Reinforcement of aerated concrete walls. Reinforcement of aerated concrete with reinforcement

Possessing low resistance to bending deformations, the reinforcement perceives the tension that occurs when the building is deformed, protecting the walls from cracking and providing protection for aerated concrete blocks. It has no effect on the bearing capacity of aerated concrete masonry. With proper design and construction, crack formation can be avoided. To do this, the masonry is divided into fragments by expansion joints or reinforced. As an additional protection of aerated concrete from cracks, reinforcement of the finishing layers with fiberglass mesh can be used - this measure will prevent cracks from reaching the surface.
The aerated concrete reinforcement project is drawn up taking into account the general requirements, the characteristics of the building and the specific conditions in which it will function. So, for example, a long wall subject to constant wind loads will need additional reinforcement.
Reinforcement is laid in specially created armored belts. Inter-row reinforcement is not used during the installation of aerated concrete structures, as it violates the thickness of the seams and makes it difficult to lay subsequent rows. An exception is reinforcement with the use of small-section stainless branded reinforcement. It is necessary to reinforce the first row of aerated concrete blocks lying on the foundation, every fourth row of masonry, lintel support zones, a number of blocks under window openings, and structural elements that are under increased load.
When laying reinforcement in the area of ​​lintels and areas under window openings, reinforcement should be extended by 900 mm in each direction from the edge of the opening. In addition, a reinforced ring beam is laid under the rafter system and at the level of each floor. For laying reinforcement in the upper face of the blocks, strobes are cut using a manual or electric wall chaser. After the dust is removed from the strobe, the cavities are filled with an adhesive solution. Then the reinforcement is placed in the glue, and the excess solution is removed. To reinforce an aerated concrete wall with a thickness of 200 mm or less, one reinforcement bar with a diameter of 8 mm is sufficient. If the wall thickness exceeds 200 mm, two bars are used for reinforcement. Expansion joints do not reinforce.
designer's opinion: The distances between the temperature-shrinkage seams should be established by calculation.
6.79. The maximum distances between the temperature-shrinkage joints, which are allowed to be accepted for unreinforced external walls without calculation:
a) for elevated stone and large-block walls of heated buildings with a length of reinforced concrete and steel inclusions (lintels, beams, etc.) of no more than 3.5 m and a width of piers of at least 0.8 m - according to tab. 32; with an inclusion length of more than 3.5 m, the masonry sections at the ends of the inclusions should be checked by calculation for strength and crack opening;
b) the same, for walls made of rubble concrete - according to table. 32 as for masonry of concrete stones on mortar grade 50 with a coefficient of 0.5;
c) the same, for multilayer walls - according to table. 32 for the material of the main structural layer of walls;
d) for the walls of unheated stone buildings and structures for the conditions specified in
p. "a" - according to the table. 32 multiplied by the coefficients:
for closed buildings and structures - 0.7;
for open structures - 0.6;
e) for stone and large-block walls of underground structures and foundations of buildings located in the zone of seasonal freezing of the soil - according to table. 32, with a magnification of two times; for walls located below the border of seasonal freezing of the soil, as well as in the permafrost zone - without length limitation.
Table 32

The average outdoor temperature is the coldest
five days

Distance between expansion joints, m, when laying

From clay bricks, ceramic and natural stones, large blocks of concrete or clay bricks from sand-lime bricks, concrete stones, large blocks of silicate concrete and sand-lime bricks

On brand solutions
50 and
over 25 and
less than 50 and
over 25 and
less
Minus 40 °C and below 50 60 35 40
Minus 30 °С 70 90 50 60
Minus 20 °С and above 100 120 70 80
Notes: 1. For intermediate values ​​of design temperatures, the distances between expansion joints may be determined by interpolation.
2. The distances between the temperature-shrinkage joints of large-panel buildings made of brick panels are assigned in accordance with the instructions for designing the structure of large-panel residential buildings.

Who is right?

Many building materials are used in the construction of buildings. Blocks made of gas-filled concrete are no exception. They have improved thermal insulation properties, are widely used in the construction industry due to many advantages - lightness, workability, environmental friendliness, frost resistance. However, the material is not strong enough, it cracks under the influence of loads. Reinforcement of aerated concrete blocks allows you to strengthen the walls of a house made of aerated concrete. Reinforcement is made with masonry mesh or steel reinforcement is used.

