“Warm ceramics” or ceramic blocks have been mass-produced for more than 30 years and are massively “built up” in European countries, despite this being considered one of the youngest building materials of our time. In Ukraine, the first enterprises for the production of ceramic blocks appeared only at the end of the 90s of the last century.
Ceramic blocks are widely used in industrial and residential construction due to their increased ability to retain heat. “Warm ceramics” is an excellent modern option for building load-bearing walls and interior partitions. When filling the frame structures with ceramic blocks, it is possible to make the surface of the building almost unlimited.
Ceramic block – high-tech building material – artificial stone of complex shape. The basic production technology and composition are almost identical to ordinary bricks. Both products are ecological and safe – only natural materials! Significant differences are hidden in size and shape.
Due to the addition of wood shavings during the production process, which later burns out, “capillaries” appear in the ceramic block. A special extruder during the formation of the block provides a special shape: many cavities inside, separated by partitions. The high hollowness of a ceramic block reaches 50-72%, while this figure for a hollow brick is 25-42%. The average density of the “porous block” is low — from 650 to 1000 kg/m3.
A ceramic block is larger than an ordinary brick: a larger size means a higher speed of construction. According to statistics, this is 2-3 times less time + a low % of defects = a reduction in the cost of work!!!
The dimensions of different types of ceramic block are standard, they are placed in a single dimensional grid of 250 mm, which allows you to calculate any project of a brick building in a ceramic block.
With single masonry, the width of the wall = the length of the ceramic block. That is, the laying is carried out “in the brick” – the surface of the brick is made up of the ends of the ceramic blocks, not its long sides. The grooved system of joining warm ceramics is a predominant feature of the form of a classic ribbed ceramic block. The protrusions and depressions on the long side of the “porous blocks” interlock with each other during laying – the solution is only needed to fasten the horizontal seams! The “spike-groove” system not only significantly simplifies the construction of the building, but also saves on related materials. The technology of laying a smooth ceramic block is similar to ordinary brickwork.
Due to the porous structure, the ceramic block has a low weight, which reduces the load on the foundation and simplifies construction. Savings from the construction of a “light” foundation can reach 40% of construction costs.
Porous in the middle, smooth on the outside, the ceramic block allows you to save on finishing, because erected walls do not need leveling.
Buildings made of large ceramic blocks do not need insulation. The wall is made of a block with a thickness of 380 mm. = 1 m. brick wall! Low thermal conductivity allows you to save on heating in winter and cooling in summer. “Honeycombs” of the ceramic block provide not only heat preservation, but also better sound insulation.
Do not build, but safety above all else! The ceramic block is fire-resistant, the fire resistance index is up to 90 minutes.
The high strength of the ceramic block (M100, M125, M150) is suitable for the construction of high-rise buildings.
Frost, heat, ultraviolet radiation… Normative indicator of frost resistance for ordinary brick is 25-50 cycles. The ceramic block withstands decently at least 50 freeze-thaw cycles, “is not afraid” of insects and fungus! “Warm ceramics” = durability and reliability.
High energy efficiency is one of the basic requirements for today’s building materials. It is not at all surprising that the ceramic block is actively used in new buildings of premium and business classes. In recent years, both cottage towns and large private houses have been actively built from ceramic blocks. “Winter is near…” – every year, but if you choose the right building materials, you won’t have to freeze.
There are disadvantages in ceramic blocks, but consider their significance in comparison with the advantages yourself…
The weight of one large perforated block is about 25 kg, and the dimensions are 510x250x219mm. Such giants require the use of a rubber mallet when laying. But it is worth noting that there are unpretentious types of ceramic block, much smaller in size and weight.
A ceramic block is more fragile than an ordinary brick, which requires more careful packing and more careful transportation.
The water absorption rate of “warm ceramics” is 9-15%, while ordinary bricks are 8-20%. High hygroscopicity with improper storage can impair the quality of the building material, lead to the appearance of cracks and chips. However, the requirements for storing bricks and ceramic blocks do not differ significantly.
Ceramic blocks are used only with auxiliary materials that do not differ in thermal conductivity. It is also worth considering special cement mixtures and “breathing” plaster.
Relatively high cost of a ceramic block, but how to calculate? Reduction in the cost of construction due to the “light” foundation, the absence of external insulation, a high rate of heat preservation and sound insulation, etc. The money paid for a ceramic block or brick is not equal to the cost of the project, and even more so
