Wall block for construction. Which blocks are better for building a house: an overview of types and characteristics

The rapidly developing construction industry constantly requires the emergence of new technologies and materials. Therefore, many are wondering which blocks are better for building a house, since it is they who have recently enjoyed the greatest popularity and compete at a high level with the long-known brick. The emergence of a new type of masonry raw material was mainly due to the desire to speed up the construction process and reduce its labor intensity.

The larger dimensions of building blocks compared to bricks make it possible to produce masonry several times faster, and their relatively low weight greatly facilitates the work. This quality gave a significant impetus to their introduction to the market.

There are several classifications of blocks for construction. Depending on the dimensions of the product, they can be divided into the following groups: small-sized and large-sized. The first group includes products with small dimensions, low strength and heat conductivity. The second group will be represented by products with large dimensions and high strength indicators, as well as medium insulating characteristics.

Better quality building blocks classified according to the type of material used to make them. The main component of all types is invariably concrete. Only secondary materials and production technology vary.

The following groups can be distinguished here:

• concrete;
• expanded clay concrete;
• gas silicate;
• aerated concrete;
• foam concrete;
• polystyrene concrete;
• cinder concrete;
• ceramic.

Defining characteristics and their impact on consumer choice

Considering in more detail all types of blocks for construction, you need to dwell on their main technical characteristics. These are density, compressive strength, frost resistance. They are the deciding factor in choosing the right material. Based on these parameters and dimensions, the correct calculation of the number of blocks for building a house is made.

It is always worthwhile to clearly think over all types of work, since various blocks suited to specific goals. Need to focus on certain course: it will be just insulation, a partition, or a more massive supporting structure. What type of building will this material be applicable to: capital in the form of, for example, a house or a garage, or a simpler option summer shower or outbuildings. And of course, one more factor: how much do the blocks for building a house cost.

Concrete blocks: performance characteristics and scope

This type of blocks was the very first on the production line. It is very common in applications, especially where high structural strength is required. Depending on the brand of concrete used, the following groups can be distinguished:, FBV and FBP.

There is a state standard in which the sizes of blocks for construction are clearly regulated. This makes it possible to accurately calculate the costs of building construction. The above brands may have a solid structure or longitudinal cutouts designed for laying communications.

The most significant advantage of these types of blocks is ease of use. In most cases, they are applicable for laying the foundation. Thus, when using this particular technology, the process can be greatly facilitated. You will not need to pour concrete, while attracting a lot of additional equipment, you will not have to wait for it to solidify in order to continue further work.

The price of concrete blocks measuring 390x190x188 mm, differing only in the number of slots in their structure, ranges from 40 to 55 rubles per piece. Smaller sizes 390x80x188 and 390x90x188 mm cost from 25 to 30 rubles per piece.

Expanded clay concrete blocks: properties, advantages and disadvantages

In the manufacture of expanded clay concrete blocks, expanded clay is used as an impurity. It is a porous material produced in the form of granules by firing clay. This mixture gave unusual properties new types of blocks, thanks to which they won due recognition from the consumer.

By varying the amount of filler, as a result, a block of different strength is obtained. This leads to an expansion of the range of applications. this material. The most popular density is from 500 to 1800 kg/cm³. The denser the material, the stronger it is and can be used for multi-storey buildings.

The construction of houses from expanded clay concrete blocks has a number of positive qualities. Buildings are not deformed, do not shrink, do not crack. The low cost of production is also a plus. The presence of a sufficient amount of the source material and the low technological cost of production as a whole provide the maximum benefit from its use.

Note! Precisely because the production of expanded clay concrete blocks does not require large material costs, many people try to make it on their own using the “handicraft method”. Failure to comply with some necessary standards results in poor-quality material and inconsistency in block sizes for construction. Therefore, when purchasing this product, you must make sure that the manufacturer has a good reputation.

This block also needs to be insulated with finishing materials, and with outer side. This will give a positive effect of increasing thermal conductivity, as well as increase the life of the building.

Price for expanded clay concrete blocks depends on their size and purpose. For a hollow wall block, the dimensions of which are 390x190x188 mm, it ranges on average from 33 to 50 rubles per piece. and directly depends on the number of voids-slits in the material.

The solid block has the most popular dimensions of 390x190x188 mm, and its price is slightly higher, about 57 rubles per piece. The partition view of this type is most often presented in the size of 390x90x188 mm and the price range ranges from 25-30 rubles per piece.

Gas silicate blocks and the main criteria for their use

Construction of houses from gas silicate blocks has become very popular lately. The material itself, aerated concrete, is made from cement, quicklime, quartz sand and aluminum powder by the autoclave method under certain temperatures and pressures. In the process of mixing these components, a large number of hydrogen, which, when solidified, gives finished products cellular structure.

Advantages and disadvantages of gas silicate blocks

The positive qualities of gas silicate blocks are as follows:

• they have a small mass and therefore the construction will be much easier than, for example, from brick. This property makes it possible to reduce the pressure on the foundation. This means that the skeleton itself can be planned less capital, which significantly saves money;
• low level of thermal conductivity will provide a higher temperature in the interior;
• A variety of shapes and sizes makes this material in demand. Not limited to specific size ranges, manufacturers are expanding the range of consumption. The design with additional recesses and groove joints is also quite popular;

• large sizes gas silicate block for building a house and their clear, even edges significantly speed up the construction process;
• the use of special adhesive mixtures for masonry, which are simply diluted with water in a certain proportion, also saves time;
• gas silicate, due to its structure, is easy to saw, process, lay all kinds of strobes;
• high fire resistance is in the first place in matters of safety.

