What can be cooked from squid: quick and tasty

Traditionally, for making 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 expanded polystyrene, which is folded like Lego blocks. After the installation of the formwork, reinforcement is installed, the formwork is leveled and concrete is poured into it. After the concrete has dried, throughout the life of the building, expanded polystyrene works as insulating material... It seems, it seems, very good technology fast construction of a house. Lightweight formwork that does not need to be removed ensures virtually no waste. Buildings constructed using fixed formwork are more robust and are positioned to be energy efficient and environmentally friendly. But is the fixed formwork made of expanded polystyrene really so good?

First, about the environmental friendliness of expanded polystyrene

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, if only you do not consider it from the point of view:

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

Environmental impacts - after the end of its life, polystyrene foam is sent to landfill, but it will lie there for hundreds of years, poisoning the environment, since it has poor biodegradability properties.

The question is: is such an “eco-friendly” material needed?

Alteration of a house from a fixed formwork

Permanent form houses are difficult to remodel. 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 easy at all and will take a lot of time. It is also important to take into account all communication systems in advance: electrical wiring, plumbing pipes, ventilation, etc., since after the completion of construction it will be difficult to carry out all these communications.

Insects or water can get into the walls

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

Skilled labor is needed

This construction technology is relatively new for Russia, therefore 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 are more expensive to work with.

Can only be built during the warm season

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

High humidity in the house after construction

Immediately after building a house, problems may arise with high humidity... The rise in humidity in the home is due to the concrete still curing. After it has completely solidified, the level of humidity in the air may return to normal levels. An air dryer can be used to dry the air.

House-thermos

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

Mandatory grounding and grounding of the house

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

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 expanded polystyrene. If, when choosing a technology for building a house, we 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/House from FOAM PLASTIC formwork. (Part 3)

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The construction of the foundation for buildings for various purposes is not complete without the use of formwork. It is a frame structure with voids between boards or slabs. Concrete is poured into the voids, and after it dries, the formwork is removed. In the future, measures are taken with the foundation for waterproofing, insulation and other protective actions. Development modern construction allows you to reduce the cost of materials, speed up the process due to new technologies. These new products include the fixed formwork made of expanded polystyrene. The assembly of the structure is carried out in a short time, and you can build it on your own.

Permanent formwork: features and benefits

Foundation construction using fixed formwork made of expanded polystyrene foam at Russian sites has been used relatively recently. European builders have been using this method for over 50 years.

Fixed formwork made of foam is a kind of constructor. In production, polystyrene is poured into molds with locks and joints, after hardening, such blocks look like a Lego constructor. On construction site the designer is assembled and cement is poured into the block.

The name "permanent formwork" means that the structural blocks remain on the foundation, that is, they become part of the foundation of the future building. Installation and erection of the structure does not require the use of special construction equipment... The formwork blocks are lightweight, and ordinary builders will be able to cope with their installation. Already at the stage of building the foundation, financial costs will be significantly reduced.

Permanent EPS foundation formwork offers many possibilities for builders and architects. With its help, you can erect not only the foundation, but also build a full-fledged building. At the same time, such houses receive many advantages over buildings erected using old technologies.

The material for the manufacture of formwork blocks is polystyrene foam or polystyrene, as well as extruded polystyrene foam.

Polystyrene foam is made by extrusion, where the foam granules melt and form a monolithic plate. The result is a solid block, capable of passing air and not absorbing moisture, besides, expanded polystyrene is resistant to bending.

Extruded polystyrene foam is made from polystyrene granules under the influence of high temperature and pressurized with a blowing agent. The most popular extruded polystyrene foam is penoplex, the formwork from which you can make your own hands.

Formwork advantages

The use of foam formwork is due to its environmental performance. The composition does not emit toxic substances, does not enter into chemical reactions with storm water reagents. Material pluses:

Disadvantages of formwork blocks

TO weak points the use of such a construction technology includes some points, for example, after the construction of the base of the house, it becomes impossible to carry out engineering networks: it is impossible to make holes for heating or drainage pipes without violating the integrity of the wall.

