Liquid houses with fixed formwork. How I built a house from fixed formwork

What is a thermodom? This building is constructed using fixed formwork made of expanded polystyrene. Building a building using this technology with your own hands is quite simple. The correct application of our advice is already 100% success in construction. You can get acquainted with all the necessary actions in construction by reading this article.

Every year there are many new technologies and developments in modern construction. The method of manufacturing fixed formwork is one of them. He gained popularity because of his merits. Inexpensive, time-saving, easy to use. This method has collected many innovations and meets all the relevant requirements. The strength of the structure and simplicity influenced the speed of construction. - this is a kind of large constructor, which is assembled into one, and reinforcement and mortar fill the void. The construction of a thermal house is impossible without the use of fixed formwork, only it is used for this type of house.

Pros and cons of fixed formwork

Each design and each material has both positive characteristics and negative sides. To know what to work with, you need to know more about them. Let's consider what these qualities are closer. For high-quality work, it is necessary to take into account all the characteristic features of fixed formwork.

Advantages of fixed formwork

  • The shortest time for the construction of walls compared to other technologies;
  • Ease of implementation, which reduces the time of the work itself;
  • The wall is very strong;
  • Affordability, which favorably affects the financial condition of the developer;
  • Convenience for independent work. Such work does not require the involvement of additional construction equipment;
  • This design will save up to 40% on heating;
  • Expanded polystyrene has great resistance to aging.

Minuses

  • Increased humidity in the built room, due to this shortcoming, frequent ventilation of the room is necessary;
  • A material such as expanded polystyrene is still under great doubt due to its safety for health;
  • At temperatures above 90 degrees, it can release harmful substances to life;

Application in construction has a number of advantages. First of all, it is the ease of installation. Elements of lock joints of the structure are very easy to assemble, without the use of any fixing solutions. The first step is the pouring of the foundation, as with any start of construction work. For the type we have chosen, a monolithic slab is most suitable. It is necessary to remove reinforcement from the foundation for further attachment to the walls.

It must be remembered that without waterproofing the foundation should not be done. It is necessary to protect the solution from the penetration of moisture from the soil. The laying of blocks begins with the alignment of all surfaces where the masonry will take place.

Blocks begin to be installed from the corners of the building, connecting them to each other with horizontally laid reinforcement bars. To pour concrete, you need to lay out 2-3 rows. Concrete must be poured to a level not exceeding 50% of the top row. Until the moment when the concrete has not yet hardened, it is compacted. Expanded polystyrene blocks are quite tightly fixed to each other, which reduces the risk of leakage of the poured solution into the structure. For further work with door and window openings, special blocks with plugs are purchased.

Installation of the first row of blocks

The formwork is removed after, after about 20-25 days. Smooth openings remain, in the future they are trimmed with other materials. After completion, the walls are finished on the outside. Most often uses siding or blockhouse.

Video of building a house from fixed formwork

About the environmental friendliness of polystyrene foam

There is a lot of controversy about the environmentally friendly properties of this material. Styrene - the substance on the basis of which polystyrene foam is made is considered a poison for the human body. The most detrimental is that when the temperature rises to +90 degrees and above, this substance begins to actively release toxins into the environment. However, according to MPC standards, it is fully suitable for the construction of individual housing.

The classic version of the form for the foundation and walls in monolithic houses is a temporary structure, which is made of wood and chipboard. Styrofoam fixed formwork is an alternative construction method that does not involve waste. This design increases the strength of the building and increases its energy efficiency, acting as thermal insulation. However, such material has some features that cannot be ignored.

Manufacturers of this material point to its many advantages over standard building formwork options. These advantages need to be known to every person who decides to use a non-removable type of polystyrene foam structure.

The advantage of a fixed formwork made of this material is, first of all, that such a structure has auxiliary functions. The main one is the organization of the form for the walls and foundation of a monolithic building. Due to its physical qualities, expanded polystyrene is a good insulation. This is a very important property, since this type of formwork is not dismantled after the concrete has hardened.

If formwork boards are used, they must be dismantled. Wood is not a thermal insulator, so Styrofoam blocks are considered a better investment. Fixed formwork made of this material allows you to build a lightweight concrete structure. Moreover, such a building retains 30-35% more heat than a building with an analogue of red brick. Thus, the use of expanded polystyrene allows you to reduce the cost of other materials from which the foundation or walls are made.

An alternative to polystyrene foam forms is plastic formwork. The price of such a design is slightly higher, but it is more reliable strength. Fixed plastic elements can be purchased at a hardware store or you can order them online.

Another advantage of such forms is that they protect reinforced concrete from moisture. In winter, this is especially important. As a result, thanks to polystyrene blocks, the service life of the foundation and walls is increased by approximately 20%. Quite often, it is this fact that pushes people to use such formwork for building a house. From expanded polystyrene, various (in shape and dimensions) elements are made.

Note! Building a building using polystyrene molds reduces financial costs by about a third.