Despite a number of the above positive qualities, several negative ones can be distinguished: the cellular structure of the material gives not only pluses, but also minuses. It clearly reduces the density index, the level of compression and stretching. Therefore, the maximum number of floors of such buildings should not exceed 2. Otherwise, experiencing a heavy load, the lower rows will begin to collapse and shrink. The appearance of cracks is not excluded.

Note! To increase the strength of the walls, experts recommend strengthening the building with steel reinforcement.

Blocks of this type in the size range 60x25x50 and 60x25x40 mm cost an average of 30 to 206 rubles per piece. Increasing the last parameter increases the price. Sizes 60x30x10, 60x30x20 and 60x30x25 have a cost of 30, 58 and 75 rubles per piece. respectively. The most expensive are the largest - 60x37.5x25 mm, which have a price of 210-233 rubles per piece. and 60x40x25 mm - 225-240 rubles / piece.

Construction of houses from aerated concrete blocks: advantages and disadvantages

Just as in the case of the use of gas silicate blocks, the construction of aerated concrete begins with determining what needs to be obtained as a result: main walls, partitions of a two-story array, or insulation of existing buildings. Based on the tasks set, you just need to buy blocks for building a house of the desired density. And also take care of the exterior wall decoration. It should provide not only an acceptable appearance of the structure, but also minimize the moisture absorption coefficient.

Aerated concrete blocks are made by the autoclave method. They consist of cement, lime, gypsum and aluminum powder. As in the case of the gas silicate species, a massive chemical reaction occurs between the constituent components, as a result, hydrogen is released, due to which the cellular structure of the material is obtained.

After complete hardening, aerated concrete is cut into the required size blocks for building a house using a string. Therefore, the result obtained is characterized by ideal geometrically even edges. This is important, since during laying there will be very few gaps at the seams, which will ensure extra percentage heat.

This type of blocks has another attractive property. Due to its special structure, it can be easily cut with a conventional saw. In this way, you can quickly adjust the parameters and get the right size. aerated concrete block for building a house.

Related article:

Cottages with a unique design and popular architectural solutions. Tips for developing and choosing the optimal building layout for living.

We pay attention to the marking: the main selection parameter

Aerated concrete blocks are very popular today. Numerous offers from manufacturers provide the opportunity to use this material not only for walls, but also for ceilings, lintels for windows and doors. A large size range makes it possible to build the entire structure from these blocks.

As well as on other types of blocks, aerated concrete products can have mounting grooves for ease of use. Such a connection will give maximum fit and the desired thermal conductivity.

Choosing necessary material pay attention to the label. It is indicated by the Latin letter D and the numbers after it. These numbers indicate the density of the block. Thus, the most applicable are the grades D500-D900, which, with a size of 600x250x200 mm, weigh 18 kg and thus can replace 20 pcs. bricks.

Foam concrete: the best value for money

Concrete block refers to cellular types of building materials. He has all their qualities. It is made from a mixture of concrete and a foaming agent. The foam is prepared in a special generator and then poured directly into the cement. It envelops and thus closes all the cells in the structure. After the mixture falls into special cassettes and remains to solidify at natural temperature environment. There is no special thermal effect on this material.

Note! Foam concrete needs to "stand" for an average of 28 days from the date of manufacture in order to finally harden and obtain the necessary strength.

Many builders say favorable price blocks for building a house: any private developer can buy foam concrete products. At the same time, they make it possible to easily display, for example, any curly arches or partitions.

When considering which blocks are best for building a house: gas and foam concrete are often compared. There is no definitive answer to this question, but it is worth considering a few points:

• aerated concrete blocks outwardly resemble a sponge. Their pore-cells are not closed, as a result, they actively absorb and retain moisture that has got into them. In this regard, foam blocks with completely closed and concentrated cells exclusively inside are in a more advantageous position;
• if you put it on the absorbed moisture minus temperature environment, we get a disappointing result for the gas block: it will crack and shrink;
• foam concrete has a lower density, it contains more cells that are filled with air. Therefore, it retains heat much better;
• for the manufacture of aerated concrete blocks, more professional equipment is used, which makes it possible to have clear dimensions and the correct edges of products.

Foam concrete block, depending on its density in the most popular size 600x300x200 mm, has a cost of 95 to 120 rubles per piece. Naturally, the material with high density has the highest price. If you increase at least one of the dimensional parameters, for example, up to 600x400x200 mm, then the price will be 120-170 rubles per piece.

Which blocks to choose for building a house: advantages and disadvantages of polystyrene concrete

This type of block has recently appeared on the building materials market. He deserves to be popular with developers. The following characteristics are very important:

• low thermal conductivity;
• soundproofing;
• reliability;
• frost resistance;
• ecological purity.

The manufacturing process takes place both in production conditions and at home. A mixture of polystyrene granules, cement, sand and hardening additives is poured into a concrete mixer in a well-defined sequence, mixed. Then they are poured into pre-prepared molds for solidification for about a day in vivo. After 24 hours, the blocks can be removed, carefully laid out on a flat surface until completely dry.

