The laying of expanded clay concrete blocks occupies a large segment in the types of wall enclosures of buildings and structures. The low cost of the material significantly reduces the cost of construction. The voids inside the blocks improve the thermal insulation properties of the walls and reduce the weight of the fences. Walls are often built with facing bricks. Due to their low load-bearing capacity, expanded clay walls are used in the construction of low-rise buildings. External wall fences of multi-storey buildings are laid from expanded clay concrete blocks with cladding, when load-bearing vertical structures are reinforced concrete columns.
What is expanded clay concrete block
Expanded clay concrete blocks Expanded clay concrete is made by pouring liquid mortar into special molds. The liquid mixture is prepared based on expanded clay sand (granules fraction no more than 10 mm), cement (grades 400, 500), sand and water. Manufacturers contribute various additives to increase the plasticity of the solution. This is necessary for more dense packing of the mixture into the molds.
After laying the mixture, it is kept in molds for 7 to 10 days. For the first 2 days, the forms are kept in special drying chambers. Drying is then continued for outdoors. In factory conditions, the solution is placed into formwork under pressure.
Standard block dimensions: length - 390 mm, width - 190 mm and height - 188 mm. Partitions are made from blocks measuring 390x90x188 mm. Basically, blocks are made hollow. Voids can be through or closed. To form them, special chambers are lowered into molds, and then raw materials are added.
Voids do different shapes. The cavities in products can be cylindrical, rectangular or slot-shaped. Solid CBs are also produced. Solid products are more durable, but are inferior to hollow blocks in terms of thermal insulation qualities.
The load-bearing capacity of the M 50 ceramic block is 50 kg per 1 cm 3.
Before you start laying walls, it is necessary to carry out a number of activities.
Preparatory activities
The procedure requires preparation. In particular, the following tools and materials are prepared:
- measuring devices - tape measure, leveling rod, laser level, plumbs, cords;
- trowel, trowels, shovels, rubber hammer;
- concrete mixer or container for mixing mortar, buckets;
- goats, forests;
- grinder with cutting wheel, saw;
- expanded clay concrete blocks;
- sand, cement or ready-made dry mixture, water;
- fittings with a diameter of 8-10 mm;
- metal reinforcing mesh.
Masonry mortar
A solution for laying expanded clay concrete blocks is prepared in two versions: cement and sand, ready-made dry mixture. The choice is influenced by the economic availability of materials.
Ready dry mix
The step-by-step instructions printed on the packaging of the mixture will tell you the correct steps when preparing the masonry mixture. Dry material can always be found at a hardware store.
The mixture is loaded into a concrete mixer and filled with water. Then the mixing device is turned on. Step-by-step instructions indicate in what proportions the solution is prepared. The rotating drum works until the mixture takes the form of a homogeneous paste.
Cement-sand mixture
Cement and sand are loaded into the mixer drum in a ratio of 1:3. While mixing, water is gradually added. When masonry mortar takes the required form, mixing is completed. Experienced workers know exactly how much water to add and how long the solution will take to prepare.
If a concrete mixer is not available, use suitable containers: old bath, trough, etc. Mix the mixture with a mixer or shovel.
Walling
Laying expanded clay concrete blocks with your own hands is accessible to every person who has even a little experience in this matter. It is better to start doing this together with an experienced mason.
Setting the corners
They begin to lay out CBs from the corners of the building. Corner fragments of fencing are made from 2 - 3 rows of design blocks. They serve as unique beacons for the construction of walls.
Expanded clay concrete blocks are placed on a layer of mortar laid on the waterproofing of the plinth or foundation. The mortar layer should not be thicker than 30 mm.
Verticality of masonry and correct position the walls in the building plan are controlled using geodetic instruments, plumb lines and control rope covering. They also use a water level - a hose filled with water with two transparent tubes at its ends.
Laying the first row
A string is pulled between the corner beacons around the perimeter of the house. The string allows you to control the evenness vertical plane first row of masonry. As the wall space is filled, the corners are increased, and the string is fixed at a new height. If the walls are erected using a special adhesive composition, then the first row of CBs is laid on a cement-sand mixture.
To the extent that the masonry of the first row is completed correctly, the process of constructing walls from the 2nd row and above will be carried out efficiently.
