Modern monolithic technology of building construction 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
| Appearance | Name | Dimensions, mm | Thermal insulation thickness, mm. | Price (per sq. M.) |
| Series 25 (one-piece) | ||||
| Main wall block | Length - 1250 Width - 250 Height - 250 | internal - 50 external - 50 | From 490 rub. | |
| Wall end block | From 500 rubles. | |||
| Length - 700/450 Width - 250 Height - 250 | From 500 rubles. | |||
| Rotary wall block | Length - 700 Width - 250 Height - 250 | From 500 rubles. | ||
| Series 30 (one-piece) | ||||
| Main wall block | Length - 1250 Width - 300 Height - 250 | internal - 50 external - 100 | From 560 rub. | |
| Wall end block | From 570 rub. | |||
| Corner wall block (left / right) | Length - 1250/500 Width - 300 | From 570 rub. | ||
Comparative cost per m2
Let's consider it in more detail using the example of popular manufacturers. To begin with, 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 can 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 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 from 780 rubles; products are distinguished not only by high quality, but also by the ideal combination of foam and plastic.
The most expensive blocks are products from Technoblok, faced with artificial stone. They cost about 1800-2500 rubles per square meter. 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 \u200b\u200bthe 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 \u003d 27x3000);
- rebar price - 37800 rubles. (180x10 \u003d 1.8x21000).
Let's summarize. 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 technique 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 polystyrene foam formwork. The list of their characteristics is quite large, because in technical and physical terms, this material is at a 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 polystyrene foam is still considered a classic. And this is due to the numerous advantages of the material.
The main types of foam formwork
The design described in this article can also be divided into several main varieties. Moreover, this tool for the construction of houses is divided into two classifications at once:
- by design features;
- by scope 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 connect to each other using 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 when it comes to building 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 application. In this case, the structures can be:
- for foundation construction;
- 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, the non-removable structures made of it eliminate the need for additional manipulations regarding the strengthening and thermal insulation of the 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 built 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 fixed polystyrene foam formwork
For people who know about all the features of the material and the construction process as a whole, it will be quite easy to install. 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 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 compliance with the dimensions and shape of the future structure, as well as to ensure 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 projections. 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 significantly 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. In the same way, 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 the 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 jumpers, 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! This kind of formwork is used in the construction of both private houses and buildings of four to five floors.
The main advantage of the technology is its 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, so installation work can take place without the use of special equipment.
disadvantages
As it turned out, the 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 shortcomings.
- 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 the location of all communications in advance, 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. However, 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 of construction work, 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.
There are a lot of material options for formwork. Someone builds it from old boards, someone from OSB. Such a structure is not always characterized by ideal geometry and strength, and its construction takes time. An excellent modern alternative is the fixed polystyrene formwork.
Construction and material
Formwork blocks are placed in the prepared trenches and interlocked with jumpers. As reinforcement, you can use the same rod and the same tying methods as with the traditional technology of pouring the foundation, only the rods are fixed in special grooves inside the formwork elements (it has proven itself well. For reinforcement of large weight, additional posts may be required. Then the internal space is filled with concrete , which layer by layer is leveled and rammed.
Like any novelty, especially in such an important matter as pouring the foundation, the fixed formwork made of expanded polystyrene still raises questions from some masters. In particular, how the material will behave after several decades of service.
Weigh all the pros and cons and make a decision based on the specific project of the house, climate and soil, as well as the time and money allocated for the construction site.
Monolithic construction using fixed formwork, despite its long history, has become widespread not so long ago. However, these construction methods are gaining in popularity. The formwork is made from different materials, but the most interesting in practical terms is the permanent foam formwork. It would be more correct to call it expanded polystyrene formwork, expanded polystyrene is a type of polystyrene foam.
Fixed formwork made of polystyrene foam
Another common name is penoplex, this is a trademark of the same expanded polystyrene, the manufacturer produces under this brand expanded polystyrene plates for wall insulation and as permanent formwork. Therefore, if you are interested in "foam formwork", you are looking for how to make foam formwork with your own hands – keep reading the article, this is exactly what interests you.
Types of fixed formwork made of expanded polystyrene
Fixed foam formwork is produced in several versions.
- Hollow polystyrene blocks with removable and non-removable stiffening ribs, reminiscent of blocks from the children's LEGO constructor. During construction, a composite wall of reinforced concrete and expanded polystyrene is formed, which is easy to plaster and finish. Block formwork is widely used to create load-bearing walls.
- Fixed facing foam plastic formwork.
- Reinforced polystyrene foam panels with a thickness of 10 to 250 millimeters, reinforced with a reinforcing mesh. The resulting wall is easily sprinkled with concrete.