All polystyrene concrete blocks can be divided into two types:

• with lining. They do not require additional facade finishing, as one side can be made in the form of stone, marble or granite. An important point is the absence of any additional adhesive compositions. This layer of the facing side is part of the concrete;
• ordinary blocks that are used to build walls. The cost of blocks for building a house from polystyrene concrete is about half the cost of a brick.

A polystyrene concrete block with a size of 600x300x250 mm has a price of 120-160 rubles per piece. A smaller block with a size of 390x190x188 mm costs 40-50 rubles per piece.

Almost all the negative aspects of using this type of material depend on the correctness of its manufacture. If the blocks were made without strict adherence to the rules, then the possibility of microcracks and shrinkage increases significantly.

Plus, it is necessary to add special fibers so that the result is a durable product. If you save on these fibers, you get a block that does not justify itself. All this must be taken into account when buying.

Special qualities of slag and its application in the slag concrete industry

Product obtained after strong heat treatment any raw material is called slag. It is an alloy of oxides. When using slag for the production of concrete blocks, the material is taken without any additional chemical compounds.

It is important to properly prepare the slag for use. It should lie down for about six months under open sky. This will enable natural precipitation to wash out the remains of sulfur and lime impurities from it. It will be good if it is moved several times from place to place. Such an action will also help to weed out everything unnecessary.

The production of slag concrete blocks takes place using slag sand (it gives additional density) and crushed stone (gives additional lightness). In finished products, about 2/3 of cement and 1/3 of lime, plus the required amount of slag.

Subject to all necessary norms and requirements, the price of blocks for building a house will be very reasonable. It turns out a good price-quality ratio.

The main characteristics of these blocks are considered to be its strength grade, as well as density. The following brands are distinguished:

• M10 - used for insulation;
• M25 and M 35 - suitable for the construction of partitions of low bearing capacity;
• M50 and above are used for the construction of load-bearing walls.

Pros and cons of cinder blocks

The advantages of cinder blocks over bricks are relatively lightweight. Less pressure is created on the foundation and other supporting structures. This prolongs the life of the buildings. Like other types of blocks, they greatly speed up the construction process due to their size.

Cons can be identified even at the production stage: long time for the preparation of the material itself, and a long time to achieve the desired hardening index. Only after a month it reaches only 50% of this value. It will take a year to fully comply.

Used for interior partitions cinder blocks have a size of 390x90x190 mm and cost 17-35 rubles / piece. For buildings for various purposes, products with a size of 390x240x190 mm are used, the material has voids-chambers and costs 50-80 rubles per piece. For objects with increased load, one-piece material is used with a size of 390x190x190 mm and a cost of 35-80 rubles per piece. Cinder blocks with the same size and with a different number of chambers are used to build the outer walls of residential buildings. They cost about 34-55 rubles / piece.

Environmentally friendly wood concrete blocks

Arbolite blocks belong to the group of wall blocks. They are 80% wood. Cement and various chemical additives remain unchanged in the composition of all blocks. For proper manufacture, the wood must be dried well, add chemical substances in order to stop the processes in the organic and for better bonding between the main components.

Arbolit can be produced in the form of blocks, slabs, panels and solutions for pouring monolithic surfaces. All this can be used to create walls and insulation.

They have a number of advantages: thermal protection of the house, high sound insulation performance, environmentally friendly composition, they are light in weight and do not put a heavy load on the foundation, they are easy to process and can be used without reinforcement when building small formats.

The disadvantages of the blocks under consideration is the need for mandatory cladding, since the material itself does not have a very attractive appearance. You should always pay attention to the manufacturer, since many wood processing plants have taken up this type of work. Since this process is not a profile for them, then the quality is worth thinking about.

There are not many installation features for wood concrete blocks. Masonry is carried out in 1-1.5 blocks, ordinary cement mortar is used, reinforcement can be used at will. Experienced builders advise taking drying breaks every 3 rows, as the blocks are very light.

This environmentally friendly material in the price occupies one of the highest positions. Arbolite block 150x200x500 mm in size has a cost of about 60 rubles / piece, 200x200x500 mm - 80 rubles / piece. and 300x200x500 mm - 120 rubles / pc.

Straw concrete blocks: is it worth it to be afraid?

Straw concrete blocks are a separate type of wood concrete blocks. This the new kind products that are ideal for followers of environmentally friendly materials. Their production has not yet been widely delivered, many are skeptical about this, but they already have their own consumer.

In the manufacture of straw blocks, it is important to take into account the quality of raw materials. Straw must be, firstly, of a certain type, and, secondly, ideally dry. All further construction technology depends on the quality of drying. If the material contains even the slightest percentage of moisture, then it will not be possible to avoid rotting, flowering, and the reproduction of harmful microorganisms.

Useful advice! This type of block is used only for frame buildings. After all, no matter how much chopped straw is poured with cement, it will still remain a soft building material.

However, they are very long term services, and you can buy straw blocks for construction at very affordable prices.

Construction of houses from ceramic blocks

This type of blocks is interesting in its own way. Depending on the constituent substances, products can be divided into two types: porous and non-porous. The representatives of the first group include clay, foam plastic waste and cellulose. Minor additives burn out under the influence of temperature, after which microscopic pores appear in the structure finished block which provides great thermal insulation.

Non-porous blocks do not contain any additives. Therefore, they are heavier in weight and have less thermal insulation. Both groups have high rates of physical and technical characteristics. Good thermal efficiency, sound insulation, environmental friendliness, ease of installation are also inherent in ceramic blocks.