All difficulties are overcome at the design stage, then there are no problems with the operation of the structure:

Foundation construction stages

For arranging permanent formwork during the construction of the foundation, several stages will need to be completed:

Foundation construction using fixed formwork implies the ability to add to concrete mix coarse crushed stone. Fraction size should not exceed 8 mm.

Construction technologies are constantly being improved - quality is improving, new methods are being established, working time is shortened. In our country, foam formwork has been used relatively recently, while in European countries they have known about it for more than 50 years. Thanks to such formwork, the soundproofing properties of the building are improved, and the efficiency of the heating system is increased. In fact, this is a structure that consists of a large number of foam blocks connected by means of special jumpers. Among the main advantages of formwork are the reduction in terms and labor costs.

Styrofoam formwork

Styrofoam formwork - design diagram

This is a hollow structure where reinforcement is installed and concrete mortar is poured. The formwork is made of polystyrene foam blocks connected by jumpers. This technology, as already noted, greatly simplifies the construction process, since additional arrangement of both thermal and noise insulation is not required in this case.

The foam itself as a building material is strong enough, moisture resistant, chemically inactive and safe for health. It weighs a little, so the formwork blocks can be manipulated even without the use of special equipment. And this, in turn, significantly reduces the cost of construction.

During the production of the described products, a fire retardant is used, which increases the fire safety of the finished building at times. Such formwork (and it is also called non-removable) is characterized by simplicity of construction, and even those who do not have much experience in building houses can cope with its installation. All that is required in the work is accuracy and utmost attention.

Penoplex as foundation insulation

Permanent formwork classification

Depending on the purpose of the formwork, they are divided into two broad categories.

1. Construction- perform the function of a kind of frame in monolithic structures. The cavities in the blocks are filled with concrete during construction. As soon as the mixture hardens, the walls are sheathed with refractory material at least 3 mm thick (this can be either drywall or ordinary plaster).
2. Decorative- made of blocks with fittings and insulation material inside. They are collected directly on the walls using lintels (no sealants and solutions are used). Walls made in this way do not need cladding.

Note! Besides foam, there are a number of other materials that can be used in the construction of permanent formwork.

1. Expanded clay concrete structures are the first options for permanent formwork. Outwardly, they resemble ordinary cinder blocks. They are not very popular because they are expensive and require additional insulation.
2. Magnesite glass structures weigh a little and are used mainly for internal partitions, because their bearing capacity is low.
3. Arbolite structures are made of wood chips and cement. They have excellent thermal insulation properties, but are quite expensive.

Note! In the light of all that has been said above, it becomes obvious that foam formwork is the best option, because other materials have many drawbacks. By the way, about the advantages and disadvantages.

Advantages of expanded polystyrene formwork

As we just found out, it is better to use foam for formwork. After all, this is an environmentally friendly material, in the manufacture of which no toxic substances are used. Other advantages of this material include:

1. ease of installation, which saves a lot of time and money;
2. long service life;
3. the ability to dig a not too deep trench during installation;
4. profitability;
5. drainage is sufficient for waterproofing the base;
6. foam boards do not attract rodents as much as other materials, and, moreover, do not rot;
7. high thermal insulation performance, which allows you to significantly save on insulation;
8. mounting channels in blocks designed for laying all kinds of communications.

There are, of course, weaknesses in the designs, even if they are few. These include:

1. impossibility of construction in the winter;
2. compulsory grounding of a house under construction;
3. the humidity in such walls will be very high, and therefore it will be necessary to equip forced ventilation.

Insulating the foundation with expanded polystyrene is not easier!

How to calculate the construction cost?

To get a closer look at the savings achieved by using foam formwork, we will calculate the approximate cost of building walls. Calculations are carried out on the basis of the current cost of the material (more on this at the end of the article) and the dimensions of the building under construction itself. Approximate calculation necessary materials will look like this:

1. concrete- about 125 liters per 1 sq. M. (the price depends on the cost of the materials required);
2. foam formwork- 3.3 pieces per 1 sq. M. (about 500 rubles);
3. fittings- about 10 kilograms per 1 sq. M. (the specific cost depends on the current prices).