Curved formwork blocks
In addition to these basic types, polystyrene foam blocks with curvilinear geometry are produced, allowing the construction of buildings with non-standard architecture.
Dimensions of the fixed foam formwork
| Name | Dimensions | Insulation thickness | |
|---|---|---|---|
| internal | outdoor | ||
| Series 25 (one-piece) | |||
| Main wall block | 1250x250x250 | 50 | 50 |
| Wall end block | 1250x250x250 | 50 | 50 |
| Corner wall block | 700x250x250 | 50 | 50 |
| Series 30 (one-piece) | |||
| Main wall block | 1250х300х250 | 50 | 100 |
| Wall end block | 1250х300х250 | 50 | 100 |
| Corner wall block | 1250х300х250 | 50 | 100 |
| Series 35 (detachable) | |||
| Wall block | 1200х300х250 | 50 | 100 |
| Series 50 (one-piece) | |||
| Main wall block | 1250х300х500 | 50 | 100 |
| Wall end block | 1250х300х500 | 50 | 100 |
| Corner wall block | 450x300x500 | 50 | 100 |
| 650x300x500 | |||
Advantages of polystyrene foam formwork for walls and foundations
- Polyfoam has high thermal insulation properties; at the exit, insulated walls are obtained, which have excellent sound insulation.
- The use of this material allows you to achieve fast construction (with sufficient experience).
- Formwork made of foam plastic for the foundation makes it possible to make this most important element of the house structure energy-saving and warm.
- Styrofoam protects walls from fungi, rotting, is not afraid of termites;
- The low price of the blocks makes the technology a good choice for those looking for the best value for money.
The disadvantages of the method include the impossibility of carrying out construction work in winter and the complexity of development. Polyfoam is a dielectric, it is imperative to ground the house.
You should choose contractors who know how to work with this technology - simple, but different from others. In addition, some consumers note high humidity in the premises - they have to arrange forced ventilation.
Do-it-yourself fixed formwork made of foam plastic - technology, subtleties and nuances
How is expanded polystyrene formwork made? The order of the installation process is clear to every builder.
If necessary, this can be done using several rows of brickwork. The level of the foundation must be accurate, because the mortar will not be able to align it with blocks due to the thickness of the solution. Waterproofing is laid on the foundation and then blocks are laid.
- The first row of blocks is put on the vertical reinforcement that comes out of the foundation. Upon completion of the laying of the first layer, reinforcement rods are again placed in the grooves of the blocks (horizontally). Building up the formwork is similar to LEGO bricks, however, you need to carefully monitor the vertical alignment.
- After three or four rows of foam blocks, the solution is poured, with the indispensable compaction with a deep vibrator or manually. Pour in half of the upper row of blocks.
- All communications must be brought out into the holes in the walls before the concrete is poured.
The result is a sandwich-type wall structure, two layers of expanded polystyrene, and between them a monolith.
How to calculate the construction cost?
To calculate the cost of erection of permanent polystyrene formwork, you need to take the current cost of the following materials:
- Formwork block - 3.3 pieces per 1 sq. M.
- Concrete - 0.12 cubic meters per 1 sq. M.
- Armature - about 10 kilograms per 1 sq. M.
Expanded polystyrene material is quite delicate, lightweight, it should be stored in a place protected from the sun and wind. Especially from the wind - so that you do not have to collect blocks blown away by gusts throughout the district.
A typical mistake that comes from a misunderstanding of the essence of the technology and a banal misunderstanding of what mass concrete has: they collect a foam-plastic non-removable formwork the entire height of the wall, order 20 tons of concrete, try to build (fill) a monolithic house in one day. You cannot do this - this method is not a high-speed construction of buildings.
Other popular types of permanent formwork
In addition to expanded polystyrene, there are a number of materials that are used to create permanent formwork in monolithic construction.
- Expanded clay concrete construction is expensive and outdated.
- Magnesite glass formwork - used mainly for filling internal partitions.
- Arbolite formwork made of shavings and cement. An excellent building material, but such structures are quite expensive.
In conclusion of this list, we can say that expanded polystyrene formwork is today the most inexpensive option for the construction of buildings using new technologies - a simple, durable and excellent insulation of the future wall.
Video of the installation of polystyrene formwork
The use of fixed formwork in construction, including for, provides certain advantages, among which should be highlighted speed of work, which can be conducted, observing the technology, even then all year round. Also, at the same time, it is possible to make a heat-insulating layer, the thickness and characteristics of which, in most cases, are quite sufficient and some others. But, due to the rather high cost of fixed formwork, which can be made from different materials, this method was not widely used.