They can be used for the construction of multi-storey buildings, the construction of interior partitions, and are suitable for complex architectural tasks. Ceramics by its properties does not need additional cladding, heat and waterproofing. This significantly reduces the cost estimate by eliminating many additional materials from it.

A feature of laying ceramic blocks is the purchase of special glue without fail. cement mortar has a very liquid consistency, which will fill all the pores of the block and thereby minimize many of its useful qualities. And a special glue with a thickness of only 2 cm is able to ensure the strength of the connection and do no harm.

The second note to keep in mind is the use of ligation of vertical seams with fiberglass mesh. It is laid every 2 rows.

The ceramic block has the following dimensions and cost: 25x120x65 mm - 12 rubles / piece, 250x120x140 and 250x120x140 mm - 17 rubles / piece, 250x250x140 and 80x500x219 mm - 45 rubles / piece, 150x50x219 mm - 60 rubles / piece . and 510x95x219 mm - 67 rubles / pc.

Construction of non-residential premises from blocks

Today, the construction of blocks is very popular not only for residential premises, but also, for example, for street storerooms, a summer shower or a garage.

Consider briefly the main points of the construction of the latter. Most often, construction takes place on its own. Therefore, you need to immediately decide which blocks are best for building a garage? Note that in principle, any kind is suitable. You should evaluate all the pros and cons and choose the most acceptable option for yourself.

A garage made of foam or gas block must be reinforced during construction. This will give the desired density. Do not avoid finishing the walls, and immediately after the completion of construction. Since the porous structure will be filled with moisture and subjected to frost, which will soon cause many problems.

When building from cinder or expanded clay blocks, the actions are slightly different. Armo-belt is not used here, but simply the top row is laid out with holes up. Subsequently, these voids are filled with rubble or concrete. Thus, a reinforced concrete structure is obtained.

In all cases, turn Special attention on the . The most correct would be to lay out the first few rows of strong red brick. A slightly different option: the already exposed formwork is poured with concrete.

Note! Before starting construction, always evaluate the quality of the soil. After evaluating the soil, choose correct option foundation.

Building a bath from blocks: a quick guide

Building a bath from concrete blocks is a good alternative to wooden buildings. Considering individual characteristics buildings, select the right type of products.

From blocks: steps 1-6

The most applicable foam and aerated concrete blocks with their cellular structure will strongly absorb moisture. Therefore, it will be necessary to spend not small financial and labor costs on reinforced waterproofing of walls on both sides.

Block walls are finished on both sides. Outside, a wooden crate is used, in the cells of which layers of heat, steam and waterproofing are laid. Since the bath is the place of maximum moisture formation, it is worth considering the options for a slag or expanded clay block.

Construction begins with the foundation. It is advantageous to use in this case tape monolithic concrete blocks, which are laid on a pillow of crushed stone and sand. A layer of roofing material is laid on the foundation itself. It will act as a waterproofing agent.

Having decided which blocks are best for building a bath, their laying is carried out in rows with mandatory linking. Here it is best to use a special adhesive solution. This will allow you to keep warm. The most common laying is half a block wide, which is quite beneficial in terms of savings.

After the construction of the walls, you need to think about the quality strengthening of the roof. To strengthen the fastening systems, a special beam is used, which is attached to the block wall using metal studs or anchors. This will enable the block wall to withstand the increased load.

Which blocks are better for building a house: the correct calculation of the material

When building any room, you need to choose blocks according to several criteria:

• determine the most suitable type according to the characteristics;
• material quality;
• justified and cost-effective price.

Considering which better blocks for building a house, their price plays an important role. Having picked up the right quality material, any developer strives to make his business the most profitable in material terms. The cost of blocks is directly affected by the size of the blocks for construction.

Here, acquaintance with the price lists of supplier companies and, of course, the correct calculation of the required amount of material, which can be done using an online calculator, will come to the rescue. The calculation of blocks for building a house in this case will be correct and correct. To do this, you must enter the parameters required by the program.

You can make your own calculations using this formula:

V \u003d (P x H x L) - S 1 - S 2,

where P is the perimeter of the base, H is the height of the walls, L is the thickness of the walls, S 1 is the area doorways, S 2 - area of ​​​​window openings.

Using this formula, you can calculate the required volume of blocks. By dividing this volume by the volume of one structural element, you can easily find out right amount material.

In the construction of houses made of bricks and blocks, it is simultaneously necessary to take into account the amount of both materials separately. After spending everything necessary calculations, you can easily buy blocks for building a house.

From all of the above, it follows that in order to obtain a high-quality building, it is necessary to correctly determine the required material, correctly calculate its quantity and not miscalculate the price. It should be noted that each type of block has its pros and cons. There can be no specific answer to the question of which option is better. Everything determines the specifics of construction and its purpose.

4650 05/08/2019 5 min.

Wall concrete blocks mean by themselves modern material, thanks to which it is possible to build walls with a high bearing capacity. The resulting design will have high strength characteristics and low thermal efficiency. In the modern market, such material is available in a wide range, so you should understand which blocks are ideal for building your building.

Aerated concrete

In the production of this block, components such as lime, cement, quartz, water, and additives are used to improve the quality of the final product. The result is a highly environmentally friendly product that has high level fire safety, wear resistance and does not rot.