And if we proceed from the prices in Moscow, then the approximate calculations for the construction of one floor will look like this (the cost of the work itself is not included):

1. total area (various kinds of openings are not included) - about 180 sq. m .;
2. concrete solution for this area - about 27 cubic meters, that is, 81 thousand rubles;
3. the price of the formwork itself is about 88.2 thousand rubles;
4. fittings - 1800 kilograms or 37.8 thousand rubles.

It turns out that total cost total consumables for one floor will average 207 thousand rubles.

Dimensions of the fixed foam formwork

How is foam formwork made?

Stage one... Let's make a reservation right away that there is nothing complicated in the manufacture of expanded polystyrene formwork, but only on condition that you strictly follow our instructions. So, first, mark the area and prepare all the materials necessary for the work. Draw up a construction plan for the future building, after which, in accordance with it, mark the site for the base.

It is important that each of the corners is perfectly aligned using the mounting level. Moreover, you need to carefully level the entire area of ​​the building site, since only under such circumstances will you be able to apply the required markings with a minimum error.

Stage two... Next, equip a trench for the future foundation. This trench should be 0.5 meters deep and only 0.4 meters wide. When working, pay special attention to the horizontalness of the bottom of the pit. The fact is that the formwork will be non-removable, therefore, it will no longer be possible to level the surface for the walls.

Stage three... Then proceed with the drainage pad. Such a pillow should only be laid on a leveled surface (mounting level will help you!). Use a sand-gravel mixture as a pillow - pour it on the bottom of the trench with a 15 cm layer and level it. So the future load from the building will be distributed as evenly as possible.

The pillow will have another function - a thermal insulator and drainage system... Insert reinforcing rods into the pillow - in the future they will take part in the connection of the formwork blocks.

Stage four... Pour a thin layer of concrete mortar on top of the pillow - it will serve as a kind of "sole" for the base. Thanks to such a "sole", the surface will be as flat as possible, which is very important when erecting formwork with your own hands.

Stage five... After the concrete solution has set, put the foam blocks on the reinforcing rods installed in the previous steps. Install jumpers between the blocks, with the help of which they will be connected to each other. It is characteristic that the blocks must be connected according to the principle of a groove and a ridge, which will minimize the number of additional assembly joints. For corners, use special corner joints - this way you protect yourself from laborious fastening of elements in the corners.

Note! In some cases, additional fittings are installed in special grooves (the mentioned grooves must be in blocks). Although much here depends on the specific project on which the object is being built.

Stage six. After installing row of blocks # 3, align them vertically. Make sure that the side surfaces are always aligned with one another.

Stage seven. As soon as all the voids inside the expanded polystyrene plates are filled, you can proceed with the actual pouring of the concrete solution. To seal it, experts recommend using special deep vibrators. When you have finished tamping down the surface, take a trowel and carefully align the top "mirror". It should be added that the foam formwork provides for the addition of coarse-grained crushed stone to the concrete (it is important that the size of its fractions exceeds 0.8 centimeters).

Note! This kind of formwork has recently become more and more popular, since it does not need to be dismantled after the solution has hardened, but on the contrary, it will also serve as an additional thermal insulation layer in the future.

Stage eight. This completes the construction of the formwork. As a result, you will get walls that in section will look like a "sandwich": two rows of foam, between which there is a super-strong concrete monolith. It is characteristic, but the inner layer will be thinner than the outer one, due to which the insulating properties of the material will be excellent.

Foam formwork price

In specialized stores, foam blocks are sold corner, end and wall. You should buy them separately. The cost itself, of course, largely depends on the thickness of the outer layer (read: insulation), although if the order is wholesale, then the price can drop significantly. Below are the average prices of the most popular manufacturers.

1. Products of the Minsk company "BelTeploDom" will cost about $ 19 per sq. M.
2. Blocks from "Auto-BAN" are cheaper - only $ 8.
3. The St. Petersburg company "Bamlex" produces elements for formwork, which are sold for an average of $ 15.
4. Finally, blocks from the Chelyabinsk Construction Technologies ... cost an average of $ 12.

