Nevertheless, in spite of everything mentioned above, the material is still in use, particularly for insulation and outbuilding construction.

• Block grade M25 is more durable. It can also split when dropped, but this does not at all indicate the impossibility of its use in house building. Rather, on the contrary, the stone is actively used in the construction of houses 1-2 stories high, it is also used to mount partitions in panel construction.

The product has a pale yellow color. They outperform most types of brick in terms of strength, as well as lightweight concrete.

• Products characterized by the strength grade M35 are the most dense. The pores in it are the minimum amount. Color is almost white.

The block weighs between 18 and 22 kg. Such material can be used to lay a building’s foundation and is also useful for building cellars and basements.

The benefits and drawbacks of this material are illustrated in the video included in this article, "Pros and cons of shell rock."

While 390 * 190 * 188 mm is the standard product size, other measurements are also acceptable. Not only are blocks, panels, and columns cut out, but also ornamental elements.

• The thermal efficiency of the product is quite high, the coefficient is equal, depending on the strength characteristics of the products, to 0.3-0.7 W * mC.
• Frost resistance of the stone is 25-30 cycles. However, practice has shown that the material is capable of withstanding a significantly larger number of cycles, reaching 100, and more. After all, this material is natural, it was able to survive a large number of cataclysms and intense atmospheric influence. That is why its durability should not leave any doubts.
• Porosity can be from 30 to 60%.
• Hygroscopicity of the material is increased and is 17%.

Shell rock can be produced as facing stone for cladding or as regular stone for the main masonry.

Wall stones are cut from rocks, including shell rock, in accordance with GOST 4001-2013, which must be followed by all acceptance criteria and control strategies.

Positive and negative qualities

The strengths and weaknesses of each material should be carefully considered as we attempt to determine which is preferable: aerated concrete or shell rock.

First, let’s discuss the advantages of shell rock:

• Good thermal insulation properties.
• Shell rock has a good effect on the thyroid gland and has a bactericidal effect. This is due to the fact that the material releases sea salt and iodine vapors.

Be aware that some resorts have even gained notoriety as a result of the proximity of beaches featuring shell rock. Their healing air has made them famous.

• The durability of shell rock is an indisputable fact.
• It is environmentally friendly.
• Strength indicators allow it to be used even in the construction of load-bearing structures.
• Products are often used in landscape design, cladding and the creation of decorative elements, due to their specific appearance.
• The stone is easy to process, it can be easily cut even with an ordinary saw.
• The vapor permeability of the products is high, the material is able to "breathe".
• The low price, in comparison with other natural stones, is also a significant plus.
• It is also worth noting the high speed of installation due to the considerable dimensions of the products.

• The geometry of the products, in most cases, leaves much to be desired.
• The shell is extremely vulnerable to mechanical effects.
• He is hygroscopic and needs a certain protection against moisture exposure.
• The scatter in brands also takes place to be. The thing is that even in one deposit, the produced stone can have a different shade and strength.

Note: You will most likely run into this issue when ordering stones. It’s likely that a single machine will produce products other than just acquired strength. Typically, if you purchase 25 stamps, the remaining products may have a strength brand of 15 or 35, with the percentage being between 70 and 90. Once all conditions have been agreed upon with the supplier, this issue can be fixed.

• Certain difficulties when laying products. Poor geometry and spread in the brand affect the process of laying the block. It is worth being extremely attentive during the work, and in advance to decide on the decoration and the material used. You will have to monitor the diagonal of the future building, and constantly monitor the vertical position of the walls being erected.

Be aware that the natural origin of the material explains a lot of the aforementioned drawbacks. After all, technologists have no control over the formation of stones, nor have they developed a recipe for it. Because of this, the majority of the drawbacks should be ignored when planning to use these products, and efforts should be made to somewhat mitigate them during the laying and finishing process.

Getting to know aerated concrete

Cellular concrete is a class of materials that includes aerated concrete. The material stands out for having a porous structure, which bestows upon it certain characteristics that set the products apart from one another.

During the production process, a reaction between lime and a blowing agent forms this structure. The primary properties of the material, including the products’ density and thermal efficiency, are determined by the porosity level.

Composition and properties

The following elements make up the gas block’s composition:

• Cement. As a rule, its grade should not be less than 400-500;
• Quartz lime is used;
• Water must also meet the requirements of GOST;
• Sand is usually quartz;
• Aluminum powder or paste most often acts as a blowing agent;
• Additives in the form of a plasticizer and chemical components are also used. With the help of the first, the plasticity of the mixture is improved, the second are able to change certain indicators of finished products.

The primary binder is cement. Slag, mixed binders, ash, and lime are also used in addition to it.

The siliceous component can be represented in a variety of ways, including sand, ash, and other used industrial waste.

Be aware that the proportions of the mixture’s constituent parts and additions can vary greatly. For this reason, there can be substantial differences between products made by different manufacturers; the properties are the most notable example.

Let’s take a closer look at the qualities:

• Thermal conductivity, or rather its coefficient, is one of the lowest among wall materials. Only foam blocks and polystyrene concrete can boast the best heat-saving ability. For aerated concrete, this value fluctuates between 0.08 W*mC and 0.4. When building a house in central Russia, a wall thickness of 40-50 cm will be quite sufficient to meet the requirements for the thermal efficiency of the building.

• If we talk about density, its values ​​are also relatively competitive. Using aerated concrete, you can not only effectively insulate a building, but also erect it. Moreover, the height can reach 12-15 meters. Below we will talk about this in more detail.

• The frost resistance grade indicates the durability of the products. The minimum value for the material used in the construction of external structures should not be less than 25 cycles. But the maximum can reach 150. It has not yet been possible to practically verify this, but there was also no reason to doubt this statement.