You can learn how to use it correctly by reading this article.

Due to the porous structure ready product will breathe and have thermal insulation properties. Another advantage of aerated concrete can be considered an affordable cost.

On the video - wall blocks for external walls:

After reading the article, you can understand whether and what more they have in this building material.

But what material does not have cons? For aerated concrete, they are as follows:

1. Low compressive strength, as a result of which such material cannot be used for high-rise building. If there is too little load, then cracks will form throughout the house, and not along the seam of the masonry, but along the blocks. In this case, the house will be subject to overhaul, and wall partitions are best reinforced and reinforced with wire.
2. High water absorption. Such a minus can lead to a serious problem when facing. Cracks will appear on the plaster, and it can fall off in pieces from the wall lined with aerated concrete blocks. The reason is that the blocks are completely pulled out of finishing material moisture. This applies to such types of plaster as cement-sand, gypsum. This problem can be solved if fiberglass is laid on top of the facing layer. Already then you can apply a layer of gypsum plaster.
3. Due to the weak strength, the material is not able to hold dowels and other fasteners. Here you will need construction foam or anchor fastenings. The only fastener that holds perfectly is a self-tapping screw. But due to the high absorption of moisture, they begin to rust and become unusable.
4. The presence of pores allows the gas block to breathe, then this advantage has disadvantages - in winter time the building will be blown. To avoid this, it is necessary to perform hermetic masonry, so that external and internal insulation. It is also worth taking care of the installation of the "warm floor" system.

Dimensions

The dimensions of the wall blocks are determined taking into account the data that are noted in normative documentation. Also, the size is determined by the scope and purpose of a particular type of material.

Wall blocks can be divided into two large groups:

Prices

The cost of wall blocks is determined taking into account the material used to manufacture the product:

1. expanded clay concrete - 24 rubles apiece.
2. cement blocks - 30 rubles.
3. Cinder block - 15 rubles.
4. Foam block - 3000 rubles.

Wall blocks are construction material with a lot of advantages. Thanks to such positive properties as strength, heat insulation, sound insulation, it is possible to build a building that will serve you for a long time.

Self-supporting walls rest on foundations, but the load is carried only from their own weight. Non-bearing (curtain) walls are fences that rest on each floor on other elements of the building (framework) and perceive only their own weight within one floor.

The walls of civil buildings must meet the following requirements:

Be strong and stable;

Have a durability corresponding to the class of the building;

Correspond to the degree of fire resistance of the building;

Be an energy-saving element of the building;

To have resistance to heat transfer in accordance with thermal engineering standards, while providing the necessary temperature and humidity comfort in the premises;

Possess sufficient soundproofing properties;

Have a design that meets modern methods of erecting wall structures.

The choice of the type of walls should be economically justified based on the given architectural and artistic solution and meet the requirements of the customer, while the material consumption (consumption of materials) of the walls should be as minimal as possible, since this largely helps to reduce labor costs for the construction of walls and overall construction costs.

The optimal wall thickness should not be less than the limit determined by the static and thermotechnical calculations. Since January 1997, Amendments 3 to SNiP 11-3-79 "Construction Heat Engineering" came into force: the required heat transfer resistance for residential premises has been doubled, and since 2000 it has been increased by 3.45 times. If you follow the letter of the law, then the walls of single brick must be erected with a thickness of 1.5 m, therefore it is advisable to use combined structures of external walls: the bearing part of the wall of minimum thickness plus effective insulation and decorative trim.

According to the type of material, the walls can be stone, wooden, as well as from local materials, combined (such as "sandwich"). Stone walls according to the design and construction method are divided into masonry walls, monolithic and large-panel walls.

Masonry is a construction made of separate wall stones, the seams between which are filled with masonry mortars. To create a solid monolithic system, the rows of masonry are made with a mismatch of vertical seams, that is, with their dressing. Chain (two-row) and multi-row dressing systems are common. Seam thickness brick walls should be in the range of 10..12 mm.

For laying exterior walls, both simple mortar mixtures (cement) and complex mortars (cement-lime, cement-clay) are used, which are distinguished by high plasticity, water-holding capacity and economy. The compressive strength of mortars usually does not exceed 5..10 MPa after 28 days of natural hardening.

When preparing such solutions (they are sometimes called "cold"), natural, most often quartz sand with a maximum fineness of up to 5 mm is used as a filler. If a porous aggregate is used as an aggregate (for example, expanded perlite, vermiculite), such solutions are called "warm". Having an average density, as a rule, not more than 1,200 kg / m³ and thermal conductivity up to 0.27 W / m ° C, they exclude “cold bridges” in the masonry.

IN modern construction so-called dry masonry mixes are being used more and more. They are supplied in bags, most often weighing up to 25 kg, they are closed with water at the work site and mixed with a mixer, stirrer or drill with a nozzle.

Since modern technologies make it possible to manufacture wall stones with a minimum (up to 1 mm) deviation in geometric dimensions from standard dimensions, it is possible to carry out the so-called fine-seam masonry using masonry adhesives based on finely dispersed dry mixes with a filler particle size of not more than 1..2 mm. As a result, the thickness of the masonry joint is only a few millimeters, which leads to significant savings in the masonry mortar, while the "cold bridges" in the masonry practically disappear.