Aerated concrete blocks: material properties

When considering the question of whether it is advisable to reinforce gas-filled concrete, it is necessary to study the properties of the material, as well as familiarize yourself with the characteristics of the composite. A detailed analysis will allow you to make the right decision. The technology by which aerated concrete is produced determines the properties of the building material. It has a cellular structure due to air pores evenly distributed in the array. This feature improves thermal insulation performance.

Houses made of aerated concrete do not need additional thermal insulation protection, and a favorable temperature is maintained indoors at minimal heating costs. This is just one of the benefits.

Aerated concrete is a popular building material, characterized by minimal cost and excellent performance.

Aerated concrete blocks have many other advantages that are appreciated by professionals and private developers:

• excellent soundproofing. Thanks to the cellular structure, noise cannot penetrate from the street into the room through the masonry;
• frost resistance. When freezing as a result of a sharp drop in temperature, followed by thawing, moisture cannot destroy aerated concrete;
• ecological frequency. As a result of the use of environmentally friendly materials, there is no negative impact on human health;
• ease of processing. Using a conventional tool, it is easy to process an aerated concrete wall, giving the desired shape;
• ease. Due to the light weight of the blocks, aerated concrete walls do not create a significant load on the foundation of the building;
• durability. The material does not rot, since there are no conditions for mold propagation in the depths of the array and outside.

The main disadvantage of the gas-filled composite is its low strength. There is a proven solution to how to strengthen problem areas. It is necessary to reinforce aerated concrete with mesh or steel reinforcement. Reinforced material is able to take significant loads, maintaining integrity during long-term operation.

Do I need to strengthen the walls of aerated concrete

There is no need to doubt whether it is worth reinforcing a cellular composite.

In order for the building to be reliable and durable, it is necessary to provide for the reinforcement of its walls.

Reinforcement of aerated concrete masonry is a mandatory measure, since negative factors reduce the strength characteristics of the material:

• the upper tier of load-bearing walls takes the load from the rafters, which are fixed with the help of special actors. At the fixation points, there are loads that violate the integrity of the array if the gas block is not reinforced;
• The roof beams, located at an angle, create serious spacer loads. They act horizontally, trying to cause the top level of the walls to move. The reinforcing cage concreted along the contour smooths out the forces;
• walls made of porous material are deformed unevenly. This is due to the presence of openings for window frames and doors. To prevent uneven settlement, reinforcement concreted in a groove along the upper contour of the opening allows.

The characteristics of the material dictate the feasibility of its additional reinforcement, which provides:

• masonry stability;
• load compensation from rafters;
• deformation prevention;
• reducing the likelihood of cracking;
• proportional distribution of efforts;
• the integrity of load-bearing walls under load;
• preservation of the geometry of openings;
• resistance of aerated concrete in seismic zones;

The need to reinforce masonry walls is due to the fact that aerated concrete as a material has a high resistance to compressive loads, but at the same time it is practically not able to work in tension and bending.

• strength of the material during deformation;
• stability of a building erected on an inclined site.

After a thorough analysis of these factors, there are no doubts whether it is necessary to strengthen the walls of the building, built of cellular concrete.

In what areas is reinforcement of aerated concrete blocks required?

Aerated concrete blocks, including many air cavities, have insufficient strength and require additional reinforcement at various levels.

The following problem areas need to be strengthened:

• the lower tier of masonry at the level of the foundation. It perceives the forces from the mass of the building and the reaction of the soil. To ensure the strength of the supporting surface, aerated concrete is reinforced with a mesh;
• aerated concrete masonry blocks. With an interval of four levels, reinforcement is installed in pre-made grooves or the blocks are reinforced with a masonry mesh, followed by cementing;
• the upper level of the main walls. It is affected by the weight of the floor panels and the mass of the truss structure. The concreted reinforcing cage does not allow cracks to develop, evens out the existing loads;
• openings for doors and windows. These areas weaken the masonry. They are reinforced with reinforcing bars laid in special grooves and filled with cement mortar.

Having figured out how to reinforce cellular blocks, you can strengthen problem areas on your own.