The price of slab formwork made of expanded polystyrene, as a rule, is the determining factor in its choice. However, the most useful property of such forms is that their use allows to preserve the structure of concrete at low temperatures (but not below +5 °C). Concrete in this case hardens in the normal mode, which has a positive effect on its qualities after hardening.

In turn, pouring concrete material into a wooden form gives a completely different result. In such formwork (at low temperatures), concrete hardens faster, and its structure is broken.

Fixed formwork made of expanded polystyrene: design flaws

Such designs also have their drawbacks. Some of them are quite significant. For example, one of the most serious disadvantages is the fact that a building made using such formwork cannot be rebuilt. Therefore, it is recommended to think over its design in advance. In addition, all communications located in the structure must be laid at the construction stage.

A fixed formwork house is made subject to certain rules, which are very important to follow in order to get a reliable building that is resistant to adverse environmental factors. Blocks made of expanded polystyrene require careful installation. It is very important to maintain tightness, otherwise moisture will penetrate into the voids.

Another disadvantage of this technology for the construction of residential buildings is that polystyrene molds cannot be used at temperatures below +5 ° C. In such a situation, the concrete simply will not harden. In hot weather, concrete requires additional moisture, otherwise it will not harden properly.

It should also be noted that fixed formwork blocks made of polystyrene foam prevent normal ventilation of the concrete structure. The solution to the problem in this case is the installation of ventilation communications. This forced system will provide the necessary ventilation, while maintaining the high efficiency of a fixed structure.

Types of fixed formworkdepending on the material of manufacture

Before starting installation, it is necessary to study the various options for fixed formwork that can be purchased today on the construction market. The main feature by which these products are classified is the material of manufacture. The choice of raw materials depends on the complexity of the future construction and its individual characteristics. Consider what raw materials are most often used to make molds for concrete.

Styrofoam. Many people are interested in the question of what is expanded polystyrene. This material is the standard raw material used in the production of fixed formwork. The second name of expanded polystyrene is gas-filled polystyrene. It is characterized by a number of positive qualities that determine the popularity of the use of forms made from it.

Helpful information! Expanded polystyrene has rather high strength characteristics and provides reliable thermal insulation of concrete.

Arbolit. This material includes 2 main components: wood shavings and concrete. Separate elements of fixed formwork made of wood concrete are represented by blocks. They have empty gaps, which are reinforced and filled with mortar during installation. The advantage of this raw material is that it has high strength. The soundproofing qualities of wood concrete are also its strength. Of the minuses of this material used for the manufacture of formwork, low thermal insulation and high cost can be noted.

Fiberboard. This raw material, like the previous one, consists of 2 components. The first of these is wood chips, which provide the fibrous structure of the individual elements of such formwork. The second component is represented by an inorganic binder. The main advantage of such formwork is resistance to temperature fluctuations.

Schepotement. Such material is considered less popular than the above options for fixed formwork. The technology of installing wood chips has its own nuances. Of the advantages of this material, it is worth highlighting very good sound insulation and resistance to temperature fluctuations.

Economical option: non-removable foam formwork

Today, there is the possibility of installing fixed formwork from foam boards. This option is quite common, as it allows you to significantly save finances when building a house. Penoplex is a material used for insulation and has good strength characteristics. This allows it to be used as concrete molds.

Penoplex plates have dimensions of 60x100 cm. The dimensions of these products prevail over the parameters of standard structures made of expanded polystyrene. In order to install the formwork around the foam house, it is necessary to perform the correct calculation of the material. It is also important to understand that such products do not have their own locking elements. Thus, before purchasing the material, it is necessary to think over the system of fastening individual parts to each other.

The use of penoplex allows you to reduce financial costs to a minimum. This is especially felt when compared with the costs required to build a standard structure. Slab formwork on telescopic props, wall panels and the use of plywood will cost significantly more.

Helpful information! A common option for organizing fixing parts is the use of special jumpers, which are equipped with threads along the edges. Such elements are made of reinforcement. The main thing to remember is that the installation of such jumpers is carried out between the foam slabs.

This embodiment of the design is less expensive, but at the same time more complex due to the selection of clamps. The price of fixed formwork made of expanded polystyrene is higher, but its installation does not require any extra steps. If necessary, you can purchase clamps for foam boards, which are used when installing a polystyrene foam structure.

Fixed formwork made of foam: varieties of structural details

Formwork elements can have a different design, which is determined by their operational purpose. To date, there are such options for these products made from polystyrene foam:

  • panels;

  • blocks (cast and prefabricated);
  • frame systems.

Frame systems are double-circuit structures, between the walls of which there is an empty space. During installation, reinforcement is laid inside such a formwork and a solution is poured. If you make a cut of a finished wall made using this technology, then it will be possible to distinguish three layers: two outer ones, represented by formwork, and the middle one made of reinforced concrete.

Foam blocks are divided into two large groups: cast and prefabricated. During the assembly of the formwork, these elements are aligned in such a way that they are located on top of each other. Moreover, no adhesive mixtures (for example, glue) are used for docking. The layout of the blocks is carried out in a checkerboard pattern.