What are modern low-rise stone houses built from? On the this moment time, as wall stones are used:

Ceramic brick;

silicate brick;

Small building blocks.

ceramic brick

Ceramic brick is a "classical" building material known to mankind since the third millennium BC. e. Possessing high durability, strength and frost resistance, good thermal insulation (especially for hollow bricks) and excellent appearance (for facing), ceramic brick is the most common building stone on the planet at the moment.

Throughout its existence, ceramic brick has taken on so many "appearances" and acquired so many additional properties and characteristics that simply listing them and short description I had to put it in a separate article.

silicate brick

Sand-lime brick is a relatively “young” building material compared to the rest: its prototype was created in 1880, and the technology for its mass production was developed only in the first half of the 20th century. However, at this point in time, silicate brick has already won a “place in the sun”, primarily due to the fact that with physical characteristics that are very close to the characteristics ceramic brick, it is much (in some cases - twice) cheaper. In addition, the technology for the production of silicate bricks makes it possible to obtain a greater number of color shades of the final product, and, in some cases, a more accurate (compared to ceramic) geometry of building stone.

Since many physical characteristics silicate brick and silicate blocks, as well as the method of their installation are the same, detailed information about these building materials is given in the article devoted to products from gas silicate and silicate concrete.

Small wall blocks

The blocks are load-bearing and self-supporting building material and can be used for the construction of load-bearing walls (in houses with a height of no more than three floors), as well as internal partitions.

The use of small wall blocks in the construction allows:

Increase the useful area of ​​​​the premises by reducing the thickness of the walls (the bearing capacity of masonry from most types of blocks is 20% higher than provided for by SNiP "Stone and reinforced masonry structures. Design standards" for masonry made of ceramic bricks of the same thickness);

Dramatically increase the productivity of the construction process (the speed of block installation is 4..5 times higher than the speed of brick installation for the same volume being built);

Save up to 60% solution on the construction of a structural element. In this case, the total mass of 1 m³ of masonry will decrease by 1.5 times;

Reduce the cost of general construction work, compared with the use of conventional bricks, by 30..40%.

Thus, the high productivity of construction, the absence of the need to use complex lifting mechanisms and the reduction in the building area lead to a sharp decrease in the unit cost of 1 m² of housing.

Silicate and gas silicate blocks

These types of blocks are currently the most used in civil engineering. The blocks "breathe", which contributes to the regulation of the level of humidity in the room. The material from which the blocks are made is not subject to rotting, non-combustible, while it has excellent thermal insulation properties. Buildings made of silicate and gas silicate blocks are practically eternal and do not require special care.

At the same time, such blocks have a relatively high water absorption, which implies their additional protection with plaster compositions or facing bricks. This practice is the norm when working with the vast majority of types of building blocks.

More complete information about products made of silicate concrete and gas silicate, their characteristics and features of working with them, is given in a specially written article.

Expanded clay blocks

The starting material for such blocks is expanded clay (foamed and fired clay), water and cement. The sintered shell covering the expanded clay granule gives it high strength. That is why expanded clay, which has high strength and lightness, is the main type of porous aggregate for this type of blocks.

The blocks, due to the peculiarity of the structure, have higher sound and heat insulation characteristics than ordinary concrete and have a higher chemical resistance when exposed to such aggressive environments as solutions of sulfates, caustic alkalis, carbon dioxide, etc., and the presence of coarse fractionated aggregate leads to a significant reduction in the total weight of the structures being erected.

Expanded clay concrete, in comparison with heavy concrete, has a high structural porosity, which reduces its physical and mechanical characteristics, such as strength, frost resistance, density. Products based on expanded clay concrete have sufficient fragility compared to conventional concrete, which leads to a narrowing of the range of applications for such products. In addition, claydite-concrete blocks have a relatively high surface porosity, which leads to their increased moisture absorption.

Products from such concrete are used as load-bearing structures in residential, civil and industrial construction.

Portal Best-Stroy

Construction Materials domestic manufacturers, collectively called "wall blocks", are the main combat unit of the construction industry. Basic research conducted by the best research institutes in the country is aimed at creating qualitative characteristics of wall blocks. However, this does not exclude correct use and application of the material.

Blocks for walls, what are: standards and requirements

The most popular building material, widely used in the construction of structures of any type, are wall blocks. The industry produces wall blocks from light, heavy and cellular concrete.

Wall blocks intended for the erection and construction of a private house are made by vibrocompression on special equipment. The composition of the commercial mixture for the production of blocks contains cement, binder, filler and water.

The scope of the blocks is industrial and civil construction. For low-rise construction of private houses, not exceeding a height of 14 meters, external wall blocks are the main building unit.

Main specifications wall blocks and recommendations for use are defined in the relevant regulations and rules.

According to normative document GOST 19010-82, where the production of blocks with the use of concrete is stipulated, it is recommended to use building material in heated houses. According to GOST 28984-91, the geometric dimensions of the blocks relative to the coordination dimensions "... must be a multiple of the 1 / 2M module, equal to 50 mm."

In addition, the quality characteristics of wall blocks according to GOST 13579-78 must correspond to the purpose and be used for the construction of walls or foundations. Naturally, more reliable information can be gleaned from the properties of wall blocks.

Wall block properties

The properties of blocks for walls are characterized by the following quantitative and qualitative parameters:

Product density

Strength characteristic

Thermal conductivity index

Frost resistance and water absorption.

