The optimization of resources in a construction it becomes increasingly necessary. He time and the costs are the fundamental factors when it comes to work planning, Due to this, quite interesting alternatives have been emerging in terms of partitions, which allow multiple advantages over conventional brick walls. This is the case of the material called thermoclay, a construction element that is making its way into the market being used as internal and façade partitions. In countries such as Italy, Austria and Switzerland it has been used for more than 30 years and in Spain it began to be marketed in 1990.
What is thermoclay?
Thermoclay is a low-density ceramic block made from a clay mixture that contains lightening additives. which are gasified during the firing process, leaving a fine homogeneous porosity that is distributed throughout the ceramic mass of the block. This constitution, together with its geometric shape, which has been studied, gives this new block factory extensive improvements over traditional materials.
Advantages
It has larger dimensions in its blocks so a smaller number of blocks are needed in the construction.
Are Tongue-and-groove, that is, they have an assembly system to fit together, thus avoiding the application of mortar in the execution of the walls.
Offers a better thermal and acoustic insulating capacity because the thermal bridges caused by the union between block and block generated by the mortar are eliminated. Only two courses of mortar are applied to the top of the block, leaving a chamber in the middle that creates a vacuum and gives it a much greater insulation capacity than conventional systems, reducing the energy expenditure of air conditioning systems.
The thickness of the blocks, being greater than other materials, gives the partitioning a greater fire resistance.
It has a large number of perforations inside the piece with the purpose of creating air chambers for a better thermal envelope of the building in its passive condition and enables a easy manipulation during the process of wall assembly.
There are special pieces for complex situations such as the placement of doors and windows and wall corners, which allows optimization of construction processes by reducing execution times.
The dimensions of conventional thermoclay blocks are available in measurements of 30 cm in length, 19 cm in height and 14, 19, 24, and 29 cm in thickness.
Performance on site
It presents excellent performance because in a thermoclay wall It only takes 30 minutes for lift a square meter, while, in a traditional double-leaf one, it takes almost two hours of work.
To learn even more about these incredible materials, the energy efficiency of buildings, and become an expert in the design and construction processes, we invite you to sign up for our Master in BIM and efficient facility management.