Cast products are also called thermoblocks. This is due to the fact that they have a rather high density (up to 40 kg/m³). Structural features affect the thermal insulation characteristics. A block of this type consists of 2 sheets, which are joined together by means of special jumpers. The assembly of such parts and the connection of their individual elements are carried out at the manufacturing stage. It is worth noting that such structures have one drawback: they warm up rather poorly. This is due to the location of the insulation on the inside of the wall pie.

The sizes of blocks of molded foam formwork can be different. However, products with dimensions of 1000x250x250 mm are considered the standard option. The mass of such a block is usually about 1 kg. The thickness of the insulation located on both sides (outside) is 50 mm. Accordingly, the same indicator of the concrete layer will be 150 mm.

Insulation in the forms that are used to pour concrete can be different. The future design characteristics depend on the choice of insulator material. It is important to remember that such a layer traditionally performs two main functions. The first of them is shaping, and the second is heat-insulating. Depending on the type of blocks, the cost of polystyrene foam also varies. How much do different types of forms cost? Pricing takes place taking into account the design, as well as the thickness of the insulation layer.

Note! It is not recommended to carry out concreting in more than 3 rows. The ideal option would be to lay concrete in 2.5 rows, since in this case the seam will be located in the middle of the block.

Prefabricated Styrofoam Blocks for Formwork

The formwork can be represented by prefabricated elements, which differ from the cast ones in their structure and have some application features. Such blocks consist of two sheets, which are assembled into a single structure before the start of installation work. It is important to note that such elements can be made not only from expanded polystyrene, but also from other materials. The distance between sheets 1 and 2 remains unchanged due to special components called spacers.

Building a house from a fixed formwork of this type has several features that need to be focused on. The main difference between prefabricated forms is that their use allows the use of more than 3 layers in the walls. Moreover, the combination of materials in this case does not play a role, while buildings made using cast blocks require strict adherence to the sequence of materials. Insulation in such a situation will always be located outside.

A common solution is the wall pie, which includes two cladding layers of rigid sheet material. Insulating material (polystyrene foam) is laid close to the outer sheet of this type. The second layer in this situation is reinforced concrete.

The project of the house from fixed formwork is made in advance. It contains all the necessary data indicating the design features, dimensions and individual solutions in accordance with the situation.

It should be noted that such forms have one significant advantage over cast counterparts. It lies in the fact that, if necessary, you can change the width of the internal cavity into which the reinforcement is laid and the solution is poured. The change in this indicator is made through the use of spacers. If such a need arises, you can purchase longer fixing elements.

All costs must be indicated in the formwork estimate. The device, prices, dimensions of individual elements - all this is recommended to be noted in the preliminary wiring diagram.

Design features of prefabricated forms affect the degree of heating of the wall. The absence of foam allows you to increase this figure. If necessary, collapsible structures used for the construction of buildings can be made by hand.

Installation of formwork for strip foundation: installation features

The most popular type of foundation used in the self-construction of houses and other structures is tape. Before starting the organization of such a foundation, it is necessary to carry out appropriate preparatory work. These include project development and site preparation. In addition, it is necessary to mark the place allotted for the construction of the foundation.

The formwork for a strip foundation is not particularly difficult, but there are some nuances that you need to know and follow. For example, it is recommended to fill in layers. The process itself takes place as follows: the cavity in the block is filled with a concrete solution, after which it remains only to wait for it to solidify.

Helpful information! The organization of reinforcement is not a prerequisite. It fits in the event that there is a need to increase the strength characteristics of the structure.

Reinforcement binding is performed inside block elements. It is not necessary to dismantle the expanded polystyrene, as it will act as a heat insulator. It is important to remember that before starting to pour the cement mortar, you will need to check the accuracy of the location of the blocks in the ditch.

If necessary, the fixed formwork for the expanded polystyrene foundation is strengthened with the help of additional elements. It is very important to achieve the correct geometry of the base. This technology has many advantages. When using non-removable blocks made of expanded polystyrene, the cost of organizing the foundation is reduced by at least a third.

Formwork for a monolithic foundation: self-installation steps

After organizing the foundation of the future structure, you can proceed with the installation of the formwork. This operation is conditionally divided into three stages: the installation of blocks, the knitting of reinforcement and the pouring of the solution. Each stage is carried out in accordance with building codes and regulations. During work, safety precautions must be observed. Let's consider each stage in more detail.

Installing blocks. First, the first row of the form is mounted, which will be used for pouring concrete. It should be noted that installation is carried out only on a waterproofed surface of the base. Formwork for the foundation of expanded polystyrene should be tightly fixed by means of reinforcement bars. These elements are the link between the base and the formwork itself.

Experts advise checking the accuracy of the work performed, as deviations from the original design dimensions are possible. The presence of outlets for partitions is also a very important point that you need to pay attention to. After organizing the first row, you can start laying the second. Block mounting technology involves a chess system in which each subsequent row is shifted relative to the previous one. As a result, the junction of the elements of the first row should fall in the middle of the block of the second strip.