It is worth noting that people often face certain difficulties when constructing foam formwork. This is often due to:

1. with non-compliance with construction technology;
2. with the questionable quality of the elements themselves.

The described auxiliary structures made of polystyrene foam are used in the construction of monolithic reinforced concrete objects and foundations. Sometimes formwork is used as a decorative material (see varieties) for various architectural objects.

In addition, foam blocks with insulation are often used in window decoration and construction interior partitions... And thanks to their excellent external data, the modules can also be used in the decoration of office premises.

Before proceeding directly to the installation work, it is necessary to calculate the approximate cost in order to know about future costs.

Pouring of concrete during the construction of foundations is carried out in a special structure - formwork. Usually it is assembled from wooden or metal panels, boards, panel and sheet materials. And it is collapsible, that is, it is assembled before the start of concrete work and dismantled when the foundation has acquired the required shape. This takes a lot of effort, money and time. Today, many builders use permanent formwork for the foundation made of expanded polystyrene.

What is a fixed formwork made of expanded polystyrene

In fact, these are hollow foam blocks of a special design, made of a denser material - expanded polystyrene. The construction of houses, or rather, foundations and walls, using this type of building elements has recently begun to be used, but the popularity of this type of formwork is expanding, because this structure has quite serious advantages over traditional types of formwork.

Formwork blocks are of several varieties, where it is necessary to highlight:

Attention! Blocks for fixed formwork made of expanded polystyrene for walls and foundations differ in their overall dimensions. The former have less.

There is another category, which is rectangular slabs with a thickness of 150-200 mm. In their design, there are fasteners that connect the slabs to each other into one common block model. The slabs are installed according to the markings on top of each other, taking into account the height of the foundation, and the elements located opposite each other are fastened with special ties: metal or plastic.

As for the advantages of non-removable polystyrene foam formwork:

• high strength with low weight of products;
• ease of installation in a short time;
• it is a kind of insulation structure that increases the thermal insulation qualities of foundations;
• expanded polystyrene, especially extruded, tolerates high humidity and temperature changes, which is reflected in an increase in the durability of the operation of foundations;
• expanded polystyrene does not rot, rodents do not eat it;
• variety of offered types of fixed formwork for both strip foundations and for columnar.

Disadvantages:

• high cost of products;
• the inability to use them repeatedly, as is done with collapsible panel structures;
• the concrete solution must be poured into the formwork evenly so as not to create stress on the joints of layers of different thickness, which can lead to a fracture;
• some types of formwork made of expanded polystyrene are formed by transverse bridges to strengthen the blocks, it is the latter that can provide elements that reduce the strength of the foundation itself, so it will have to be reinforced with a reinforcing frame made of steel reinforcement;
• formwork of this type fears sun rays, therefore, the basement part of the foundation must be veneered.

DIY installation technology

It is immediately necessary to indicate that the fixed formwork is installed on a concrete screed, which is poured along the bottom of the dug trenches. That is:

• digging trenches;
• cover their bottom with a layer of sand and gravel;
• a screed is poured from a concrete solution with a thickness of 5-10 cm;
• when the concrete dries up, it is covered with a waterproofing material, for example, coated with bituminous mastic, although this is an optional operation.

The technology for assembling slab elements is quite simple. It is easier to assemble the formwork somewhere to the side, that is, connect two slabs with ties along the lower level. And then they should be installed at their location, connecting the blocks with a special adhesive, similar to foam, which does not expand in volume after its application.

In this design, there are no corner elements or lintels, all subassemblies are formed by panels that are easily cut to the required dimensions. You can trim the polystyrene boards with an ordinary saw for wood.

1. As soon as the formwork is formed from the interconnected slabs, a reinforcing frame made of reinforcement is installed in it.
2. After that, the upper level fastening ties are mounted.
3. Next, soil is poured from the outside of the installed structure.