The main characteristic of any wall block is a certain strength corresponding to the amount of compressive load that the block can withstand. In addition, the "density" parameter of the block will show the presence of voids and the material of manufacture. For a homogeneous material, expanded clay concrete, the density coefficient reaches 1500 kg/cm3, in contrast to the density coefficient of an aerated concrete block, equal to 450 kg/cm3.

A significant characteristic of building blocks is also an indicator of thermal conductivity. This indicator characterizes the potential of thermal energy emitted from 1 sq.m of the wall. For example, the thermal conductivity index for D400 gas silicate blocks is 0.10 W / (m ° C), and for expanded clay concrete blocks with a density of 500 kg / m3 - 0.17-0.23 W / (m ° C).

The frost resistance index of wall blocks means the number of freezing-freezing cycles, after which the material loses 10 percent of its original strength. This indicator depends on the region of construction and has conditional time coefficients.

And finally, the water absorption of blocks is an equally important characteristic, especially for wetlands.

Types of wall blocks

According to the manufacturing technology and the material used for this, the following types of wall blocks are distinguished:

Aerated concrete

gas silicate

Expanded clay concrete.

aerated concrete

Aerated concrete blocks ( artificial stones) are manufactured industrially from cellular concrete. As part of the material for the production of blocks, a mixture of cement-sand and additives of lime, water and aluminum powder. The difference between the blocks is a cellular structure that provides good thermal insulation, superior to concrete. The industry produces aerated concrete wall blocks of standard dimensions 600x250x300 mm, weighing about 20 kg. The block density is 500 kg/m3.

A significant volume of blocks, and low weight make it possible to increase the efficiency of construction and installation work without the use of special equipment and the involvement of small-scale mechanization. Compared with building bricks, the price of cellular blocks is low.

The operational life of houses and structures made of aerated concrete blocks is on average 25 years.

gas silicate

Aerated concrete or gas silicate blocks are made from a mixture of sifted sand, lime and cement. In the gas formation process, aluminum powder is used. Standard size one gas silicate block is 600x200x300 mm.

Depending on the operating conditions of use, the following silicate wall blocks are distinguished:

structural (weight 20-40 kg), grade D700 and above, intended for the construction of walls of load-bearing houses with high storeys

structural and heat-insulating or partition blocks (weight 17-30 kg), grades D500, D600, D700

heat-insulating (weight 14-21 kg), grade D400 and below, used in the construction of the contour of load-bearing partitions and walls.

The density of gas silicate blocks depends on the brand of material: D400, D500, D600 and corresponds to the number of cells in 1 cubic meter of material. So, for example, 1 m3 of a D500 block contains 500 kg solid, the rest is in the porous state.

By the way, this density indicator corresponds to the density of a wooden beam.

Let us add that cellular concrete fully complies with the requirements and standards for the construction of walls and partitions, providing a minimum thickness of the masonry joint.

The service life of gas silicate blocks is 25-30 years.

expanded clay concrete

But a more promising and popular material produced by modern technologies, consider expanded clay blocks.

Blocks are made of foamed expanded clay, cement and water. The standard block size is 200x200x250 mm, weighing up to 10 kg.

The density of expanded clay concrete blocks ranges from 500 - 1800 kg/m3. The strength index is characterized by cement strength grades M50 -M500.

According to TKP 45-2.04-43-2006 "Construction Heat Engineering", the thermal conductivity coefficient depends on the density of the block state (in dry or in operation state).

For example, for a block with a density of 1800 kg / m3, which is in a dry state, the thermal conductivity coefficient is 0.66 W / (m ° C), and in operation it can reach 0.92 W / (m ° C).

The industry produces solid and two-three hollow blocks.

The blocks are distinguished by improved qualities, combining strength and the ability of the material to act as a kind of humidity regulator in the house.

Expanded clay blocks are used everywhere in the construction of walls and partitions. Compared to other block materials, the weight of expanded clay blocks significantly reduces the load on the foundation. This quality is a potential opportunity for the construction of more floors.

The service life of structures made of expanded clay concrete blocks reaches 50 years.

Features of expanded clay blocks during the construction of walls are shown in the video.

Thus, when choosing wall blocks, it is recommended to pay attention to the characteristics: strength, density and thermal conductivity. The more significant the load on load-bearing walls and partitions is planned, the more solid the density indicator should be.

When erecting the foundations of houses and laying low walls, it is allowed to use foundation-type wall blocks.

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Construction is complex technological process, in which everything should be taken into account, from the layout of the future home to interior decoration rooms. It is necessary to draw up an estimate, as well as determine the materials. After pouring the foundation, there are always walls, and here the question arises, which blocks are better for building a house (price, technical indicators and dimensions).

Building walls from blocks

When choosing a material for construction, they first of all look at the technical characteristics of the raw materials, and not at the external attractiveness. Monolithic concrete elements are most often used in the construction solid buildings. Types, characteristics of building blocks depend on the auxiliary components added to the solution during manufacture.

There are various blocks for building a house. Which is better, because the price, characteristics and dimensions are different for everyone? To understand this issue, we will consider each type in detail.

At the moment, the following varieties are distinguished:

• expanded clay concrete;
• aerated concrete;
• foam concrete;
• cinder blocks.

The specific gravity of all options is less than 1800 kg / m³, which is very convenient when building walls, and the cost is quite acceptable even for budget buildings.

