Arbolit. History of arbolita. The field of application of the arbolite

Arbolit is a unique type of lightweight concrete that is used in low-rise construction. It consists of chips, processed food additive E520 to remove substances that prevent adhesion of cement and chips. Cement must be brand not lower than M400 ("Russian Arbolit" uses the brand only M500).

Since wood chips reinforce the block, it should not be large (no more than 45 mm), otherwise the arbolite block will lose its strength and begin to fall apart. And very small chips, too, should not be for the same reason.

Unjustly forgotten, one of the best materials

Advantages and disadvantages of arbolita

Of the merits can be noted:

• Due to its dense structure, the arbolite has high frost resistance, and without changes in its characteristics it easily withstands 35-50 freeze-thaw cycles;
• Does not burn and is not capable of supporting combustion, therefore this material is fireproof;
• Has a low thermal conductivity;
• Due to the relatively small weight is easy in processing and masonry;
• Perfectly holds fasteners without additional special devices - see the video of our test:

• Ecological, because it consists of natural components, and does not emit any harmful substances into the atmosphere;
• Very resistant to impact and bending. At impact the arbolite block thanks to the chip absorbs and does not fall apart.

The "Arbolit" team conducted a test of the arbolitic block for strength. For the purity of the experiment, another 3 materials were purchased: sand concrete, sand concrete with the addition of gravel and foam concrete.

Possessing low thermal conductivity, arbolit allows to do without insulation. This is explained by the fact that the arbolite block consists of 90% of coniferous chips, and the wood has the ability to retain heat, accordingly more heat will be saved.

The disadvantage of this material is only high water permeability. On the other hand, this is a very common explanation. Tests for water permeability are usually carried out by immersing the finished blocks in a container with water and measuring the weight of the block before and after diving. The arbolitic block, of course, will lose here - the arbolite, indeed, will absorb more moisture than other materials because of its porous structure. But in real operating conditions, this problem is eliminated by applying to the surface of the arbolite plaster, or hydrophobizator, which will repel moisture. And when building on marshy soils, reinforced waterproofing of the foundation is needed.

The history of arbolit

The first samples of this material were obtained in the US in the first half of the twentieth century - in North America, the material was called woodstone. High fuel prices and a decline in the level of income of Americans have stimulated the development of new materials with high thermal insulation, sufficient strength and low combustibility.

In the 60s Woodstone got to the USSR. Under the leadership of academician Isaak Hiskovich Nanazashvili, the first factories for the production of wall panels made of shchepobeton were built (this name was given to the arbolith in the USSR in the early years of its existence). However, a few years later this material became more well known under the name of CDC (cement-wood composition). The maximum cement strength, which was then available to Soviet builders, is the M400, and the main mineralizer was technical aluminum sulphate, which was used to remove sugars from wood chips (we recall that the removal of wood sugars is still a priority in the production of arbolite - Since wood sugars interfere with the binding of the finished mixture).

The quality of chips - was the main problem at that time in the production of arbolite. The best results were obtained on dry chips, so special canopies for drying were designed during the construction of the arbolitic plants. The dried chips had a minimum amount of sugars and acceptable moisture. Thus, after drying, it absorbed all the main components of the mineralizers, resulting in a durable, durable, warm and environmentally friendly material.

The field of application of the arbolite

Currently, arbolite is used in the construction of economic buildings, cultural and residential buildings and low-rise buildings. Due to its high strength characteristics, this material is used in seismically active places, and due to high frost resistance - in cold seated areas.

In low-rise construction, the arbolite is used not only for erecting bearing walls, but also as partitions for existing structures. Due to low thermal conductivity this material can be used as insulation of walls and floor.

When building industrial, storage and agricultural premises, for example: garages, arbours, sheds, baths and podsobok, arbolith plays an important role, since the walls of it have low thermal conductivity, high biostability and are not exposed to aggressive environment.

Bath built of arbolite, finished with block house

Also, arbolite is used in monolithic construction, but from our point of view it is far from the best solution. Why? Any lightweight concrete, unlike arbolite, will fill all the corners of the formwork. Arbolitic mixture does not flow, it is semi-dry, so without pressing it can not fill the corners of the formwork properly, and without pressure it will not gain the required strength.

Unique properties of the arbolite allowed to use it even in Antarctica. In the early 60-ies at the scientific station "Molodezhnaya" three office premises and a dining room were built, where the thickness of the walls was only 30 cm!

Which company should be trusted when buying a high-quality arbolite?

"Russian Arbolit" is a promising, young company that produces high-quality arbolite.

Why "Russian Arbolit"?

This company provides:

• Free departure of the technologist in any direction and in any locality of the Russian Federation;
• The optimal balance of price and quality;
• Strict quality standards and certification of products, and this is a guarantee of the quality of the produced arbolite.

When choosing "Russian Arbolit" you will provide yourself with a solid, warm and cozy home that will stand for decades.