Video: Do-it-yourself formwork

For monolithic construction, special blocks of expanded polystyrene are also used today, which are assembled like a designer. In their design there are tongue-and-groove connecting locks, which give the joints of the two blocks strength and tightness. That is, the blocks are simply installed on top of each other without additional fasteners.

Typically, such blocks are products of rectangular cross-section with crossbars that give strength to the product. At the same time, the crossbars act as supports for laying the reinforcing frame gratings on them, which simplifies the process of installing the reinforcing frame itself. The main task of the contractor is to make holes in the corner blocks to move the concrete solution through adjacent cavities.

To fill the walls, formwork is first erected from three rows of blocks. Each subsequent row is shifted relative to the lower one so that the joints between the elements do not fall on one vertical line. The standard installation is in the form of masonry, offset by half the length of the block.

The stacked rows must be checked with a level for verticality and the required amount of vertical reinforcement is installed inside. By the way, if the verticality of the installed structure is not confirmed, wooden wedges are driven under the lower row of blocks in order to raise one of the sides of the assembled formwork.

After that, the fixed formwork is poured with mobile concrete. Then three more rows are erected, and all the processes are repeated. And so on until the walls are fully erected.

Video: Technology for installing and pouring a foundation with fixed formwork

Permanent formwork can be assembled from conventional slabs Penoplexa is a high-density insulation known today. It is durable and has the best thermal insulation characteristics, second only to polyurethane foam.

The dimensions of the foam panels are 600x1000 mm, which is superior standard sizes finished blocks. This is already saving. The only thing you need to think about is the system of fixing the plates to each other. There are a lot of options here, for example, to install through jumpers from fittings with thread along the edges. It is this part that is brought out to the outside of the plates, where it is tightened with a nut and washer.

You can purchase ready-made lintels that are used in pre-fabricated fixed foam formwork. These are most often plastic products that have holes for installing fittings. The main thing is to install them correctly between Penoplex panels.

All other actions are exactly the same as when assembling the formwork from ready-made polystyrene foam plates (the first option in this article). That is:

• reinforcing frame is installed inside;
• a number of upper fasteners are mounted;
• concrete solution is poured.

Modern monolithic building technology allows a person to acquire their own housing in record time. And in many respects the emergence of this technology was facilitated by the fixed formwork made of expanded polystyrene. At first, these formworks were removable and used as a kind of mold for pouring concrete. But today, with the development of the construction industry, it is already possible to build houses using non-removable structures.

Fixed formwork made of expanded polystyrene

In this case, dense foam blocks are used, hollow from the inside. Concrete is poured into these voids, but after it hardens, the formwork is not dismantled, but remains an element of the building, performing thermal insulation functions. As a result, the house is thermally and sound insulated, while the foam covers the walls not only from the outside, but also from the inside.

Formwork cost and average market prices

Comparative cost per m2

Let's consider it in more detail using the example of popular manufacturers. First, let's find out: what explains this cheapness? First of all, the production process is not associated with special costs, because of which the price may rise slightly only due to increased demand in a particular region of the country.

Thus, the Mosstroy company produces a wide range of expanded polystyrene blocks at the following prices:

• straight blocks - from 490 rubles;
• straight blocks 5 cm thick - about 800 rubles;
• 10 cm corner products - the same amount;
• jumpers and all sorts of plugs - somewhere around 25 rubles.

Note! These are Moscow prices. If we take, for example, Blagoveshchensk, then there such blocks will generally cost about 300-350 rubles apiece.

Fixed formwork made of expanded polystyrene is often constructed from blocks produced by the Samara company "Thermomonolit". The cost of its products starts at 780 rubles; products differ not only high quality, but also the perfect combination of foam with plastic.

The most expensive blocks are products from Technoblok, faced with artificial stone. They cost about 1800-2500 rubles per square. Be that as it may, the costs will still be less than if any other building material was used.

How to calculate the cost of construction work?

So that you clearly understand what the savings will be, we will give an approximate calculation of the cost of building a house using the described formwork. It (cost) depends not only on the price of building materials, but also on the size of the future building. Here are the building materials needed for one square meter.

