Foamblocks - basic information
Foam concrete, the main component of the foam block, is one of the subspecies of concrete, which has a cellular, porous structure. In this concrete there are air bubbles distributed throughout the volume. Bubbles are formed due to mechanical( and not chemical, as in aerated concrete) mixing. The foam concrete itself is obtained as a result of mixing the concrete mixture with foam. Foam is manufactured in a special baro-installation( or steam generator).
This type of concrete has reduced moisture and thermal conductivity. In the positive properties can also be listed: environmental friendliness, fire resistance, short setting time.
Good resistance to any weather conditions allow foam blocks to be used in any climatic zones.
What other useful properties are the foam blocks? The characteristics of such a material should be considered from the physical properties.
| Type of foam concrete | Mark according to density | Compressive strength class | Brand frost resistance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thermal insulation | D400 | B0.75 | Not standardized |
| D500 | B1 | Not standardized | |
| Thermal insulating structure | D600 | B2,5 | F15 - F35 |
| D700 | B3.5 | F15 -F50 | |
| D800 | B5 | F15 - F75 | |
| D1000 | B7,5 | F15 - F50 | |
| Construction | D1100 | B10 | Not standardized |
| D1200 | B12.5 | Not standardized |
As can be seen from the table, the concrete is divided into classes of compressive strength. Each class is manufactured with the calculation for a certain load, taking into account the reliability coefficients.
The brand of foam concrete concrete type of foam blocks shows what load per square centimeter, it can withstand. The mark is designated by the letter M + "NUMBER", for example M26.Such marking means that the product is capable of carrying a load of up to 26 kilograms per 1 cm2.
The frost resistance class shows how many alternate cycles of freezing and thawing can withstand foam concrete. For example, F15 means that the product can be frozen and thawed 15 times safely.
.
Useful properties of foam blocks
Foam blocks, whose characteristics are assigned in accordance with modern GOSTs and SNiPs, should provide the following conditions:
- Reliability. Foam concrete is not subject to rotting, it has high strength. All this increases its service life in comparison with conventional concrete.
- Thermal insulation. The cost of heating the room from the foam blocks can be 30% less than in the premises of another material.
- Soundproofing. Not the strongest side of this material, due to cellular structure. But the requirements of GOST regarding sound permeability are met.
- Ecological cleanliness. The foam blocks do not emit any toxic substances. And by the coefficient of environmental friendliness they bypass the brick( the best is only the tree).
- Ease of transportation. Due to the rather small weight and volume, the foam blocks are very easy to transport.
- Resistant to fire. Foam concrete due to the porous structure has a high degree of fire resistance. Often it is used in special fireproof structures. Such concrete does not explode unlike the ordinary one and is therefore completely safe.
Also in modern construction, aerated concrete is used. The foam blocks, whose characteristics are more oriented to the availability of construction in any climatic zones, practically bypass all aerated concrete. The only advantage of the latter is great strength. In addition, the cost of producing aerated concrete is several times higher. In addition, the foam blocks have a more serious resistance to moisture, becausethe bubbles inside the block are isolated from each other.
Summing up, we can safely say: foam blocks - an excellent modern material, which can be used in any climatic conditions. High strength values can withstand heavy loads. In addition, the price of foam concrete blocks is reasonable enough.
