Properties of silica brick
Silicate brick, along with ceramic, is widely used in construction. This is due to its excellent performance. We list them. First, has a high strength parameter , which even exceeds the performance of some lightweight concrete. The average operating period is about 50 years.
Secondly, frost resistance , which allows it to be used even with sudden temperature changes and unpredictable climatic conditions. With , the thermal conductivity of silica brick varies from 0.38 to 0.70 W / m ° C. Thirdly, is an ecological purity of .Material is being created on the oldest technology from sand and lime. Fourth, good sound insulation, which allows using it not only in homes, but also in the construction of civilian objects.
Fifthly, wide assortment and all kinds of coloring make it possible to choose any kind for the appropriate design. Such a variety of shades is achieved after the addition of the respective pigments. Brick silicate red and white is especially popular.
Sixth, unpretentiousness in the care of .This material is resistant to virtually any external factors( except moisture).Over time, it does not lose its marketable appearance and always looks great. Well, seventhly, the is economical .Such a brick is much cheaper than ceramic.
Manufacture of sand lime bricks
This brick is produced in two ways: with steam and without it. In the first variant a quartz sand and air lime form is created in the ratio 9: 1.Also, water and additives are poured there( for example, weather resistant pigments for producing colored bricks).Further all this composition is autoclaved, that is, the effect of steam at a pressure of about 8-12 atm.and a temperature of 170-200 ° C.After it should be dried in the fresh air for 12 hours.
The second method of manufacture is almost identical, only assumes absence of steam. Mix water, sand and slaked lime for a total of about 10 hours. Next, make a semi-dry pressing. Issue it in accordance with GOST 379-95, according to which the size of silicate brick is 250x20x88 mm and 250x120x65 mm.
When interested in other technical characteristics of the , there is often a question: how much does a silicate brick weigh? Its weight is on the average 3.5-3.6 kg( simple), and the thickened( one and a half) - about 4 kg. The compressive strength of both is 15-20 MPa. Frost resistance - about 35 cycles. The density is 1840-1933 kg / m3.Concerning color: can be brick white silicate, and also red, brown, orange.
Sphere of using silica brick
As already mentioned, this brick is used to erect self-supporting and bearing walls in multi-storey and single-story houses and structures. It is also used to create partitions. The house made of sand-lime bricks will be extraordinarily durable and reliable, and its walls will have adequate sound and heat insulation.
This material is also very popular for decorative finishing( fences, platforms, verandas, architectural buildings).However, do not think that it can be used in all areas. Because of low corrosion and water resistance, they do not build up the socle of buildings and foundations. This is justified by the fact that exposure to sulfur salts contained in groundwater leads to the destruction of this material.
Also they can not lay out chimneys and stoves. This is due to the fact that under the influence of temperature such a brick begins to break down: even cases where this material bursts and even exploded are known. Therefore, do not take risks and apply it as a facing stone.