Now let's find out how much it will cost to create the formwork, if you do not take into account the cost of performing the work:

• the area of ​​the walls (openings are taken away) will be 180 square meters (10x10-40);
• the price of the formwork itself is 88,200 rubles. (180x490);
• the price of filling with a solution is 81,000 rubles. (180x15 = 27x3000);
• rebar price - 37800 rubles. (180x10 = 1.8x21000).

Summing up the results. On average, the cost of materials for such a house will be 207 thousand rubles, or, in other words, 1150 rubles per square.

Insulation of the foundation with penoplex

Earlier, we talked about how to properly insulate the foundation using penoplex, talked about the cost of materials and work, we advise you to read this information

The innovative method of monolithic construction of buildings has become an excellent opportunity for those who dream of acquiring their own home. Indeed, until recently, even low-rise buildings that did not differ in special dimensions, needed large time and financial costs. Today, cottages are being built literally within a few days, and the problem of material investments is no longer so painful for the developer.

But this is not all the strengths of the expanded polystyrene formwork. The list of their characteristics is quite large, because in technical and physical terms, this material is located on high level... Among these characteristics, it is worth highlighting:

• thermal and noise insulation;
• ease of supplying communication networks;
• environmental safety;
• the ability to combine with any of the building materials;
• ease of installation;
• moisture resistance;
• insignificant weight;
• resistance to mold or mildew;
• incombustibility.

Varieties of permanent formwork

Before proceeding to the description of the expanded polystyrene structure, we will consider other types of this technology, since it is not the only one. Now we are talking about the fact that fixed formwork can be built not only from expanded polystyrene, but also from other materials. Therefore, in this light, the formwork can be:

• chip-cement;
• foam;
• universal block;
• fibrolite.

All the types described are popular in the construction craft, but expanded polystyrene is still considered a classic. And the reason for this is the numerous advantages of the material.

The main types of foam formwork

The construction described in this article can also be divided into several main varieties. Moreover, this tool for building houses is divided into two classifications at once:

• by design features;
• by area of ​​use.

Depending on the design features foam formwork is divided into only two categories, which are equally present in the field of monolithic construction. It:

• block structures;
• panel structures.

A distinctive feature of block formworks is that they are very similar to the above-mentioned constructor for children. In fact, it is a pair of blocks that snap into place and are connected to each other by means of special jumpers. A small gap remains between the foam sheets, into which, in fact, it is required to pour the concrete solution.

The second type of construction is more reliable, especially if it comes about the construction of houses. In this case, the foam panels are reinforced on both sides with an iron mesh, then concrete is poured - but already on top, and not inside the structure. As a result, the slabs of the material are completely covered with a cement compound. This is a very economical way of construction - concrete-covered panels no longer need further processing (which distinguishes them from the above, which must be protected from aggressive environmental influences).

Now let's look at the classification of formwork depending on the field of application. In this case, the structures can be:

• for the construction of the foundation;
• for installing ceilings;
• for the construction of walls.

Areas of use of the structure

Fixed formwork made of expanded polystyrene in the construction process is an obvious saving not only in time, but also in material costs. As a rule, savings in the construction of buildings using this technology averages 40 percent.

Note! This is largely due to the fact that the cost of expanded polystyrene as a building material is quite low. In addition, non-removable structures made of it eliminate the need for additional manipulations related to strengthening and thermal insulation of walls.

If we compare this technology with traditional brickwork then the material aspect of the issue is very important. And after analyzing the prices of building materials, it becomes obvious that building a house with fixed formwork is more economical. For example, as of last year the cost of one wall, erected using this technology, cost the developer about 1 thousand rubles per square meter. For comparison: the cost of a silicate brick wall was then somewhere around 1.8 thousand per square. Aerated concrete walls were cheaper, but foam is still the most profitable option.

Do-it-yourself installation of polystyrene fixed formwork

It will be easy enough for people who know about all the features of the material and the construction process as a whole to make the installation. Each block (including the corner block) has special grooves on the bottom, and projections on top (as in the same Lego set). It is thanks to this that the reliability and strength of the connections is ensured, and this is what allows the installation of the blocks. The process itself consists of several stages.