• The strength of the products depends on the specific gravity. The values ​​correspond to grades from B1.0 to B15.

• The environmental friendliness leaves no doubt, because the composition does not contain toxic components that can cause harm.

• Fire resistance has been confirmed by practical tests.

• But the level of moisture absorption is extremely high and amounts to up to 25%. This is the highest value among wall materials made of lightweight concrete. Such hygroscopicity is due to the open structure of the cells.

• Aerated concrete is prone to shrinkage, and this is its important property. Its level depends on the type of block, its strength characteristics and the manufacturer.

Types of material

Let’s now go straight to the material types and see how diverse the selection of products is.

1. As already mentioned, aerated concrete can be used for heat and sound insulation of a room. Products called heat-insulating due to their increased thermal efficiency, low density and light weight are perfect for this purpose.
2. But when constructing, for example, a private building of low height, it is worth using products with a high specific gravity. Such material is called structural and heat-insulating and is characterized by a density grade of D500-900.
3. If you plan to build a structure that will be subject to more serious loads in the future, you should pay attention to the structural material. Its density grade reaches 1200.

Aerated concrete can be made independently, that is, with your hands, as well as in a factory, as many people are aware. In large-scale production, the block typically reaches brand strength after 12 hours of autoclaving. These products are referred to as autoclaved depending on the type of hardening used.

You can only manufacture non-autoclaved material at home. These air-filled concrete blocks take a lot longer to set—up to 28 days—when they naturally solidify.

Be aware that although some factories produce non-autoclaved concrete as well, it is less functional and performs worse than its rival.

The purpose of aerated concrete blocks is also categorized:

• A wall product is used in the construction of walls;
• Partition blocks are used to install partitions;
• The range also includes so-called U-blocks, which are used in the installation of, for example, formwork, lintels, etc.

The block geometry of different products can also be different from one another. Disturbances from the GOST-established dimensions serve as classification criteria.

• The first category indicates that the deviations do not exceed 1 mm. These products are the most even, and a wall built from them will be the most heat-efficient due to the minimum possible layer thickness during laying.
• The second category can be laid both on glue and on mortar. Deviations are more significant: up to 2-3 mm.
• The third category of accuracy is characterized by the maximum possible deviations (up to 1 cm). It is not recommended to use such material in the construction of residential premises at all.

The advantages and disadvantages of the goods and structures made from them

Thus, the following are some advantages of aerated concrete:

• High level of heat retention ability combined with competitive density values, allowing the material to be used as the main one in the construction of structures;
• Frost resistance of products and durability;
• Environmentally friendly and fire resistant;
• Low weight and large dimensions. The first reduces the load on the foundation, and the second significantly speeds up the construction process;
• Low price;
• A range of product varieties, expanding the scope of their use;
• Ease of use, aerated concrete can be cut and polished;
• Possibility of home production;
• Availability of the material, a large selection of manufacturers and widespread distribution will save on product delivery.

The drawbacks of aerated concrete

• Hygroscopicity is one of the main disadvantages. The block must be protected from moisture in order to eliminate its negative impact on the products;
• Poor resistance to tearing;
• Special hardware must be used when fixing objects;
• Fragility of the material;
• Tendency of walls made of aerated concrete to shrinkage.

Comparative analysis of materials

Finally, we arrived at the conclusion that shell rock or aerated concrete is superior. Now let’s examine.

1. The main difference between aerated concrete and shell rock is that aerated concrete is produced under strict control. Coquina is a natural material and therefore, partly, unpredictable. That is, its characteristics may differ slightly, even if it is mined in the same deposit.
2. The geometry of aerated concrete blocks can even be ideal, which significantly simplifies laying and increases the speed of construction. This cannot be said about shell rock, the geometry of the material is not very good.
3. But the thermal efficiency of both products is high. Both materials have a high ability to retain heat.
4. Vapor permeability and sound insulation are also approximately equally good.
5. Both aerated concrete blocks and shell rock are hygroscopic, in this aspect there is no winner either.
6. Both products have large dimensions, but the size range of aerated concrete is much larger, and the range of products made of aerated concrete is generally wider.
7. As for durability, it is worth paying tribute to the shell rock, since this indicator for aerated concrete has not been fully tested in practice. But the durability of the shell is undeniable, since it has been tested by nature itself.
8. The decorative qualities of the shell rock are also good, the aerated concrete block is not used in this regard and needs finishing on both sides.

So how can one choose wisely? Making a decision will be much simpler if you first prioritize and select the qualities that are most important to you.

It’s important to think about the special qualities of both shell rock and aerated concrete as well as how well they match your construction requirements when making your decision. Natural shell rock is an environmentally friendly and highly insulating material. It may need extra care or protection because of its porous nature, which leaves it vulnerable to moisture.

Conversely, manufactured aerated concrete is renowned for its remarkable insulating qualities and low weight. Building can be completed more quickly and effectively thanks to its uniform structure, which makes cutting and shaping simple. However, it might not have the same level of organic aesthetic appeal as shell rock, and builders who care about the environment may want to take into account the energy and chemicals used in its production.

Each material has a unique set of benefits and drawbacks. When it comes to natural materials and superior thermal qualities, shell rock is perfect—as long as its moisture sensitivity is taken care of. Even though it has a less natural finish, aerated concrete works well for projects where uniformity, good insulation, and ease of handling are essential. In the end, the decision is based on your particular project needs, environmental factors, and personal tastes.

Video on the topic

Who will win the fight: aerated concrete or shell rock?

Coquina its pros and cons – [masterkladki]

Aerated concrete or shell rock ?! Pros and cons! What to choose?

AERATE BLOCK VS BRICK. WHICH ABSORBS MOISTURE WORSE?