Reinforcement of masonry is carried out with one central belt, if the thickness of the walls does not exceed 20 cm

Reinforcement of aerated concrete masonry - we prepare tools and materials

To perform reinforcement measures, you will need the following tools:

• a saw that allows you to adjust the size of the blocks;
• a wall chaser that allows you to form grooves;
• grinder with a circle for metal for cutting reinforcement;
• special equipment that allows bending bars;
• a hook for knitting wire, accelerating the assembly of the frame;
• tape measure and building level to control the correctness of work.

It is also necessary to prepare the building materials used to perform the reinforcement:

• steel wire mesh. A masonry mesh with square cells with a side of 5–7 cm is used. It is laid on an aerated concrete surface and covered with cement mortar;
• reinforcing bars, the diameter of which is 0.8–1.4 cm. They are able to perceive significant compressive and tensile loads. The bars are placed in strobes and cemented;
• cement mortar. It is prepared according to a standard recipe using cement M350 and higher. When pouring the mixture, it is important to completely close the fittings with the solution, avoiding contact with air;
• knitting wire. Heat-treated wire is used, which after annealing becomes more pliable. It will be needed to fix the reinforcing cage elements with a crochet hook.

After preparing the materials and tools necessary for the work, work can begin.

The armored belt should occupy the entire area of ​​the building and be located in the areas of the basement and interfloor ceilings

Reinforcement of aerated concrete masonry - work technology

The lower tier perceives maximum efforts. It is important to properly strengthen it. The technology for performing the work is quite simple:

1. Form a groove with a wall chaser in the horizontal surface of the gas blocks.
2. Clean the resulting cavity from dust and debris.
3. Mark the reinforcement according to the drawing, cut the blanks with a grinder.
4. Lay the rods in the grooves, connect with each other with a knitting wire.
5. Cement the cavities with liquid cement, plan the base.

Some developers doubt which method is better to connect the reinforcement. Use electric welding or knitting wire? Professional builders recommend knitting with wire, since welding weakens the structure of the metal and, under load, the integrity of the reinforcement may be violated.

Reinforcement of aerated concrete with reinforcement - we strengthen the upper belt of the walls

The upper tier of the main walls requires special attention. It takes the load from the roof structure. When using heavy slate or clay tiles, the forces on the surface of aerated concrete increase significantly and can cause serious deformation. Strengthening the upper tier of masonry will help to avoid damage.

When inter-row reinforcement of walls, reinforcement bars are placed inside the grooves specially made on the surface of the gas blocks, so the reinforcement does not increase the thickness of the masonry joints

It will allow:

• reduce the influence of locally acting loads;
• proportionally distribute efforts around the perimeter.

In addition, after pouring the reinforcement with mortar, a flat surface is formed for the installation of the roof structure.

There are various options for reinforcing the upper level of walls:

• using collapsible or stationary formwork. For the manufacture of formwork, wood, plywood or polystyrene boards can be used;
• using ready-made U-shaped aerated concrete blocks. The use of standard products with a groove significantly reduces the duration of work.

Consider the algorithm of actions to strengthen aerated concrete using collapsible formwork:

1. Cut boards to assemble panel elements.
2. Build the formwork.
3. Prepare reinforcing bars of the required dimensions.
4. Assemble the reinforcement grid by tying the bars with wire.
5. Place the frame in the formwork and fill with concrete mortar.
6. Compact the concrete and cover its surface with plastic wrap.
7. Moisten the array regularly until the final set of hardness.
8. Remove the formwork panels after the concrete has dried.

All work is easy to do on your own, having studied the technology.

Installation of armored belt on aerated concrete wall

Learning to reinforce walls from gas-filled blocks

Reinforcement with masonry mesh is a simple operation:

1. Lay the purchased mesh on the aerated concrete surface.
2. Spread a layer of solution evenly over the grid.
3. Lay aerated concrete blocks.

By laying a metal mesh with an interval of four rows, it is possible to significantly increase the strength of aerated concrete walls. It is important to completely cover the grid with mortar in order to prevent corrosion.

Reinforcement of aerated concrete walls in the area of ​​openings

Stresses are created in the reception zone, which cause the appearance of cracks. To avoid defects, reinforce the upper section of the opening with reinforcement.

Horizontal reinforcement provides:

1. Preparation of grooves in the upper part of the opening.
2. Laying steel reinforcement in the cavity.
3. Pouring the rods with a cement mortar.

To speed up the work, it is advisable to use standard aerated concrete elements having a U-shape.