Technology of laying expanded clay concrete blocks
Masonry includes several ways to form walls depending on their thickness. The main methods for forming the thickness of CB fencing:
- half a block;
- block;
- two rows of half a block with a gap for laying insulation;
- two rows of half a block or a block with a gap between them made of insulation.
Half a block
The thickness of the wall is equal to the width of the block - 190 mm. Such masonry of walls made of expanded clay concrete blocks is usually done during construction country houses, utility buildings, boathouses and garages.
The CB is laid with the long side along the axis of the wall. The masonry is made with bandaging and reinforcement of the rows. A reinforcing layer of masonry made of expanded clay concrete blocks is laid every 3 to 5 rows. Used as reinforcement metal mesh or periodic steel reinforcement with a diameter of 8 - 10 mm.
Block
The construction of walls is carried out by laying blocks with the long part perpendicular to the axis of the wall. The wall thickness will be 390 mm. Dressing is carried out by alternating spoon rows (the position of the block with the long side along the axis) and butt rows (the long side is perpendicular to the axis of the wall). The walls are insulated with outside polystyrene foam, extruded polystyrene or mineral wool slabs.
The thickness of the insulation must be at least 50 mm. The reinforcing mesh is laid in the same way as in the previous case.
Laying in two rows
The wall is erected in two parallel rows of design blocks half a block thick. The gap between the walls is left 50 - 100 mm wide. Insulation made of polystyrene foam, mineral wool or expanded polystyrene sheets is placed between the walls. In some cases, cavities are filled with granulated expanded clay or blast furnace slag. This method of wall insulation is much cheaper than laying sheet material.
Every 3 - 5 rows, bandage the parallel walls. At the same time, you need to lay out a reinforcing belt.
This method of masonry makes it possible to save masonry material compared to erecting a block-wide wall of the same thickness.
Masonry with facing bricks
The method for constructing this type of masonry is similar to the method described above. Only in this case, the role of the external wall is played by masonry with facing bricks.
Finishing with facing bricks solves the issue of external finishing coating walls. The outer wall must be laid out half a brick thick. Bandaging of fences from different materials carried out by laying reinforcing mesh or reinforcing bars of a periodic profile.
Solution consumption
Before starting construction, you need to know the need for certain materials. Mortar consumption significantly affects the costs associated with the purchase of cement and sand. With a large volume of construction, water delivery will also cost a certain amount of money.
The amount of mortar for laying KB walls depends on the thickness of the vertical and horizontal joints between the blocks and the width of the walls. The standard thickness of seams ranges from 6 to 8 mm. Laying CB on adhesive compositions allows you to make seams 3 mm thinner.
Having calculated the total area of laying the mortar, multiply it by the average thickness of the seam. The total volume of consumption of the binder mixture is obtained. Taking into account involuntary losses of the binder mixture, the solution consumption is increased by 7 - 10%.
Knowing specific gravity and the proportions of the components determine the total need for cement, sand, water or the finished adhesive mixture.
Installation of reinforced belt
Whatever the type of CB masonry, it is necessary to erect a reinforced concrete belt along the entire top of the walls of each floor, which takes the load from the roof structures and interfloor ceilings.
The reinforced concrete belt is made with a height of 200 to 400 mm. The formwork is held in place by through fastenings between its sides. The reinforcement frame is made of 4 longitudinal bars of a periodic profile with a diameter of 8 - 10 mm. The longitudinal reinforcement is a box-shaped structure connected with wire.
A reinforced belt around the entire perimeter of the building significantly increases bearing capacity wall fencing.
A house built from expanded clay concrete blocks will cost less than a building built from brick or precast reinforced concrete. Due to their thermal insulation properties, expanded clay fencing contributes to the effective conservation of heat inside the building.
They are used in the construction of external walls, soundproofing partitions, filling frames in reinforced concrete housing construction, construction of agricultural buildings and utility rooms, in the field of creating decorative elements. Expanded clay concrete masonry is an excellent base for further finishing. It has good thermal insulation, frost resistance and can be easily processed.
To work you will need:
- building level;
- rubber hammer weighing up to 1 kg;
- roulette;
- square;
- jointing;
- ordering with marks every 200 mm;
- mooring cord;
- grinding machine with a wheel 230 mm in diameter;
- trowel with platform rectangular shape;
- fittings or reinforced mesh;
- container for stirring the solution.