Stage one. Installation of foam blocks

The foundation is covered with a waterproofing coating, after which the first row of blocks is mounted. Reinforcing bars are threaded into these blocks, which will connect them.

Note! It is necessary to carefully monitor the accuracy of observing the dimensions and shape of the future structure, as well as ensuring that there are bends for internal partitions in the required places.

The next rows of blocks are slightly shifted relative to the previous ones (as is the case with bricks) in order to increase rigidity.

Stage two. Fitting installation

Along the entire perimeter of the structure, reinforcing rods (horizontally) of the required diameter in the amount of two pieces are laid in each row. For this purpose, the internal bridges of the blocks have small protrusions. The pieces of reinforcement are laid with an overlap and are screwed with wire to each other and to the vertical pins installed in the base. Thanks to the reinforcement, the structure will turn out to be more durable, and the pressure of the solution on the walls of the structure will noticeably decrease.

Stage three. Pouring solution

All engineering communications that will be introduced into the house must be laid before pouring. In addition, mounting holes should be provided for them. Otherwise, after the solution solidifies, you will face serious difficulties.

The mortar itself is prepared traditionally, although the fixed formwork made of expanded polystyrene excludes the use of coarse-grained crushed stone, since it can damage its walls. The solution is poured in layers of one meter, before the last row it is compacted, leveled and allowed to harden. Similarly, the walls are completed to the required height.

Video - Installation of expanded polystyrene formwork

Design features and benefits

In many ways, the design of such a formwork resembles a well-known children's designer, all elements of which are connected by snapping. For each element, the body is a pair of foam sheets, connected by special bridges, 5-10 centimeters thick. Moreover, the thicker the sheet, the colder it can be used in the room. The ends of the elements are protected by special plugs, also made of expanded polystyrene.

Note! Formwork of this kind is used in the construction of both private houses and buildings with four to five floors.

The main advantage of the technology is low cost and high speed of installation. The structure itself is already insulated, so in winter it will keep warm in the house, and the walls will not freeze. Moreover, the weight of the formwork is insignificant, therefore installation work can pass without the use of special equipment.

disadvantages

As it turned out, foam formwork has some disadvantages. Some say this material is flammable. Yes, this is true, but few people know that wood is more flammable. It is also known about the toxicity of burning polystyrene foam, but again, if the technology is followed during construction (that is, the sheets are covered with plaster or any other material), then the flame will hardly reach the formwork.

Note! Of course, when buying, you should definitely inquire with the seller about the availability of certificates - so you will be sure that you are purchasing products that are harmless to health.

Now let's talk about the really significant drawbacks.

• A house with such a formwork is difficult to remodel, so the design should be thought out in advance - this will help anticipate possible future changes (for example, to add a window, you will have to cut through a concrete monolith, which is very difficult). It is also worth considering in advance the location of all communications, since it will be difficult to lay them at the end of construction.
• The blocks must be laid extremely tightly, otherwise the external permanent formwork made of expanded polystyrene will become an excellent place for insects to live and underground water will penetrate there. Although this can be partially prevented by using blocks treated with a moisture repellent and insecticide. But such products are more expensive.
• Finding builders who are well versed in technology is not easy. In this regard, the cost of such work increases significantly.
• Formwork can be erected only in the warm season. If the temperature drops below zero, then the concrete will no longer harden. It must be poured at least at +5 degrees, and if the weather is hot, then the concrete must be additionally moistened with water.
• At the end construction works there may be problems with high humidity. This is because the concrete is still hardening, but when it finally hardens, the moisture level can return to normal. The air can then be dried using a conventional dehumidifier.
• Walls made using this technology will not "breathe" well, since the foam, as is known, does not allow steam to pass through well. For this reason, the house must be equipped with high-quality forced ventilation.
• Finally, the house should be grounded due to the presence of metal fittings.

As you can see, the use of fixed formwork has not only obvious advantages, but also very significant disadvantages.