Summing up

Reinforcement of aerated concrete blocks is a necessary operation to strengthen the structure and increase the durability of the building. It is important to comply with technological requirements and use high-quality building materials. Doing the work yourself will help keep costs down.

Reinforcement of aerated concrete is a necessary construction procedure, which is due to the fact that aerated concrete material, although it is resistant to compressive loads, but with this feature, it is not able to stretch. The slightest bend leads to the appearance of cracks on the surface if the load that affects a particular installation site exceeds the strength of the block. Reinforcement of aerated concrete blocks is carried out in two different ways - by reinforcing rows of masonry with reinforcement (mesh) or by installing a monolithic belt. Two methods increase the deformation resistance of the masonry, but they do not affect the bearing capacity of the partitions.

Problem areas requiring mandatory wall reinforcement:

Developers often ask the question: is it necessary to reinforce the masonry in every 4 rows of gas blocks. This is determined based on the design features and the length of the walls of the future building, the characteristics of the soil at the building site and the type of foundation. Aerated concrete houses located in climatic, seismic and wind regions need reinforced wall reinforcement.

If the ends of individual reinforcing bars were not tied into one loop, they should be bent at an angle of 90 degrees and deepened into strobes - this will ensure reliable anchoring in the partition of the house.

Technology

First, the method of mounting a reinforced concrete structure designed to strengthen the walls of a building from various loads will be described. Such an armored belt is made of dense blocks 100 and 50 mm thick or a wooden formwork is installed. The first technology is easier and faster to implement.

Order of execution

1. A 100 mm block is mounted from the front part of the wall and placed on the adhesive solution to the main masonry.
2. On the inside, blocks with a thickness of 50 mm are laid.
3. Thermal insulation. Extruded polystyrene foam panels adjusted to the height are glued to the wall with five centimeter gas blocks.
4. Reinforcement is laid inside the formwork at a distance of 5 cm from the partitions. It is recommended to weld YTONG vertical reinforced aerated concrete lintels to the longitudinal reinforcement every 30 cm, the height of which is selected so that the upper part of the frame is located at a distance of five centimeters from the outer contour of the monolithic belt. Horizontal connecting rods are welded to the vertical lintels, on which the upper longitudinal belt of the structure must be fixed.
5. The space between the blocks should be filled with concrete mortar, the M200 or M300 brand is suitable for this.

Reinforcement with reinforcement between rows does not require special skills. To work, you will need a manual or electric wall chaser. In blocks, 2 strobes are made at a distance of 6 cm from the edge. The depth and width must correspond to the size of the reinforcement used.

After deepening, it should be cleaned of dust and filled with adhesive mortar for laying gas blocks, after which parts of the reinforcement should be laid. Remove excess glue with a spatula. In the corner zones of the partitions, L-shaped rods are used. The fittings are interconnected by welding.

When a mesh is used to reinforce aerated concrete blocks, building materials with 5x5 cm cells made of wire 3-4 mm thick should be used. At the same time, it is not necessary to do strobing; during installation work, glue is applied to the surface of the gas blocks, the approximate thickness is 2.3 mm. After that, a reinforcement mesh is laid, the edges of which should be 5 cm away from the end of the block. Next, a second layer of glue is applied.

Reinforcement of aerated concrete during masonry

When carrying out work, you should know how to properly reinforce and through how many rows to lay the bars. Reinforcement of the first row of masonry must be carried out without fail, and if necessary, every fourth (whether it is necessary - this becomes clear from the individual characteristics of the building). The process is carried out as follows:

• Strengthening of the structure is carried out with steel bars with a diameter of 8 mm grade A3. Reinforcement of partitions with a thickness of 20 cm, the laying method allows the use of one bar of reinforcement exactly in the middle of the row. In special cases, it is permissible to use reinforcement with a diameter of 6 mm.
• For thick walls, use 2 bars laid parallel to each other. To do this, with the help of a wall chaser, two parallel recesses are made. The distance from the inner and outer edges of the partition is at least 6 cm. In the corners of the building, the gates must be rounded.
• The overlap of the reinforcement is done in the middle of the wall, fixing is done with a knitting wire.

It is not necessary to lay reinforcement around the entire perimeter of each wall row. It will be enough to place the metal reinforcement in the most dangerous parts of the partition structure .