A solution or special glue can be used as a binding component. When laying expanded clay concrete blocks, the consumption of mortar is much less than when laying brick, since one block replaces 7 ceramic bricks.
If done normally cement mortar, then 1 part of cement is mixed with 3 parts quarry sand. River sand makes the solution too elastic. You can increase the plasticity of the mixture using a special plasticizer. To prevent the sand from settling to the bottom, the mixture must be stirred periodically.
If cement glue is used, per 1 cu. m, about 40 kg of dry mixture is consumed. It is diluted with water according to the instructions.
Before starting masonry, the surface is leveled. To install waterproofing, two layers of roofing material are laid on the base. A layer of mortar with the addition of lime no more than 30 mm is placed on top of the insulation. Glue can be used only starting from the second row.
Do-it-yourself masonry
Laying expanded clay concrete blocks is somewhat similar to how children assemble a LEGO-type construction set. Since the size of the blocks is much larger than that of bricks, and the weight is significantly less, the laying process does not take much effort and time.
How to lay expanded clay blocks correctly
Construction of the wall starts from the corner. First, the first row is completely built. In this case, internal partitions are made simultaneously with external ones. To prevent cold bridges from appearing at the end of the block entering the external wall, it is separated by a foam plastic rectangle 50 mm thick. After completing the first row, you need to make sure with a level that the surface is level.
The video will tell you how to lay corners from expanded clay blocks:
The block laying technology is as follows:
- using a new block, the solution is smoothed out to create a uniform layer;
- the block is pushed towards the edge of the adjacent block, leaving a gap of 5 cm;
- the block is applied to the place where it should lie, so that a little glue or cement mortar forms in the vertical seam;
- The block is fixed with a rubber hammer.
The thickness of the seam should not be more than 6-7 mm. If special glue is added to the solution, a seam thickness of about 3 mm is allowed. If the seams are too thick, the masonry will lose its strength. At the same time, if the layer of mortar is too thin, the blocks will not be fastened securely enough.
The correct seam must be completed before the mortar hardens.
There are the following types of seams:
- undercut;
- empty
- embroidered convex;
- embroidered concave.
If the wall is subsequently plastered, the blocks are laid “empty”. This means that at the edges the seams are not filled by 5-8 mm. If the wall is facing, the seams are usually made “undercut”, completely filling them.
In addition, to increase the thermal capacity of the building, the blocks can be laid in two rows. Thanks to this, the thickness of the wall increases, and after insulating the house from the outside, it will not be afraid of any frost. The only disadvantage of this installation is the increased consumption of blocks and the total cost of work.
In the video - laying a wall of expanded clay concrete blocks with your own hands
Masonry reinforcement
To prevent the walls from collapsing under the weight of the roof, you need to fill the armored belt. Reinforcement is done using reinforcement about 10 mm in diameter or reinforced (masonry) mesh. It should be done every 2-3 rows. The mesh or reinforcement is placed on the top row in grooves, a solution is applied on top and another row of blocks is made.
Longitudinal reinforcement makes it possible to increase the safety of a structure to the required level. Do not forget about the need to bandage the spoon and butt rows. Window and door openings are reinforced using U-shaped blocks of concrete and reinforcement.
Attaching the Mauerlat to the blocks
The masonry of the walls is completed with U-shaped blocks, which are used to create a reinforced concrete belt. This belt is used to attach the Mauerlat to expanded clay concrete. Mauerlat – wooden beam, which is attached to the walls to evenly distribute the load from the roof material, snow and wind.
Threaded rods are installed in the upper blocks every 1.6-2 m. Their height should exceed the cross-section of the beam by 4-6 cm. Holes are made in the beams for the studs and the Mauerlat is attached, pulling it to the walls with nuts and washers.
Insulation and wall finishing
It is necessary to insulate the wall immediately after laying. For this purpose, sheathing with siding or oilcloth is used. Another option is to build insulating material between the blocks during the construction process.
Expanded clay concrete masonry does not provide sufficient ventilation. Its arrangement should be taken care of in advance.