Knitting reinforcement. The installation of a metal structure is one of the most important moments in the organization of any type of building cake. Reinforcement is used to strengthen foundations, walls, and monolithic ceilings. Formwork for the foundation, consisting of blocks that fit in rows, should be surrounded around the perimeter with bars located in a horizontal plane.

In order to simplify the installation of fittings, each block has special grooves that are located in the jumpers (internal). Horizontal bars are mounted in such a way that each subsequent element overlaps the previous one. Further, the rods are connected to each other, as well as to vertical elements using a special wire.

Note! Reinforcement allows not only to increase the strength of the structure, but also to reduce the pressure of cement on the form.

Solution pouring. Before you start pouring your own fixed formwork with your own hands, it is recommended to take care of laying communications inside the forming structure. The cement mortar used for forming the formwork must not contain foreign additives and impurities (for example, crushed stone). The operation itself is quite simple. The pouring is carried out step by step, and the height of the concrete layer should not exceed 1 m. This indicator corresponds to the dimensions of 3-4 fixed structural blocks.

The price of fixed formwork for the foundation is lower than the cost of standard analogues, which involve the use of plywood and boards. It is important to remember that the filled solution requires leveling. For these purposes, a special tool is used - a vibrator. In the absence of the necessary electrical equipment, you can use a conventional bayonet shovel.

Fixed formwork for walls: casting technology

Independent use of such a technique for casting walls requires an understanding of the technological process. Most often, this type of construction is used by non-professionals in the case of the construction of private one-story houses, as well as garage structures. The construction of formwork made of expanded polystyrene can be carried out alone. However, a few people will complete the installation of the walls much faster.

The advantage of using styrofoam molds is that they are light in weight. Thus, physical activity in this case is reduced to a minimum. Before starting construction, it is necessary to study the step-by-step algorithm of actions and the nuances that allow you to answer the question of how to make the formwork correctly.

Walls made using this method are recommended to be installed on a strip foundation. This base is best suited for construction using non-removable foam molds. It is important to remember that the use of cement mortar for pouring walls often imposes a certain limit on the number of rows of blocks. Experts advise having 4 rows of forms, and they must be securely connected to the base of the building through reinforcement.

Helpful information! It is not recommended to immediately pour all the concrete. First, you should perform a partial pour and wait some time for the solution to shrink. As a rule, this procedure takes no more than 3-4 hours. Next, the cement mortar is added.

When erecting monolithic structures for casting walls, special forms are often used - shields. They are connected using special coupling bolts and form a gap into which concrete is poured. Such products can have different dimensions. For example, their maximum height is 3.3 m, and the width indicator ranges from 0.25 to 2.4 m. After the solution hardens, this structure is dismantled. The size of the formwork shield is selected depending on the individual characteristics of the structure being erected.

It is worth noting that another feature of the fixed formwork used for pouring walls is its instability. This is due to the fact that the concrete poured into the molds has a large mass. Thus, even blocks laid in 4 rows and equipped with fittings need a daily wait. This time is enough for the solution to settle and thicken.

When installing non-removable blocks made of expanded polystyrene, special attention must be paid to their docking. Individual structural elements must be connected with great care so that the surface of the first rows is as even as possible. Otherwise, when adding the next rows, the wall may collapse due to their skew.

An alternative to expanded polystyrene is plastic. Plastic formwork for monolithic construction is used when it is required to ensure good strength and rigidity of the structure. The advantage of such products is that they are highly wear resistant.

Facing work allows not only to give the wall, cast in the formwork, a complete look, but also to enhance its protective characteristics. Finishing is carried out on almost all types of structures. After pouring the wall, as a rule, there is no need to level it. This is due to the design of the forms. Thus, the need for applying a thick layer of plaster disappears.

Saving on the finishing of walls and other surfaces is not worth it, since the total cost of work is already reduced due to the use of polystyrene foam. The price of this material is much lower than the cost of traditional formwork options.

Most often, a special mesh is enough to finish the wall, which can be made of fiberglass or metal. Such a mesh is joined to the concrete surface using an adhesive composition, after which it is sealed with plaster or putty.

It is in this way that not only standard rectangular walls are processed, but also round columns. Formwork for such structures is most often made of plastic. There are also cardboard forms.

Note! In addition to the standard methods of finishing the outer surface of concrete, there are other equally popular options. For example, tiles and artificial stone are often used as cladding.

For interior wall decoration, as a rule, plasterboard material is used. GKL installation is carried out in two ways - using profile elements or glue. This cladding method is very popular not only because of its simplicity and efficiency, but also because this material provides good sound insulation.

Racks for organizing a fixed form of floors

The traditional option for organizing floors in monolithic or any other buildings involves the use of special telescopic (sliding) racks. These products are used to fix temporary flooring, which is made from moisture-resistant formwork plywood. This method is not convenient, as it requires a lot of time and quite a lot of physical exertion.