The vertical reinforcement of the walls is a connection between the foundation of the building and the interfloor or roofing monolithic armored belt located above it. This technology is different in that all loads are taken not by wall masonry, but by a reinforcing cage. The walls serve as thermal insulation.

Door and window openings

When reinforcing jumpers, U-shaped blocks are used, which also need to be reinforced by at least 90 cm on both sides of the opening. First, a wooden structure is made in the openings, on which the U-shaped block will rest. Such blocks are installed with the thickened side out. It is also recommended to insulate the grooves with a 3-5 cm styrofoam board to close the side walls of the outer surface of the blocks. After that, a reinforced structure is laid, which is poured with concrete. When the concrete has completely hardened, the structure is dismantled.

To prevent the wall laying process from slowing down, U-shaped blocks should be laid together with ordinary ones. After the strobes are filled with reinforcement and concreted. In this case, it is recommended not to forget about the heater.

Reinforcement under window openings requires laying reinforcement in the last row of blocks in front of the window being constructed. To do this, it will be necessary to mark the planned length on the masonry surface, while the reinforcement bars should be half a meter longer than the window.

Aerated concrete blocks are widely used in both private and commercial construction. Their popularity is due not only to the cheapness and lightness of the material, but also to its relative strength, ease of molding and processing, environmental friendliness and safety for human health.

However, often structures made of gas blocks turn out to be short-lived, crack and deform. The reason for such phenomena lies solely in the design error of buildings, because the reinforcement of aerated concrete walls is one of the most important stages of construction, which is often ignored. We will tell you whether it is necessary to reinforce the walls of aerated concrete, introduce you to all the nuances and subtleties of this process.

When is reinforcement necessary?

First of all, it is necessary to analyze the design documentation of the building and find the areas of load-bearing walls in which the masonry is most susceptible to deforming loads. As a rule, the following sections of the walls need to be strengthened:

• the lower tiers of masonry - the load is distributed over them, which is subsequently transferred to the foundation;
• lower floors in multi-storey buildings - perceive longitudinal loads from the upper floors;
• zones of window and door openings, arches and niches - any architectural elements located in block masonry significantly weaken the strength of the structure;
• sections between floors - they perceive strong point loads, especially in spans more than 3 meters wide;
• walls subject to external influences - in regions with strong winds, large-area walls can be “pressed” inward due to windage.

For all of these areas, it is important to develop reliable reinforcement. Internal walls are usually not reinforced, in addition, for walls three blocks thick, in a number of special cases, reinforcing structures can be dispensed with. So how to reinforce aerated concrete walls in each case?

Reinforcement of tiers with reinforced concrete belt

One of the most reliable and, concurrently, the most time-consuming ways to reinforce the lower tiers and floors is a reinforced concrete reinforcing belt for load-bearing walls made of gas silicate. The technology of its manufacture is in many ways reminiscent of pouring the foundation and includes the following steps:

1. Formwork installation. Mounting pins are fixed on the blocks of the lower tier, on which formwork boards are placed along the masonry.
2. Rebar laying. In the formwork, reinforcement bars with a thickness of at least 10 mm are fixed. In the areas of docking with each other, the bars are welded or connected with wire.
3. Pouring concrete. A pre-prepared concrete solution is laid out in the formwork and evenly distributed over the entire usable volume. Excess is removed, and the surface is carefully leveled.
4. Final work. After the concrete has hardened, the formwork is removed, all protruding excesses are removed, and, if necessary, the surface of the belt is treated.

Especially for making lintels over window and door openings, as well as as part of an armored belt, U-blocks are produced - a reinforcing cage is laid in them, after which they are poured.

In addition, industrial semi-finished products are popular - reinforced concrete blocks for reinforcing belts. Their main advantage lies in the simplicity and ease of installation, however, the cost of products and transportation costs are quite high.

Reinforcement in strobes

In most cases, in order to properly reinforce the walls of gas silicate blocks, it is enough to put long reinforcing bars into pre-prepared strobes. The process is characterized by relatively low labor intensity, provides high strength and durability of structures. Such reinforcement of aerated concrete walls involves the following sequence of actions:

1. 1. Grooving grooves in the lower tier of the block. At a distance of at least 6 cm from the edge of the blocks, a groove is made using a manual or electric tool, the width of which must correspond to the diameter of the reinforcement. The flexibility of aerated concrete ensures fast and efficient chasing.
   2. Filling grooves. At the bottom of each groove is placed a small amount of masonry mortar or a special adhesive.
   3. Rebar laying. The rods are placed in strobes on a special binder or masonry mortar, all excess is immediately removed from the surface of the blocks.
   4. Creation of the next tier. The laying of blocks on a reinforced row is possible immediately after the compositions that fix the reinforcement have solidified.