You can finish expanded clay concrete walls using a variety of materials. They lend themselves well to plastering, facing with bricks or tiles. Since the blocks have the correct shape, there is no need to level them with plaster.
To reduce heat loss, you can create a ventilated façade. The inside of the surface can be finished using a “dry” or “wet” method; how exactly to plaster the walls made of expanded clay blocks must be decided depending on the purpose of the building and your financial capabilities.
Methods for laying blocks
How to make a particular masonry depends on the type of material. For example, if masonry is made from insulated blocks, there is no need to provide additional thermal insulation. Typically, such blocks have a decorative side, which makes the finishing process easier.
Laying of expanded clay concrete blocks can be carried out different ways. The choice of a specific method is determined by the thickness of the walls, the purpose of the room and the material used for finishing.
- When constructing a warehouse, garage or other utility room. The wall is laid with a thickness the width of the block (approximately 200 mm). The inside of the wall is plastered, and the outside is insulated with a layer of mineral wool, expanded polystyrene or polystyrene foam 100 mm thick.
- When building a bathhouse or other small structure. The wall is erected as thick as the width of the block, and the blocks are tied together. Finishing from the inside and outside is carried out in the same way as in the first option, but the insulation layer is about 50 mm.
- During the construction of a country house. The walls are made with interlocking blocks, with voids between them. The thickness of the masonry is 600 mm. Insulation is placed in the voids, and the inside of the wall is plastered.
- When constructing buildings in areas with cold climates. To make the outer wall, two thin partitions are made parallel to each other. They are connected using reinforcement. The gap between the partitions is filled insulation material. Both sides of the wall are plastered. This option is the most difficult, but differs the most high level thermal protection.
Advantages of masonry using expanded clay blocks
How much does laying expanded clay block cost?
Standard wall blocks have parameters of 390*190*188 mm, blocks for installing partitions – 390*190*90 mm.
For masonry 1 cubic. m of wall, 65 standard blocks are used. Material consumption per 1 cubic meter m of masonry is equal to 0.075 cubic meters. m, including:
- cement - about 15 kg;
- sand – about 45 kg;
- water – 10-15 liters.
To calculate the number of blocks per masonry, you can use online calculators building materials.
The average cost of masonry made of expanded clay blocks is about 2,300 rubles. for 1 cubic m. To build a wall of the same area from bricks, you will have to spend from 5 to 6 thousand rubles. Laying foam concrete will also cost a little more - about 2,700 rubles. for 1 cubic m.
Thus, expanded clay concrete is a material that is affordable and easy to install. Among its advantages are low concrete consumption, low weight (blocks are half the weight of bricks), ease of installation (one block is equal in area to seven bricks). It is easy to store and transport. Therefore it is becoming more and more widespread.
Today, the abundance of building materials allows you to choose best option for any need and any wallet. In the field of manufacturing external enclosing structures, there is a tendency to replace expanded clay concrete products with other types of insulation materials. However, despite everything, the construction of walls from expanded clay concrete blocks remains the most common method of constructing durable and warm structures.
The starting raw material for expanded clay concrete blocks is a completely natural product. Expanded clay is fired and foamed clay, which, as a result of processing, acquires the structure of frozen foam particles. The resulting granules are covered with a baked shell, which ensures high strength of the material. The porous structure of expanded clay makes it extremely light and easy to use. Expanded clay concrete blocks not only correspond high standards heat and sound insulation, but also seriously compete with ordinary concrete and bricks.
Expanded clay concrete is used everywhere for the construction of residential buildings, arrangement of underground communications, equipment of livestock buildings.
Advantages
Walls made of expanded clay concrete blocks have excellent sound and heat insulation. This material is universal, withstands temperature changes well, does not allow moisture to pass through and is suitable for construction in any climatic conditions. The special structure of expanded clay blocks allows air to pass through, while regulating air flows indoors. Thus, it is possible to provide good ventilation internal space.
Without exaggeration, structures built from expanded clay concrete blocks can be considered eternal. The material does not require special care, it is not susceptible to corrosion, burning, or damage by pests (insects, rodents, fungi). It combines the most beneficial qualities of earth, stone and wood. The thermal insulation properties of the material often play a role decisive role when choosing. Special research institutions have repeatedly tested various expanded clay gravel fillers. As a result of the tests, it turned out that this material can reduce heat loss by more than 75%.