Expanded clay concrete

Such blocks are obtained by adding hollow balls of foamed and fired clay to concrete. They are much lighter than other options, and also have high heat and sound insulation performance. At the same time, you can safely drive nails into such a structure without fear of damaging the integrity of the blocks.

The pros and cons of ceramic blocks also require careful study. The positive aspects in the construction of houses include:

Note! When using such blocks, keep an eye on the material itself and where it was purchased. If the creation technology is violated, the density and geometric parameters become unstable.

When choosing expanded clay concrete structures, consider the negative aspects of the material:

• you can not use a lightweight foundation;
• installation of an external layer of thermal insulation is necessary to avoid the formation of cold bridges;
• if you do not perform external finishing, the service life is reduced to two years;
• can not be used for the foundation;
• Larger sizes increase shipping costs.

You can buy different sizes of blocks. There are options that correspond to ordinary brickwork (a 50x24.8x23.8 block has a mass of 25 kg, and is equal in size to 15 bricks). In width, you can find 23, 24 and 25 cm, and in length from 25 to 51, which is very convenient for building walls at home and planning material costs.

Aerated concrete

Almost 85% of the volume of an aerated concrete block consists of cells, so it is very light. The composition includes quartz sand, cement and lime, and the raw materials are diluted in ordinary water. The dimensions of the bubbles vary from 0.6 to 3 mm, they are evenly distributed.

Such material has positive aspects:

• lightness, the standard unit weighs around 30 kg;
• good thermal conductivity due to the structure, it retains heat for a long time in winter and cool in summer;
• fire resistance, such material is able to resist fire for 3 hours;
• frost resistance (can withstand up to 25 freezing cycles);
• strength (up to 5 floors);
• ease of processing;
• environmental friendliness.

Note! It is necessary to use only a special solution.

To understand which aerated concrete is best for building a house, take into account the following parameters:

• the density differs (350, 400, 450, 500, 600 and 700) and there is a D marking;
• length 60 or 62.5 cm;
• width from 7.5 to 50 cm;
• in height 20 or 25 cm;
• density from 1.0 to 7.5 MPa;
• frost resistance 15 - 50;
• there is shrinkage up to 0.5 mm/m.

At the same time, elements with a thickness of 7.5 cm are used for wall insulation, if you want to build, 2 and 2.5 cm are enough. If you plan to use such material for load-bearing walls, then buy blocks with a thickness of at least 37.5 cm.

Related article:

. In the material, we will consider what aerated concrete is, its scope, advantages and disadvantages, as well as dimensions and average cost.

Foam concrete

Blocks of foam concrete, like aerated concrete, belong to the group of gas silicate. Foam concrete is divided by strength into 4 groups:

Table 1. Marking of foam concrete

	Name	Density, kg per cubic meter m	Strength	Frost resistance
D150-400	Thermal insulation	150 to 400	Up to 400 does not vary by strength class	Not
D500-900	Structural and heat-insulating	500 to 900	From 13 kg per kV. cm up to 35	Class F (up to 75)
1000 - 1200	Structural	1000 to 1200	From 50 to 90 kg per sq. cm	Class F 15-50
1300 - 1600	Structural-drawn	From 1300 to 1600	Complies with GOST	Complies with GOST

At the same time, the dimensions of the gas block for building a house are also different depending on the marking. For example, D600 and 8000 have dimensions of 20x30x60 cm, there are D600 models corresponding to 10x30x60. The size is selected based on the purpose of construction.

Related article:

In the article, we will consider in detail the features of the building material, its advantages, scope, size and average cost.

cinder blocks

This kind of material appeared a very long time ago. Having a lot of weight, it is necessary to use special equipment in the process. Dimensions are standard 20x20x40 cm. The composition contains perlite, expanded clay, processed sawdust, gravel, crushed stone and other components, and the presence of slag is not necessary.

The advantages of this material include:

• density (from 500 to 2000 kg/m³);
• resistance to frost (withstand from 15 to 35 freezing);
• thermal conductivity (from 0.3 to 0.65 W/m*⁰С).

Only blocks manufactured at the factory that meet all quality standards have such indicators. Since such material can be made at home, you can get to completely different characteristics.

By design, they are produced monolithic or with slots through and through. At the same time, laying such elements is much more difficult than bricks, since cinder blocks have irregular shape. And also it makes no sense to cover such material with plaster during finishing.

Thus, answering the question, what are the best blocks for building a house, price and quality - cinder blocks are unlikely to be in the top positions of the ratings.

Blocks for building a house: which are better, price and characteristics

An easy way to compare materials is to create a table with technical parameters.

Table 2. Average cost of blocks for building a house

Material	A photo	Strength (kg/cm²)	Density (kg/m³)	Thermal conductivity (W/m*S)	Frost resistance in cycles	Average cost, rub.
aerated concrete		20-50	300-900	0,08-0,2	25	3800
foam concrete		15-50	300-900	0,14-0,29	30	3550
Arbolit		20-50	600-900	0,12-0,25	35	4600
Expanded clay		50-250	500-1800	0,16-0,85	35	3700
Ceramics		35-50	750-800	0,14-0,29	35	4450
cinder block		35-100	500-1000	0,25-0,50	20	2800

The choice of material will primarily be based on the purpose of use. For example, aerated concrete or foam blocks are more often used as wall blocks for exterior walls. To make it easier to understand and choose, watch the video on the topic.