Reinforcement in strobes provides an optimal balance between easy installation and wall resistance to deforming loads.

Reinforcement in a binder solution

The simplest, but not the most reliable method of strengthening the wall is the laying of metal structures between tiers, that is, directly in the binder solution (the so-called hidden laying). Of course, it will not be possible to create a full-fledged reinforced belt along the bearing walls of gas silicate, but the hidden method is quite suitable for strengthening window and door openings. The most widespread are three types of reinforcement in a binder solution:

• laying of steel bars - placement of longitudinal bars with a thickness of about 5 mm along the entire length of the tier;
• the use of masonry mesh - a cellular structure with a rod thickness of at least 4 mm provides both longitudinal and transverse reinforcement;
• the use of perforated strips (perforated strips) - laying a wide and thin (from 1 mm) steel strip with holes for better fixation in the solution.

More effective are masonry nets and perforated strips. These materials, adjusted to the standard size of the gas block, can be found in almost any building supermarket.

The installation process includes the following steps:

1. Application of the solution to the lower tier. Aerated concrete blocks are covered with a thin uniform layer of binder solution.
2. Structural laying. A masonry mesh or perforated strip is placed on the mortar, keeping an equal distance to the outer and inner edges of the block.
3. Filling structures. The gaps in the structure of the reinforcing structure, as well as the surfaces around it, are filled with mortar. A thin layer of solution is also placed on top.
4. Creation of the next tier. The laying of new blocks is carried out immediately, before the mortar hardens.

Hidden reinforcement of a gas block wall saves a lot of time, effort and money. Therefore, every year the demand for reinforcing metal structures is growing, their model range is expanding, new, more effective ways to strengthen the masonry are emerging.

Safety

Reinforcement of walls made of aerated concrete refers to construction work with an increased level of danger. To avoid injury and other unpleasant consequences, observe the following rules:

• when cutting metal products, chasing blocks, preparing bonding solutions, be sure to use personal protective equipment (gloves, goggles, a respirator, helmet);
• exercise extreme caution when working with industrial reinforcing blocks - if they are not securely fixed, they can be dangerous during transportation and laying on the desired wall tier;
• when working with wooden formwork, electric tools, as well as synthetic adhesive solutions, follow fire safety rules;
• do not allow direct contact of binders with the skin, in case of contact with the skin, immediately rinse with water.

Reinforcement of aerated concrete masonry, like other construction work, should be carried out carefully and carefully, avoiding accidental errors and inaccuracies.

We hope that we were able to give an exhaustive answer to the question “Do I need to reinforce aerated concrete walls?”, And also describe exactly how a reinforcing belt for aerated concrete is created in each specific situation. We wish you good luck with your construction!

In a relatively short period of time, gas-liquid brick or aerated concrete has gained great popularity among builders. Low cost, low transportation costs and the absence of difficulties in the process of loading and unloading are increasingly attracting the attention of the consumer.

Professionals identify several advantages of aerated concrete:

1. The even geometry of the blocks allows them to be laid on an adhesive solution, thereby achieving heat savings of more than 30%.
2. Processing during the production process gives high strength to the buildings being erected.
3. The construction of aerated concrete walls provides excellent vapor permeability of the premises and does not require strengthening the foundation due to the light weight of the blocks.

In addition to the above advantages, aerated concrete stands out favorably among modern building materials with a rather low price per unit.

Construction of a building

The construction of walls made of aerated concrete must be accompanied by the obligatory laying of a reinforcing frame. The basis of the blocks is cement, quartz sand and gas generators mixed in a certain proportion, and lime, slag and gypsum serve as fillers. Thanks to the autoclave processing of gas silicate blocks, they are easily changed during the construction and finishing process: they are cut, sawn and drilled.

At the same time, such walls can be deformed under the influence of external factors, the movement of the soil or the base. Therefore, it is very important to reinforce the walls during the laying process. Particular attention should be paid to loaded places: openings above windows and doors, thresholds.