The consumption of this building material also makes one lean in its favor - the thickness of the wall made of expanded clay concrete blocks is 390 mm brick wall, laid out in 1.5 bricks. The same indicators apply to height. Thus, the use of expanded clay can significantly save not only the cost of building materials, but also the time allotted for the construction of the structure.
Wall masonry
Methods
Laying walls made of expanded clay concrete blocks can be done in several ways. The choice of method directly depends on how thick the wall should be and what facing materials will be used for finishing.
Let's look at each method:
- Wall masonry, the thickness of which corresponds to the width of one expanded clay concrete block of 200 mm. Inner surface The walls are finished with plaster, the outer layer is finished with a layer of thermal insulation material thickness up to 100 mm. It could be polystyrene foam mineral wool, polyester foam, etc. This method Perfect for building garages or warehouses.
- Masonry wall, the thickness of which corresponds to one length of the block. They are tied together, and the outer and interior decoration performed according to the principle of the first method. The only difference is that the thickness of the thermal insulation layer should be twice as thin (maximum 50 mm). This method is ideal for the construction of bathhouses and small structures.
- Laying walls with ligation of expanded clay concrete blocks and leaving a small empty space between them. Thickness expanded clay concrete wall in this case it will be 600 mm. On inner part plaster is applied, and thermal insulation is laid in the spaces between the blocks. This method is suitable for the construction of country houses.
- The outer surface is laid out with two parallel thin walls, fastened together with reinforcement. Thermal insulation is laid in the gap between the walls. A layer of plaster is applied to the internal and external surfaces. This is the most labor-intensive method of constructing walls from expanded clay concrete blocks, but the most advantageous in all respects. The level of thermal protection and durability is much higher than that of any other building material. This method is suitable for the construction of buildings in cold climates.
Technology
Technology of construction of walls made of expanded clay concrete by and large no different from using ordinary bricks. The same tying or spoon rows and mandatory bandaging are done.
Required tools and materials:
- building level;
- small rubber hammer;
- plumb line;
- mooring cord;
- square;
- trowel with a rectangular area;
- jointing;
- Angle grinder with cutting wheel 23 cm in diameter;
- reinforcement/reinforced mesh (if reinforcement is planned);
- shovel;
- container for diluting the solution.
First you need to level the base on which the first row of blocks will be laid. After this, waterproofing made of two layers of roofing material is placed on the base. Then cement adhesive or prepared building mixture. The thickness of this layer should not exceed 30 mm.
There are two types of solution:
- cement glue - calculation: 1 cubic meter of masonry per 40 kg of dry mixture;
- cement mortar – 1 part cement, 1 part sifted river sand to 3 parts quarry sand.
When calculating a wall made of expanded clay concrete blocks, it is necessary to remember that construction begins from the corner. Then lays out full row, and the internal partitions of the wall are aligned evenly with the external ones. To avoid the appearance of cold bridges at the ends of blocks entering outer wall, you need to insulate these blocks of rectangles cut from polystyrene foam. The thickness of the rectangle is about 50 mm.
When the row of expanded clay concrete is completed, it is necessary to ensure that the surface is even. To do this, use a building level. Each expanded clay concrete block has a slight taper.
Reinforcement should be done using special reinforced mesh or reinforcement 10 mm in diameter. For achievement best results the procedure should be repeated along the entire perimeter of the walls every 2-3 rows. A mesh or reinforcement is placed on top of the finished row, glue or mortar is applied on top, after which the next row is placed. In the process, do not forget about alternating spoon and butt rows.
Main nuances
In order for the construction of a wall made of expanded clay concrete blocks to be strong and reliable, it is necessary to adhere to certain masonry rules. Let's consider building a wall from blocks measuring 9*190*188 mm. To build partitions, blocks of 390*190*90 mm are used.
Execution sequence:
- Using a new block, smooth out the applied layer of mortar to obtain an even coating.
- Push the expanded clay concrete to the edge of the block already laid in this row. Leave a gap of about 5 cm between the blocks.
- Apply this block to the place where it should be located so that the vertical seam collects some of the mortar. It is recommended that the seam thickness does not exceed 10 mm.
