Expanded clay is an environmentally friendly material used for thermal insulation. It is a porous granule, which is obtained in the process of burning clay. The process of creating material involves several stages.
On the first of them, 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 gain the ability to withstand various kinds of influences. It cannot be called a coincidence that the described material has gained such popularity today, because among its advantages is its high ability to retain heat.
Description
Expanded clay fractions may be different, this parameter depends on the technology. From the manufacturing process, it also depends on whether the material meets the declared quality characteristics. Among the main features should be highlighted:
- frost resistance;
- high level of strength;
- moisture resistance;
- durability;
- optimum ratio of cost and quality.
Expanded clay is also acquired 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. When studying this material, it is important to know not only about which expanded clay fractions exist, but also about the disadvantages, which include the tendency of granules to absorb liquid, as a result of which they gradually dry out. Granules are brittle, a master should not forget about this in the process of filling the material. Among other things, expanded clay is best used as a dry backfill.
Basic properties
As you know, residential buildings made of burnt bricks are more comfortable and warmer than those built of concrete. Clay, which is subjected to heat treatment, acts as a rather poor conductor of heat and cold. Expanded clay has similar characteristics, this is due to the porous structure. However, many consumers are interested in what is the thermal conductivity of the material. This parameter averages 0.12 W / mK. However, one must also take into account factionalism. Granules have other properties, which makes them so popular.
It should be noted strength. When compression tests are conducted, they make it clear that expanded clay is destroyed by 13% of the total. This makes it possible to create a sealing layer from this material. If we are talking about 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 of which varies from 10 to 20 mm, then the density in this case will be 440 kg / m 3 . If you see the M500 brand, then its density is 465 kg / m 3 . Expanded clay fractions are not the only parameter to be familiarized with. It is also important to know about specific gravity, as an ideal value is within 0.95 g / cm 3 . While volumetric weight will immediately depend on a number of factors, the grain size should be included here. Thus, with a claydite fraction of 30 mm, one cubic meter of material will weigh 340 kg.
The use of expanded clay
At first glance, it may seem that the scope of expanded clay is not so extensive, but this is not so. Pellets are able to retain heat well, so a house with such insulation will be cozy. The properties of the material allow it to be used for thermal insulation of floors, floors and for attic insulation. Expanded clay is also used as a base layer. Granules can be used as a base when creating a concrete screed.
The material is also used when filling the foundation. Thanks to the use of expanded clay, it is possible to reduce the depth of laying the foundation of the house by 2 times, this saves material and eliminates freezing of the earth near the foundation. Expanded clay is also used in the construction of baths, pipe laying, as well as in the improvement of garden paths. They also use it to create a drainage system, which allows for higher yields.
Fraction
The above material is manufactured according to state standards that regulate fractions. This parameter can vary from 5 to 10; from 10 to 20 and from 20 to 40 mm. After reviewing the documentation, you will be able to understand that expanded clay filler is divided into 10 grades, which differ in density, this parameter can vary from 250 to 800.
Main types: expanded clay gravel
Expanded clay, fraction, the price of which 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 that melt under the influence of high temperature.
These products have an oval shape, and the surface is painted in a dark brown color. Black is visible at the kink. This expanded clay expanded fraction has sizes ranging from 5 mm. The maximum figure reaches 40 mm. Among the main features should be highlighted moisture resistance, as well as the absence of substances contraindicated in cement, and fire resistance.
Expanded clay rubble
This material is obtained by crushing pieces of expanded mass of expanded clay. If we compare with gravel, then this material has an angular shape. In the production, the natural properties of clay are used, and the transition to the final state occurs under the influence of high temperature.
Expanded clay sand
Expanded clay production is carried out in one of several ways. The first involves the use of a rotary kiln, the second involves the use of a vertical kiln, while the third involves the use of mechanical technology. To obtain 0.5 m 3 of sand, you should use a cubic meter of finished expanded clay. The density of such sand can vary from 500 to 700 kg / m 3 .
The choice of fractions for laying floor
Expanded clay for the floor, the fraction of which usually varies from 5 to 10 mm, is the basis of the solution, to which sand, gravel and water are added. Expanded clay crushed stone, the fraction of which varies from 10 to 14 mm, is most often used for the preparation of concrete. If you were wondering which fraction of expanded clay for the floor should be used, then you should also pay attention 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 kneading, it is necessary to use a fraction in the range 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, expanded clay sand should be used, the fraction of which does not exceed 5 mm. Expanded clay fractions for screed are also selected depending on which room you plan to carry out work, as well as which technology will be used.
Conclusion
Today, in various regions of Russia, expanded clay concrete acts as the basis for mass development. The most effective can be considered its use for the manufacture of blocks of grades from M300 to M500. If we talk about the ultimate strength, then for these products this indicator varies in the range from 5 to 7.5 MPa.