The aerated concrete wall tolerates compression well, but not tension. Therefore, with a length of more than 6 m, an expansion joint and a reinforcing mesh are required.

Based on the possible loads, several types and approaches are used in laying reinforcing elements:

1. The most common option for laying a reinforcing structure is its location in the most vulnerable places: openings in the walls. It is recommended to use it in all buildings built from gas silicate blocks. An exception may be buildings erected by means of a monolithic structure, where the aerated concrete wall is not under load. Such material serves only as a filler between the supports.
2. The second method of reinforcement is used when the construction is carried out from fresh products that have not yet undergone shrinkage. Its use is typical at the peak of construction work, when the batches produced are sent to construction sites. Mostly such work is carried out in places with the most significant temperature fluctuations in order to avoid excessive shrinkage when the outdoor temperature drops or the groundwater level rises in the spring.
3. The third type in the vastness of our country has not received distribution - vertical. It consists in connecting the lower concrete belt with the upper reinforcing belt. It is used in construction in seismic zones and hurricane-prone regions. It is used in the construction of buildings on sloping terrain (on hills, slopes) and in the mountains.

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Methods for laying a metal frame

To strengthen the erected structure, builders use several methods of laying the frame.

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Deepening reinforcement into the cavity of the stone

The most common type of reinforcement laying is its immersion in stone. To do this, two strobes of approximately 2.5 * 2.5 cm are made along the entire row. It should be borne in mind that it must be done no closer than 6 cm from the outer and inner edges.

The strobe can be done with: an electric wall chaser, a manual wall chaser, an angle grinder or a puncher.

The strobe can be done:

1. An electric wall chaser is a professional tool. Work proceeds quickly, without the formation of dust and debris. But the cost of such equipment is high enough to purchase it for home use.
2. Angle grinder. The workflow itself is fast, but accompanied by careful depth and distance measurements. A large amount of dust is generated from sawing gas silicate blocks.
3. Manual chisel. Slow, hard, no dust. Having made recesses of the required size, it is necessary to remove the crushed stone from them with a brush, vacuum cleaner or building hair dryer. After removing unnecessary rubbish and crumbs, be sure to moisten the grooves. This is necessary for the highest quality adhesion of the solution to the base. At the next stage, wet furrows are filled with more than half of the finished solution. It can be an ordinary masonry mortar or a special thermal insulating one. When using the latter, cold bridges are not formed between the blocks, and precious heat does not escape.

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Steel reinforcement cage laying

An alternative option for reinforcing gas silicate blocks is the laying of paired galvanized strips 8 mm * 1.5 mm in size. Their use does not require preliminary surface preparation and strobe cutting. Their laying is allowed on a small layer of mortar, followed by pressing and applying a second layer of adhesive solution.

In order to choose the right reinforcement, preliminary calculations should be made in the ratio of the cross-sectional area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe wall and the thickness of the block. But if you try to do without lengthy mathematical calculations, then you should remember the rules:

1. With a block thickness of 25 cm or more, it is necessary to use reinforcement at least 6 mm in diameter and lay it in two layers, but not closer than 6 cm from the edge of the block.
2. If the blocks are less than 20 cm, then it will be optimal to use 8 mm reinforcement and use it in one row, in the center.

Considering the above examples of laying a reinforcing frame for aerated concrete, we can conclude that only a special adhesive composition should be used in order to avoid possible cold bridges.

Its application allows:

1. Achieve better and even stacking of blocks.
2. Minimize the masonry joint - from 2 mm for the adhesive mortar.
3. The ready-made composition of the mortar significantly reduces the time spent when laying blocks and increases the amount of work performed, which reduces the time for building a building.

When performing reinforcement of gas blocks, there are such features and mandatory requirements as:

1. The allowable distance between horizontal reinforcing belts should not exceed 100 cm, therefore, when calculating the necessary material, it should be borne in mind that it is necessary to lay an armored belt every four rows at a block height of 25 cm and every third at 30 cm height.
2. Loaded areas near lintels and openings are reinforced with reinforcement up to 90 cm in both directions.
3. In the absence of a single monolithic metal frame and adjacent walls, the reinforcement should be brought onto it by bending at a right angle and by overlapping up to 50-70 cm.

The reasons affecting the bearing capacity of gas silicate blocks are neutralized by the construction of a reinforcing belt at the completion of the structure.