- Without waiting for the solution to harden, create a seam. There are several types of special seams: embroidered convex, embroidered concave, undercut, hollow.
- At the end of the masonry process, regardless of the method you used, you need to fill the armored belt. This is a reinforced concrete structure whose task is to perform the function rafter system. The armored belt prevents the walls from collapsing under the constant pressure of the roof.
14 458
Expanded clay concrete is a time-tested material: for more than 60 years it has been considered a reliable and durable construction raw material. Expanded clay is no less popular than concrete or brick. Its undoubted advantages are high thermal insulation characteristics and ease of installation. For building walls from expanded clay concrete blocks with your own hands no complex design solutions will be required. These blocks go perfectly with any building materials, metal and reinforced concrete structures.
Application of expanded clay concrete blocks
Expanded clay concrete blocks are most often used for the construction external walls, during the construction of utility rooms, warehouses, garages, frame industrial buildings. And partition wall blocks guarantee a significant improvement in the sound and heat insulation properties of the entire structure, significantly reducing the weight of large-sized reinforced concrete floors, reduce the cost of the foundation. The voids in the blocks themselves form an additional reinforcing frame in the body of the wall, which increases its load-bearing capacity. Expanded clay is baked and foamed clay mixed with sand, cement and water. It has a porous structure, which provides the material with strength and lightness.
Expanded clay concrete is divided into structural and structural-thermal insulating. The first type has a density of maximum 1800 kg per cubic meter, strength up to 500 kg per cubic meter, frost resistance reaches 500 cycles. Used for construction load-bearing structures. The density of the second type of expanded clay concrete is up to 1100 kg per cubic meter, strength is no more than 100 kg per cubic meter, frost resistance is no more than 100 cycles.
We lay expanded clay concrete walls with our own hands
The method of constructing walls from expanded clay concrete is no different from using standard brick. The same spoon or butt rows are laid and the required dressings are made. For load-bearing walls The dimensions of expanded clay concrete blocks are 190x190x390 mm. For internal partitions, blocks of 190x90x390 mm are used. Please note that when laying blocks of expanded clay concrete, only ordinary mortar is used, not glue! You only need to align the blocks on the wall rubber mallet, because they are hollow, and any blow with a metal hammer will simply break them.
The following tools are needed:
- level;
- rectangular trowel;
- rubber mallet;
- plumb line;
- square;
- mooring cord;
- jointing;
- “grinder” with cutting wheel;
- reinforcement or reinforced mesh (if reinforcement is required);
- shovel;
- bucket for solution.
When preparing to lay a wall made of expanded clay concrete, the most important thing is waterproofing the foundation. It is usually done with roofing felt in two layers. The geometry of the perimeter must also be observed: opposite sides and diagonals of the rectangular base must be equal.
Step-by-step instructions for building a wall
First you need to level the base on which the first row of blocks will be placed. After applying waterproofing, you should put cement glue on top of the roofing felt (1 m³ of masonry per 40 kg of mixture) or a prepared solution (one part of cement and sifted river sand to three parts of quarry sand). Layer thickness – no more than 30 mm.
The construction of a horizontal surface of expanded clay concrete blocks begins from the corner. First, a full row is laid out, and internal partition is erected evenly with outer wall. To avoid the appearance of “cold bridges” at the ends, these blocks need to be lined with foam plastic rectangles 50 mm thick.
Having completed the row, you should check the surface using a building level, since any expanded clay concrete block has a slight error in shape. The holes are filled with mortar, and the bulges are “cut off” with a hatchet or grinder.
Along the entire perimeter of the wall, reinforced mesh or reinforcement with a diameter of 10 mm is laid in 2-3 rows. A solution or glue is applied on top, after which a new row is laid. Don't forget about alternating the bond and spoon rows.
Important nuances
- You need to lay the block to the block butt-to-block, leaving a gap of 5 mm between them.
- A little solution should collect between the pokes. The joint is then quickly created before the mortar hardens. The thickness of the vertical seam is 10 mm.
- Upon completion of the masonry, the reinforcing belt should be poured. The task of this reinforced concrete structure– additional strengthening of the wall.
Follow all the rules laying expanded clay concrete blocks with your own with my own hands to get the desired result - a durable and warm building. Expanded clay is very fragile only at first glance, but if the technology is followed, walls made of this material will withstand almost any load.