The rack, which performs the supporting role, consists of several structural elements. The lower part of the telescopic product is equipped with a tripod, which ensures the stability of the pipe. In turn, in the upper part there is a special nozzle, which is necessary to capture and hold the construction beam - the crossbar. All slab formwork props are divided into two categories depending on the location of the thread. Some of them are equipped with an open thread, while others are closed.

The pipe, which has a smaller cross section, is distinguished by the presence of special holes along its entire length. The pitch of the holes can be different - from 11 to 17.5 cm. The outer pipe is equipped with a support nut. As a result, when it becomes necessary to fix the rack at a certain level, a special earring is threaded through the holes in the pipes. This element has a support (nut), so it is held in position.

Telescopic formwork props can vary in length. This figure ranges from 1.7 to 4.5 m. They can withstand fairly large loads (up to 4 tons). It is worth noting that such support products are made of metal, so they are coated with special anti-corrosion compounds, since steel can rust.

Fixed formwork for slabs: features and specifications

Unlike the standard method, which involves the presence of support posts, the polystyrene formwork for floors has a completely different installation technology. As a basis for such a system, special matrices are used, which are made from dense and durable polystyrene foam.

Such matrices should be laid on load-bearing walls. The advantage of this method is that these elements have a small mass, so they do not require serious physical effort to install them.

Note! Before starting work, it is necessary to calculate the formwork of the ceiling.

Docking matrices with each other is quite simple. Each product is equipped with a tongue-and-groove system for connection. Thus, any person who does not have experience in this field can perform such an installation. Thanks to the tongue-and-groove system, it becomes possible to quickly organize a continuous flooring.

Such a formwork for a monolithic floor is capable of withstanding a layer of concrete up to 15 cm thick. As a rule, this value is quite enough to organize a reliable structure. Before proceeding with pouring concrete, it is necessary to place the reinforcement between the butt zones of the floor elements. The metal frame should be assembled into a continuous beam that occupies the entire width of the gap.

Then, on top of the matrices, it is required to place a reinforcing mesh. It is made of rods, the diameter of which is from 10 to 15 mm. Reinforcement is knitted in the traditional way - by means of a special wire.

The final stage of creating volumetric formwork of floors involves pouring concrete, after which you need to wait for it to harden. Thus, the organization of floors is carried out using polystyrene foam matrices. The result of this process is a durable structure that can withstand significant loads.

After the cement mortar has hardened, the formwork made of expanded polystyrene is not dismantled. It remains in the floor cake and from that moment begins to perform a heat-insulating function. This way of organizing the structure is more technologically advanced when compared with the traditional method, which takes into account the use of removable beams for formwork.

It is important to remember that the independent use of such technology requires an understanding of its nuances. The main thing is that even before starting work, you need to know that laying floor elements requires accuracy. Any design errors or misalignment of the blocks during their installation can lead to the collapse of the structure.

Fixed formwork: pricesin today's market

The cost of blocks is an important point that you should pay attention to. The price of building blocks, from which fixed formwork is made, is influenced by two key factors:

  • density of expanded polystyrene;
  • detail dimensions.

The price of fixed formwork for the foundation of expanded polystyrene must be taken into account in the construction estimate. When choosing individual elements of the forming structure, it is recommended to pay attention to their density. This indicator affects the resistance of the structure to pressure. The higher the density of the parts, the correspondingly higher loads they can withstand.

Note! Experts advise purchasing blocks whose density ranges from 25 to 35 kg / m³.

The average cost of a block made of expanded polystyrene is approximately 160 rubles. It is worth considering that this price corresponds to products with dimensions of 1500x250x250 mm, having a density index of 30 kg / m³. Structures with a length of 1.5 m have the function of adjustment due to the installation of jumpers of different sizes (15-25 cm). Products with a length of 1 m are cheaper - from 130 rubles. for 1 piece

If you plan to use standard construction technology, then it is recommended to study the cost of various materials. The price of telescopic racks depends on the features of their design and the manufacturer's company. Currently, these supporting elements can be purchased for 500-5000 rubles. It is not recommended to buy the cheapest materials and tools, as they often have low technical characteristics.

The support elements are used to hold the wooden structure, which is made from laminated plywood for formwork. The price of 1 sheet of such material varies from 600 to 3000 rubles.

Fixed forms are a good alternative to standard designs that are assembled from wood and plywood. Such formwork allows not only pouring concrete, but also serves as a reliable heat-insulating material. It is actively used in private construction, however, it requires the study of installation instructions and compliance with safety rules.

As soon as new technologies appear, information war immediately begins, which has many rumors and speculation. In the construction industry, just as soon as a new innovative technology for building houses appeared, by means of fixed formwork, as supporters of traditional methods launched anti-agitation, and are trying by all means to discredit the main material of houses from fixed formwork - polystyrene foam.

At the same time, the material itself has high performance properties, durability, low cost and other advantages. We will try to refute all the myths and misconceptions associated with polystyrene foam and blocks made from it.

Misconception 1 - the house will "float" from any flood.

