Expanded clay: density, weight, properties, application

Claydite, the density of which should be known to any professional of his field and a master who wants to purchase this material for any kind of work, acts as an environmentally friendly heater. This insulation is represented by porous granules, which are obtained during the burning of clay by a special technique. The technological process of creating expanded clay is divided into several stages. Initially, the clay swells, which contributes to a sharp heat stroke. This leads to the formation of porous granules. The outer part is melted, which makes the elements as stable and durable as possible to various kinds of aggressive influences.

Main characteristics

After you learned how the production of expanded clay is made, you can proceed to study the basic characteristics of the material. Among them, it is necessary to single out frost resistance, moisture repellent characteristics, durability, an optimal ratio of cost and quality, as well as a high level of strength.

This material is also used to improve the sound and heat insulation properties of structures. Considering expanded clay, the density of which will be mentioned below, we should pay attention to the fact that it has chemical inertness. The material is not afraid of the effects of fire, nor can it become a place where putrefactive processes will occur. However, it is not necessary to believe that this building material consists of only merits.

disadvantages

Despite the fact that the cost of claydite is quite acceptable, among its features there are negative, due to which sometimes masters refuse to purchase this insulation, choosing other heaters. This is due to the fragility of the pellets, which experts and home masters should not forget when filling. Among other things, expanded clay is best used only for dry backfilling. Granules tend to absorb excessive amounts of moisture, gradually drying out.

Properties

As practice shows, the construction of burnt brick is more comfortable in comparison with concrete buildings. Clay, which undergoes appropriate processing during the manufacturing process, conducts heat and cold quite badly. Building clay has similar properties due to its porous structure. But if you are going to use this insulation as a bulk thermal insulation, then you should be aware of its thermal conductivity. For this material, it averages 0.12 W / Km. However, you should take into account that the size of the granules can be different.

But these are not all the characteristics that should be known before starting work. For example, it is important to take into account the density. When carrying out compression tests it became known that 13 percent of the volume is being destroyed. This allows additional layer compaction to be obtained.

Density and weight

Claydite, the density of which can be different, is divided into several types. If we are talking about the brand M-450 with a fraction of 10-20 millimeters, the density of the material is 440 kilograms per cubic meter. While the M-500 brand has a density of 465 kilograms per cubic meter.

But the quality of expanded clay depends also on the form of fractions. Granules should have a rounded shape, and the central part should be removed at an equal distance.

It is also important to know what the weight of expanded clay is. The ideal figure is 0.95 grams per cubic meter. While the volumetric weight will depend on several factors, we must also include the grain size here. For example, one cubic meter of material, the fraction of which is 30 millimeters, will weigh about 340 kilograms.

Scope of use

When choosing the described building material is important not only the weight of expanded clay, but also other characteristics. However, before purchasing, you must determine whether this insulation is suitable for a certain area. At first glance it may seem that the scope of application is not so extensive, but the pellets are distinguished by excellent heat-saving characteristics, which makes it possible to use this insulation in the arrangement of floors, attic spaces, and overlappings. It is worth noting that thermal insulation is not the last of useful properties.

Claydite, the density of which was mentioned above, is used as an underburden. More specifically, it can be used as a basis for the formation of a concrete screed. Among other things, granules can be used to fill the foundation in the process of construction work. Thanks to the use of expanded clay it is possible to significantly reduce the depth of foundation, sometimes the figures can be reduced by half. Thus, you can save construction materials, as well as exclude the freezing of ground near the base.

Expanded clay is often used in the construction of baths, when there is a need to warm the walls and the floor. With the help of pellets you can achieve a certain temperature, which will be maintained for a fairly long time. In the event of an accident, the owner of the house will not encounter the need to dig through all the soil.

Another advantage is that after repair keramzit can be used again, while it does not lose its characteristics. The described building material is excellent for creating garden paths or a drainage system, which certainly leads to an increase in yield. As the main requirement in this case is the use of granules of small size.

Cost of material

The cost of expanded clay is quite affordable for the average buyer. The price of the material will depend on the faction. For example, the M-650 brand, which assumes a granule size within 5 millimeters, costs 96 rubles. For one bag, while its volume will be 0.035 cubic meters. With an increase in fractionality up to 10 millimeters, the price is reduced to 85 rubles per bag, with the volume of one bag being 0.04 cubic meters.

Fractions of material

If you decide to choose for the construction of expanded clay, the fractions of this material, you should consider even before the acquisition. The size of the pellets depends on the variety of material. For example, claydite sand has dimensions of elements within 5 millimeters. As for the sand-macadam mixture, its fraction is increased to 10 millimeters. While expanded clay gravel can have a size of elements from 10 to 20 millimeters.

Consumption

The consumption of expanded clay must be calculated individually. Most often this material is used in the arrangement of screeds. In this case, for a centimeter layer it will be necessary to spend 0.01 cubic meter per square meter of area. In some stores, expanded clay is released in liters. At the same time to create a centimeter layer of expanded clay in the screed will need 10 liters per square meter.

Conclusion

Ceramsite, whose fractions are an important characteristic of this material, can be used for various kinds of work. In order to achieve the desired effect, it is necessary to correctly choose the size of the pellets and lay the material according to the technology.