Basic properties and fractions of expanded clay

Expanded clay is an environmentally friendly material used for thermal insulation. It is a porous granule, which is obtained during the burning of clay. The process of creating a material involves several stages.

On the first of these, clay swells, which is achieved due to a sharp thermal shock. As a result, it is possible to obtain porous granules. The outer surface of the products is melted, so they are stable and durable, and also acquire the ability to withstand various kinds of influences. It is not accidental that the material described has gained such popularity today, because among its advantages is a high ability to retain heat.

Description

The claydite fractions may be different, this parameter depends on the technology. From the manufacturing process depends also on whether the material will meet the declared quality characteristics. Among the main features should be allocated:

• Frost resistance;
• High level of strength;
• Moisture resistance;
• durability;
• The optimal ratio of value and quality.

Claydite is also purchased for the reason that it has excellent sound and heat insulation qualities, is characterized by chemical inertness, is not afraid of fire and does not rot. Studying this material, it is important to know not only what claydite fractions exist, but also about the drawbacks, which include the propensity of granules to absorb liquid, so that they gradually dry up. The granules are fragile, this should not be forgotten by the master during the filling of the material. Among other things, expanded clay is best used as a dry backfill.

Basic properties

As you know, residential buildings of burnt brick are cozier and warmer than those built from concrete. Clay, which undergoes heat treatment, acts as a rather bad conductor of heat and cold. Building claydite has similar characteristics, this is due to the porous structure. However, many consumers are interested in the thermal conductivity of the material. This parameter is on average 0.12 W / mK. However, it is necessary to take into account also factionalism. Granules have other properties, which makes them so popular.

It should be noted strength. When compressive tests are conducted, they allow us to understand that claydite is destroyed by 13% of the total volume. This causes the possibility of creating a sealing layer of this material. If it is a case of expanded material, then it can be divided into several varieties, each of which will have a certain density.

If we are talking about the M450 brand, the fraction that varies from 10 to 20 mm, then the density in this case will be 440 kg / m ³ . If the brand M500 is before you, its density is 465 kg / m ³ . Claydite fractions are not the only parameter to be read. It is important to know also about the specific gravity, the ideal value is within the range of 0.95 g / cm ³ . While the volumetric weight will depend immediately on a number of factors, the size of the grain should be included here. Thus, with a claydite fraction of 30 mm, one cubic meter of material will weigh 340 kg.

Application of expanded clay

At first glance, it may seem that the area of use of expanded clay is not so extensive, but it is not so. Granules are able to keep heat well, so a house with such insulation will be cozy. The properties of the material make it possible to use it for thermal insulation of floors, floors and for the attic of mansards. Claydite is also used as an underlayer. Granules can be used as a basis for creating a concrete screed.

The material is also used when laying the foundation. Thanks to the use of claydite, it is possible to reduce the depth of the base of the house by 2 times, this saves the material and excludes freezing of the ground near the basement. Claydite is also used in the construction of baths, laying pipes, as well as in the improvement of garden paths. Use it also to create a drainage system, which allows you to achieve higher yields.

Fraction

The above-described material is manufactured according to state standards, which are regulated by fractions. This parameter can vary from 5 to 10; From 10 to 20 and from 20 to 40 mm. After reading the documentation, you can understand that the expanded clay filler is divided into 10 varieties, which differ in density, this parameter can vary from 250 to 800.

Main types: expanded clay gravel

Claydite, a fraction whose price will be of interest to the consumer, is presented for sale in the form of expanded clay gravel. Its cost per cubic meter is 1350 rubles. This material has the form of pellets with a porous surface, which are melted under the influence of high temperature.

These products have an oval shape, and the surface is painted in a dark-brown color. On the fracture is seen a black color. This claydite of fine fraction has dimensions ranging from 5 mm. The maximum value reaches 40 mm. Among the main features should be allocated moisture resistance, as well as the lack of substances that are contraindicated to cement, and fire resistance.

Expanded rubble

This material is obtained by the method of crushing pieces of foamed mass of expanded clay. If you make a comparison with gravel, then this material has an angular shape. The production uses the natural properties of clay, and the transition to the final state occurs under the influence of high temperature.

Expanded sand

The production of expanded clay sand is one of several ways. The first involves the use of a rotary kiln, the second involves the use of a vertical furnace, while the third involves the use of mechanical technology. To get 0.5 m ^{3 of} sand should be used up a cubic meter of finished expanded clay. The density of such sand can vary from 500 to 700 kg / m ³ .

Selection of the fraction for laying the floor

Expanded clay for floor, the fraction of which usually varies from 5 to 10 mm, is the basis of the solution, to which sand, crushed stone and water are added. Expanded clay aggregate, the fraction of which varies from 10 to 14 mm, is most often used for the preparation of concrete. If you are wondering about which clay fraction for the floor should be used, then you should pay attention also to expanded clay gravel, which is used for laying light and strong floors and can have a size of 5 to 40 mm. However, when mixing, it is necessary to use a fraction ranging from 5 to 10, or from 10 to 20, or from 20 to 40 mm. When there is a need to equip a thin screed, you should use expanded clay sand, the fraction of which does not exceed 5 mm. The claydite fractions for the screed are selected in accordance with the location in which you plan to perform the work, and also what technology will be used.

Conclusion

Today claydite-concrete in various regions of Russia acts as a basis for mass building. The most effective can be considered its use for the manufacture of blocks of brands from M300 to M500. If we talk about the ultimate strength, then these products vary in the range from 5 to 7.5 MPa.