These conjectures are based only on a complete misunderstanding of the building technology associated with this material. Where do such arguments come from? Some confuse fixed formwork and sandwich panels, which are used for frame houses. Yes, polystyrene foam is used for this type of houses, but only as a heater! And during a flood, such a house floats like a matchbox along the stream.

In the case when a house of their fixed formwork is being built, monolithic concrete is used, the mass of which is 350 kg / m2. Further, this technology includes the use of reinforced stubble to connect walls and foundations to each other. The rods are immersed in the foundation in advance, and as a result a monolithic structure is formed. This provides not only flood resistance, but also seismic resistance, resistance to hurricanes and temperature extremes.

Misconception 2 - walls are easy to break

Again, this conjecture is associated with sandwich panels. The monolith layer is at least 15 cm, excluding the plaster layer. Talking about the fragility of such a thickness is very stupid. And we note that the walls are reinforced with metal rods and mesh, located every 5 cm - good impact resistance is provided. The roof, walls and foundation are a monolith, which almost impossible to break. Loads withstand colossal.

Misconception 3 - the harmfulness of the material to health

Speculation that polystyrene foam is harmful is absolutely unfounded. The Association of European Manufacturers conducted an experiment: when this material burns at a temperature of 300 degrees, toxic substances are released, but their amount is an order of magnitude lower. Than when burning wood, leather, chipboard, rubber and others. No other harmful factors were identified. The composition of expanded polystyrene includes only minerals that even mice don't eat! The material does not interact with salt, water, lime or cement.

Misconception 4 - Styrofoam burns like a matchbox

It is worth noting that flame retardant additives are included in the composition of this building material, which do not support combustion at all. Also note that the wall of expanded polystyrene is plastered with a layer whose thickness is at least 3-5 centimeters. This ensures maximum fire safety. There is no direct effect of fire on the expanded polystyrene itself, since the thickness of the reinforced formwork (monolithic concrete and metal rods) is at least 5 centimeters.

Misconception 5 - the material is not well understood

The history of expanded polystyrene has been reciting for more than 70 years. Over the past 12 years, rigorous testing of the material for combustibility, flammability, toxicity, degradation, aging and other studies has been carried out. According to tests, expanded polystyrene does not change in the temperature range from -40 to +60 degrees. In construction, expanded polystyrene has been tested over a life cycle of 60 years - without destruction.

If the time for construction work is limited, you can speed up the process by building a house from fixed formwork. The structure is assembled from factory-made polystyrene blocks, reinforced and poured with concrete. This technology allows you to save significant funds for space heating, allows you to build buildings up to 9 floors high.

Advantages of fixed formwork houses

Fixed formwork houses have many advantages over brick and block buildings:

  • Reducing the severity of the building, the wall is thinner and lighter, and heat saving is higher.
  • Increasing the usable area inside the house.
  • Reducing the cost of arranging the foundation of the house.
  • The exact geometry of all forms, the ease of connecting blocks, according to the type of constructor.
  • Conducting construction at any time of the year.
  • Ease of assembling the frame, the ability to mount a structure of any configuration.
  • The possibility of conducting communications within the walls.
  • Significant reduction in heating costs due to the use of polystyrene foam blocks.
  • Formwork blocks are not afraid of exposure to moisture and serve as protection against water for internal concrete elements.
  • Walls do not need to be leveled before finishing work.
  • Long service life.

Expanded polystyrene formwork can also be used for strip foundations.

The concrete solution is poured into the mold manually or with a low pressure hose.

disadvantages

Like any technological process, the construction of houses from fixed formwork has some disadvantages:

  • It is impossible to load load-bearing walls more than 70 kg per 1 m2.
  • The walls need finishing to protect the foam from destruction under the influence of external factors. The unprotected layer is destroyed when interacting with aggressive substances.
  • Styrofoam and expanded polystyrene are combustible materials. When heated, substances harmful to health are released. To protect the inside of the house, special fire layers are laid.
  • Such houses have poor steam conductivity, so ventilation ducts must be provided.
  • The building needs grounding.

Sometimes, after the construction of the building, the owners dismantle the foam layer located inside the room, which leads to a decrease in heat saving in the house.

Technology of monolithic construction

Blocks of fixed formwork are most often made of expanded polystyrene in the form of two plates connected by partitions. Inside there are cavities into which the concrete solution is poured.

Thanks to the technology of monolithic construction, several operations are performed simultaneously at the stage of one technological cycle. A monolithic wall insulated on both sides is being erected.

The outer layer of expanded polystyrene protects the wall from atmospheric influences. The inner layer serves as a barrier for heat exchange between the warm air in the rooms and the walls.

Types of fixed formwork for the house

There are several types of fixed formwork for the house. It is classified according to the materials used for the manufacture.

Chip-cement blocks

Invented blocks in the Netherlands. They are made from chips of coniferous wood treated with special compounds. Cement clinker, gypsum, Portland cement and other compositions are used as a binder. Block size 30 x 500 x 2000 mm.