(Visited 6,390 times, 1 visits today)
If you want to have Vacation home, but there is not much money for construction, for example, the same wood will not work, not to mention brick. In this case, for the installation of the house, masonry walls made of expanded clay concrete blocks can be used, which have high quality characteristics and are not too expensive. If you build a house with your own hands, you can save another small amount. But for self-installation you need to know the operating algorithm. This article will give step-by-step instructions on how to efficiently lay walls from expanded clay concrete blocks.
General information about the material
Such material as expanded clay concrete blocks has been known for a long time. Construction with its help is not particularly difficult, so even a beginner can handle it. Thanks to self-masonry blocks can save significant cash and acquire additional skills.
The blocks are made from expanded clay, water, sand and cement in certain proportions. Since all components are absolutely harmless, such construction is completely environmentally friendly. Since expanded clay is porous inside, the material retains heat well, but at the same time it is quite light, which greatly simplifies installation work.
The blocks are made in rectangular shapes in several sizes. Consumption is calculated by calculating the volume of the walls. The resulting figure is divided by the volume of one block. This will give you the number of expanded clay blocks needed for a particular wall.
Blocks are divided into solid and hollow. This means that the block can consist entirely of expanded clay concrete, or it can have cavities inside that are located along or across the element. The hollowness in the blocks allows for better heat retention, and solid parts are more durable.
Self-building a wall
As mentioned earlier, even a novice craftsman can lay expanded clay concrete blocks. The main thing is to strictly follow the technology of work.
Tools for work
To install a wall made of expanded clay concrete more quickly, it is necessary to prepare all the tools and materials in advance so that during the work you will not be distracted by searching for them.
For high-quality masonry of blocks you will need the following list of tools:
- Building type level.
- Rectangular trowel.
- Hammer with rubber tip.
- Construction square for correct marking of blocks.
- A plumb line with which you can determine the verticality of walls. It is best if a plumb line with a point is used.
- Roulette.
- Cord.
- Spatula with teeth.
- Any convenient container for mixing the solution.
- Shovel, container for water.
- A spatula or trowel for laying the mixture.
- A grinder with a cutting disc that has a diameter of more than 11 cm. It is needed for gating and cutting blocks.
- Concrete mixer. It's not required, but it's a good idea to improve your productivity.
- Scaffolding. Usually they use stairs, but this option is extremely inconvenient and uncomfortable.
The materials for laying expanded clay concrete blocks with your own hands will require the following:
- Expanded clay concrete blocks
- There is sufficient water.
- Sand and cement in the required proportions.
Important! To avoid making the solution yourself, you can buy ready mixture in the shop.
- Reinforcing bars with a cross-section of at least 8 mm and no more than 10 mm. It is also possible to use reinforcing mesh instead of rods.
- Insulation. It will be necessary if, simultaneously with the masonry, its insulation is carried out.
If a high-quality project has been completed in advance for the construction, then it contains all the information about the names and quantities of material. Based on this document, it is worth making a purchase. But the number of blocks must be slightly larger than calculated before laying, so that if a defect is detected, the part can be replaced with a new one.
Preparation of the solution
You can make a mortar for laying expanded clay concrete blocks yourself, or you can purchase a ready-made one. But purchasing a branded solution can significantly increase the construction cost. The ready solution always has detailed instructions on breeding, where exactly it is prescribed required amount liquids to obtain optimal mass. 1 cubic meter of masonry with a proprietary mortar requires about 40 kg of ready-made mixture.
If the solution is prepared independently, subject to step by step instructions, then it is necessary to add 3 times more sand than cement. The amount of liquid is calculated depending on the consistency ready solution. The mass should turn out to be plastic, since it is most convenient to lay blocks on this. But it is very important not to cross the line when the solution begins to spread. Experienced builders advise adding plasticizers, which significantly improve quality characteristics mixtures.
Important! The grade of cement for mortar should be used at least 400.
From homemade solution The result is a seam whose thickness is between 6 and 9 mm, and from a store-bought one - 4 mm.
It is best to mix the solution in a concrete mixer, since only in such a unit will the mass be completely and thoroughly mixed, which will eliminate poor-quality masonry later.
