Choosing building material, very often the consumer comes to a dead end: which material to give preference? Cellular concrete is widely used in construction. It is obtained by adding aggregates to concrete (slag, expanded clay). These steps are taken to improve thermal insulation and soundproofing properties of the material. But derivatives received from concrete still have their own characteristics.
Structure
Cellular concrete is divided into aerated concrete and foam concrete. Mixing the cement solution with specially prepared foam, they get foam concrete. The result is a porous material that received its special structure, thanks to foamy bubbles. The structure of this material is closed, the formed air bubbles are separated from each other. Penoboton density is the same as that of aerated concrete.
But a special nuance in the receipt of foam concrete is the frequent use of materials for foaming, which are waste (co -aircraft, an underlying or sulfite aldhole). Unstable technical characteristics of the resulting product affect its use, operation.
If chemical reagents that cause enhanced gas formation in the process of production of the material, then aerated concrete is obtained to the cement solution. The structure of the material is such that air bubbles are reported to each other, so aerated concrete is drowning in water. But for the construction process, this is not a significant factor, because aerated concrete is not used for the construction of boats and ships.
Strength
Foam concrete is sometimes called non -cereal, it is a type of cellular concrete, which is subjected to natural hardening. This material is based on sand, cement and water. That is why foam blocks are obtained 28 days after production, over time the strength only increases. To take into account this feature during masonry work is simply necessary. After all, moisture loss of foam concrete can lead to cracks and even a collapse of structures. The material requires a long shrinkage, which is sometimes impossible to carry out in the process of construction.
The reverse process occurs with aerated concrete. It is autoclave cellular concrete, that is, its strength parameters are final. At the time the product is released, it has a maximum strength level. Therefore, it is believed that it is practical to use aerated concrete for construction work, you do not need to wait until the material is getting stronger and will be ready for use.
Warmth and cold resistance
Both aerated concrete and foam concrete surpass the brick by 2-3 times in thermal insulation indicators. If the brick is characterized by the heat conductivity coefficient of 0.6 VMZ.
Foam concrete has good frost -resistant indicators, as well as high thermal protection properties the same as that of aerated concrete. This is due to the lack of water absorption of foam concrete. The use of foam concrete in those places where the humidity level is quite high is considered ideal. Condensate can form at the joints of heat and cold, so foam concrete can be actively used in such cases.
Aerated concrete can also be used in such cases. But for this it is necessary to use special technologies or call professionals to perform work in such places.
Cost price
Here the advantage is clearly in favor of foam concrete. At least it was before. After all, foaming agents used to obtain foam concrete are much cheaper than composite aerated concrete. Therefore, by about 20%, the cost of aerated concrete is greater than foam concrete. It was previously believed that the process of production of aerated concrete is much more complicated and is implemented on expensive equipment. But today various forms of equipment for small and large business are available, allowing to align the figure between aerated concrete and foam concrete.
Application
Due to its strength, which increases over time, foam concrete is used to build structures, which are a small load on. Whereas aerated concrete is used to build supporting structures that require special strength of building material.
It should be noted high sound insulation of the premises made of aerated concrete and foam concrete. These materials protect you from external noise.
Do not forget about the refractory properties of these materials. Aerated concrete and foam concrete are non -combustible building materials. Their basis is sand and cement, so they are not terrible fire.