Advantages:

  • blocks are light in weight and at the same time have high strength;
  • high rates of sound insulation and heat saving;
  • resistance to moisture and temperature changes;
  • not subject to decay;
  • let steam through, thanks to this, a healthy microclimate is formed in the house;
  • the material is easily cut and processed; when mounting the formwork, the elements are pulled together with wire.

To achieve fire safety, the material is processed with special compounds. Reinforcement of chip-cement blocks is performed in increments of 250-300 cm. Concrete is poured in one run at a distance equal to two rows. The cement mortar is compacted by baying.

Expanded clay concrete

Cement-based blocks are made, thanks to which the material passes steam and breathes. They produce masonry elements for load-bearing structures, beams of horizontal and vertical ceilings, partitions, for the installation of columns, strapping belts.

Styrofoam

Most often used for building houses. Represents hollow blocks inside with walls of different thickness. The outer side is thicker than the inner, as it provides thermal insulation.

The material has an affordable cost, it is durable to withstand the pressure of the concrete solution that will be poured into the mold.

To increase the strength of the fixed formwork, the assembly is carried out with an offset of 1/3, according to the type of brickwork.

Reinforcement is performed in increments of 1 meter, vertical rods are overlapped.

Before concrete is poured, communications are laid through holes made in the structural elements.

Expanded polystyrene does not breathe, does not let steam through. When using such formwork, the installation of ventilation ducts is required.


Fixed formwork can also be made from cheaper materials: moisture-resistant plywood, cement-bonded particle boards, profile decking or flat slate sheets. It turns out strong, withstands atmospheric influences, but does not provide high thermal insulation. You will need to insulate the house with foam plastic or mineral wool.

What you need to know when choosing formwork

In order for the form for the house to turn out to be of high quality, durable and serve for a long time, you need to choose materials from well-known manufacturers with a good reputation.

The density of expanded polystyrene should be at least 25-35 kg / m3. If the density is less, the structure may not withstand the pressure of the cement slurry. The blocks will crack and the concrete will seep out. If the gap does not occur, under the pressure of the mixture, the form may be deformed, as a result of which the walls will turn out to be curved.

With a low density of expanded polystyrene, it can crumble during the installation of the reinforcing cage.

The guarantee of quality is the presence of a hygienic certificate.

Installation of a fixed formwork house

Building a house from fixed formwork can be designed in various configurations. Due to the fact that polystyrene foam is easy to process, almost any design can be obtained.

They mark the site, pull the cord strictly according to the level, they are guided by it when assembling the structure.

On the end parts of the blocks there is a locking connection of the comb-groove type. Such a mount is able to withstand the mass of concrete mortar.

Foundation installation

The basis for the house is chosen, guided by the characteristics of the soil, the level of groundwater, climatic conditions and the design features of the house. We build a house on the basis that is most suitable for the calculated indicators.

The tape base is used most often due to its simplicity and reliability. The foundation is laid below the level of soil freezing, on average this figure is 1.5 m.

If there is a large height difference at the construction site, a columnar base is mounted.

For soil prone to movement or if future housing construction is located in seismically active areas, a slab foundation is chosen. Its device is expensive, but sometimes it is the only possible option for a reliable foundation for a home.

To save money, they build a foundation without building a basement. The savings will be 15% of the total cost, while using a prefabricated strip-type foundation. For this type of construction, it is imperative to lay a waterproofing layer.

Laying the first row

Formwork installation starts from the corner. A reinforcing cage is inserted into the blocks, the elements are fastened together with a wire tie.

It is very important to lay out the first row of formwork with high quality and level, it will depend on it how smooth and strong the walls will turn out.

Be sure to make bends for the installation of internal partitions, leave a gap for the installation of entrance doors.

At the first stage, all communications are carried out, which are mounted inside the formwork cavities. Provide openings for removal of ventilating channels.

Laying the second, third row


The second and each subsequent row is laid with an offset, like brickwork. This will ensure the rigidity and strength of the formwork. When connecting the blocks, it is important to ensure that they snap tightly together and do not deviate from the horizontal and vertical levels.

The third row is the most important, it serves as a benchmark for how evenly the blocks are set.

Filling formwork with concrete

After the installation of the third row, the formwork is poured with concrete mortar. It is necessary to prepare such a volume of concrete that it is enough to fill the entire perimeter of three rows of formwork blocks. Use cement not lower than brand M200.

Filling is carried out from the corner, gradually moving towards the center. This will help minimize the formation of air bubbles in the solution.

Fill the form with concrete in one go by hand or from a hose under low pressure. If you put the solution under high pressure, it can break the formwork.

The last row is half-filled so that when tamping, the solution does not spill out and flood the lock connection from above. The surface is not leveled to increase the degree of setting with the mortar poured into subsequent rows.

It is important to compact the solution tightly so that there are no voids inside and all air bubbles come out.

Laying the top rows

The subsequent rows are laid according to the above scheme. After every third row, concrete is poured.

In a row where there will be floor beams or logs for the floor, a recess is made. The cut element should not exceed ¼ of the formwork fragment. Then the beams are installed, and the filling is performed.