To ensure that the solution does not have time to set while in the container, it must be constantly stirred or water must be added. Usually make the amount of mass that can be used within an hour. If the weather outside is damp and cool, the hardening process takes longer than in dry, windy weather.
Block laying options
Laying with expanded clay concrete blocks can be done using one of the existing methods:
- Half a stone. This type of masonry is perfect for building small outbuildings and dachas. In this case, the block with its long edge is laid along the foundation. Reinforcement must be laid in every third or fourth row. The bonding is done by stacking the top stones on top of the two bottom stones so that the seams do not overlap. The final stage of masonry is the installation of an armored belt approximately 20 cm high. This structure can be insulated with any heat-insulating material.
- With a width of 1 block. To install the walls of a private house or garage, this is the option that is used, which involves alternating pin and spoon levels. This design is sure to intensify reinforcement mesh. The wall must be insulated from the outside with a special material with a thickness of at least 5 cm.
- Masonry with a width of 60 cm. This technology is somewhat reminiscent of well-type bricklaying. It necessarily creates a bandage of blocks, and also creates voids, which are filled with insulation during the process.
- In parallel rows in half a block. This design retains heat well due to the fact that an insulating layer is laid between the blocks. A reinforcing bond is installed between all levels.
- Half a block or a whole block. The outer layer of such a wall must be laid out with bricks. The resulting wall is very warm and beautiful.
Laying technology
Before laying expanded clay concrete blocks, you need to familiarize yourself with the technology. The bottom row of blocks is always laid only on a perfectly flat surface. A layer of waterproofing is laid between it and the base. As such a layer, roofing felt or other insulating material can be used.
The correctness of the entire masonry is determined by the installation of corner blocks. The layer of mortar under such elements cannot be made more than 3 cm. After the block is exposed, you need to make it shrink by tapping its surface with a rubber hammer. The extent to which the block is positioned correctly must be checked using a level. All corner blocks must be at the same level and in the same position.
Important! If the building is large, then you can use a level to check the correct location.
After installing the corners, a cord is pulled between them, forming a line for further masonry. The first row is laid on a layer of sand and cement, and all subsequent rows are tied together. Beyond the second row, glue can be used to connect the blocks. Its uniform installation is guaranteed by leveling with a notched trowel. Do not forget about the need to carry out shrinkage.
Reinforcement is a very important step when laying a wall made of expanded clay concrete. Thanks to it, the risk of cracks appearing on the surface is reduced. To make the structure more reliable, grooves are made on the surface of the blocks into which reinforcing bars are embedded. Thus, the reinforcement will not stick out beyond the wall and come into contact with cold air, forming cold bridges inside the wall.
When laying, the seams are also separated. Any seam cannot exceed 1 cm in thickness. Ideal option a seam is considered to be 7 mm thick.
Important! The thinner the seam, the more flexible the mixture should be.
There are 2 types of seams when laying a wall:
- Vustoshovka, which involves leaving the edge of the seam without adhesive mass. This method is great for further processing surfaces with plaster.
- Undercut, which involves completely filling the seam with adhesive mass.
The technology for laying expanded clay concrete blocks necessarily implies maintaining uniform thickness of the seams throughout the entire wall, so that visually all rows look equally even. If too much mortar is used during laying, the house may turn out taller, and the cost of the mixture will increase.
The masonry must be completed by installing an armored belt. It is made so that the walls can withstand the load from the roof and the floor above. To create a reinforced layer, formwork is first installed, into which the reinforced belt is laid and concrete is poured. After the solution has hardened, the formwork is removed, and the outside row is insulated with polystyrene foam.
An important aspect is that during laying the house design should always be at hand, which clearly indicates where to lay communications and leave space for window and door openings. For floors, special concrete blocks, corners or channels are used. After the masonry is completed, the wall must stand for some time so that the concrete is completely strengthened and the structure becomes able to withstand loads. Only after this can the roof be erected. From all of the above, you can understand how to correctly lay expanded clay concrete blocks and do this work yourself.
Conclusion
You can do the laying of expanded clay concrete blocks yourself, which will significantly reduce the cost of building a house. But you need to adhere to the work algorithm and follow all the principles described in the article. Only well-built walls can guarantee favorable operation of the house.