Finishing


For exterior finishing work at home from fixed formwork, you can choose almost any material: decorative plaster, natural stone, siding, etc.

Styrofoam should not be left open, as it is destroyed by exposure to sunlight and can catch fire from an accidental fire.

The walls do not require alignment, but for additional protection, plasterboard sheets can be mounted on polystyrene foam.

The walls can be covered with decorative plaster, which makes it possible to create a unique design in the room. If you invite a specialist, he can create a real masterpiece on the wall. By drawing a picture on wet or dry plaster, paintings of various subjects are created.

A cheaper option is to putty the walls, prime them and wallpaper them. You can pick up rolls for every taste: paper, vinyl, non-woven and other types. The most expensive and durable are fiberglass wallpaper for painting.

More details about fixed formwork houses can be seen in the video:

When all stages are performed in accordance with the norms of the technological process, the frame of the house can easily withstand all load-bearing loads and will last more than 100 years without loss of strength. Buildings with fixed formwork made of expanded polystyrene are also called thermal houses. The walls keep the heat in the room well, reduce the cost of heating in winter and air conditioning in summer.

Traditionally, for the manufacture of foundations and walls in monolithic concrete houses, concrete was poured into temporary formwork, which was removed after the concrete had dried. The construction technology using fixed formwork is an alternative to such construction. The formwork is made of polystyrene foam, which folds like Lego blocks. After the formwork is installed, reinforcement is installed, the formwork is leveled and concrete is poured into it. After the concrete has dried, throughout the life of the building, the expanded polystyrene works as an insulating material. It seems to be a very good technology for the rapid construction of a house. Lightweight formwork that does not need to be removed ensures virtually no waste. Buildings built using fixed formwork have increased strength and are positioned as energy efficient and environmentally friendly. But is the non-removable polystyrene foam formwork really that good?

First, about the environmental friendliness of polystyrene foam

It should be noted that expanded polystyrene with a very big stretch can be attributed to environmentally friendly materials. However, it is so often labeled. This is true, unless you consider it in terms of:

Effects on humans - styrene, from which expanded polystyrene is made, is a poison for humans, it is polymerized in expanded polystyrene, but not completely, so the poison is gradually released into the environment, and under the influence of light, oxygen, heat, etc. he starts to stand out more actively. In case of fire, it burns at a very high temperature of 1100 ° C, destroying even metal structures, and emits toxic substances. Of course, modern polystyrene foam is processed with flame retardants, so they talk about fire safety, but flame retardants are also not harmless to humans.

Environmental Impacts - At the end of its useful life, Styrofoam goes to landfill, but it will lie there for hundreds of years, poisoning the environment, because it has poor biodegradability properties.

Question: Is such an "environmentally friendly" material needed?

Alteration of the house from fixed formwork

Fixed formwork houses are difficult to reconstruct. It is necessary to carefully consider the design of the house and anticipate all possible necessary changes in the future. For example, to add a window or door, you will have to cut a monolithic concrete wall, which is not at all easy and time-consuming. It is also important to take into account all communication systems in advance: electrical wiring, plumbing pipes, ventilation, etc., since after construction it will be difficult to carry out all these communications.

Insects or water can get into the walls

Block segments must be installed very tightly, otherwise the outer insulation of the wall can become an excellent place for insects to live and groundwater can seep into it. But this is partly a solvable problem, there are blocks treated with insecticide and protected from water. However, as a rule, such blocks are more expensive than conventional ones.

Need skilled labor

This construction technology is relatively new in Russia, so it is difficult to find qualified practicing builders who have fully mastered the construction method. It also raises the cost of construction as skilled workers are in demand and cost more.

Can only be built during the warm season

At temperatures below 0°C, concrete hardening practically stops; it must be poured at temperatures above 5°C. Also, in a hot period, it may be necessary to moisten the concrete with water.

High humidity in the house after construction

Immediately after the construction of the house, problems with high humidity can arise. The increase in humidity in the house is due to the fact that the concrete is still in the process of curing. After it has completely hardened, the level of air humidity can reach a normal level. You can use a dehumidifier to dry the air.

Thermos house

Walls erected in this way do not "breathe" well, since polystyrene foam has a low vapor permeability. Therefore, it is imperative to provide a forced ventilation system in the house.

Mandatory grounding and zeroing of the house

The use of metal fittings requires a ground loop and zeroing.

The technology of building a house from fixed formwork has obvious advantages, but it also has a number of disadvantages, which are mostly associated with the use of polystyrene foam. If, when choosing a technology for building a house, take into account not only the speed of construction and cost, but also other factors, then the technology using fixed formwork will not be the best choice.

Screenshot of the video youtube.com/Foam formwork house. (Part 3)

(Viewed28 339 | Viewed today 1)

Why is modern bathroom design so unnatural?
Natural building materials
What is the best thermal insulation? Assessment from the point of view of environmental friendliness How to choose eco-friendly wallpapers. What to look for and what to avoid

What else to read