A kind the revolution was made by the appearance of polystyrene foam blocks, the cost of which, although not low, but due to the effect obtained from their use, their use is fully justified.
Scope of application of polystyrene foam blocks for formwork
Blocks for permanent formwork are products that may not only have different sizes and shapes, for example, designed for walls, corners, as well as for creating various architectural elements, but also to be solid or collapsible. The second type is most often used in cases where it is necessary to erect a wall or foundation structure with a given thickness.
To connect the blocks to each other, a groove-ridge connection is used, and reinforcement is first installed into the hollow space, and then the concrete mixture is poured. Additional strength of the future building structure is provided by metal lintels located inside the block, but they primarily provide block stiffness when pouring concrete.
Expanded polystyrene fixed formwork can be used for the construction of vertical structures, for example, for the construction of low-rise buildings, on average - 3-4 floors, but this material is most popular for the construction of strip foundations for such houses. As a result, the base gets additional strength of the monolithic structure, which also has a heat and waterproofing layer. 
Block marking, their types and sizes
It should be borne in mind that the marking indicates the future thickness of the structure, in this case, the foundation. The height of the products varies from 10 to 50 cm, therefore, when choosing a material, blocks of different sizes are often combined to make the formwork of the required height.
Blocks can be different, but the average size is 1000 × 300 × 250 mm, with 8 jumpers, while its weight is about 1.5 kg. Blocks can also be distinguished by the type of their internal section: there are H-shaped and U-shaped, the latter have an additional (lower) side made of expanded polystyrene.
For the convenience of supplying communications, devices for corner joints, products of a certain shape are produced, with prepared holes. Blocks are produced both from ordinary polystyrene foam and from extruded with improved characteristics.
Why, when erecting a strip foundation, it makes sense to give preference to non-removable polystyrene foam formwork.
In order to gain popularity, any material must have unique or additional qualities and characteristics that give it an advantage over analogues, and there are a lot of such blocks in expanded polystyrene blocks, especially when constructing a foundation:
- the ability to build a foundation with increased bearing capacity and geometrically ideal shapes;
- no need for props and struts;
- when pouring concrete, one should not be afraid of the expansion of the formwork and especially the seepage of the solution;
- fixed formwork assumes additional functions - heat and waterproofing layer and does not require additional and use of similar materials;
- the installation technology is simple, and the ease of work is provided by special groove-ridge connections of the blocks, which ensure the highest possible assembly speed, which is also facilitated by the rather large dimensions of the products;
- even a beginner in construction can perform installation, while most of the operations can be performed even alone;
- thanks to the design features and the presence of special technological holes in the blocks, the installation of communications is greatly simplified.
If we compare the cost of formwork for a foundation made of expanded polystyrene blocks and from traditional board or plywood boards, then the second option will have an advantage. But if we take into account the future benefits from the operation of the object, erected from fixed formwork, as well as the quality of the construction of the object itself and its characteristics, then this competition will definitely win the formwork from expanded polystyrene. 
Disadvantages of permanent formwork
But when choosing a fixed formwork made of expanded polystyrene, you should also be aware of the weaknesses of this material, in order to take measures, if possible, to exclude the manifestation negative factors.
So, what is most of all in this material causes criticism:
- durability of expanded polystyrene, averaging 20 years, therefore, after this period, a monolithic structure new heat and waterproofing will be required. You should also be prepared that the performance will gradually decrease during this period. Finishing the wall surface helps to slow down the process, which should be carried out as soon as possible after construction;
- the problem of heat and waterproofing of the "foot" of the foundation, which forms not a bridge of cold, but a large real "bridge" of cold. The use of blocks with a U-shaped section somewhat helps to avoid this problem;
- concrete pouring has some features that, despite the simple formwork installation technology, can significantly slow down the process - concreting should be carried out in the same layers along the entire perimeter, which is quite difficult to ensure due to the small block sizes for this operation;
- environmental friendliness of the material containing styrene in its composition, which has the ability to evaporate, especially in warm conditions. To avoid health risks, it is necessary to purchase high-quality products, in which styrene is present minimally, in an absolutely safe concentration;
- the price can also be a minus, but since everything is learned in comparison, before making a final decision, it is necessary to make a full comparative analysis, primarily with traditional removable formwork from boards;
- there is no consensus, even among experts, on the effect on the strength of a monolithic base made of blocks with internal polystyrene liners.
Also, there is no unequivocal opinion on the device of permanent formwork for strip foundations in climatic zones with a deep level of soil freezing, it is recommended in such cases to give preference to high-quality products with improved characteristics.
Mounting
Before proceeding with the installation of the formwork, it is necessary, first of all, to prepare a trench on the leveled area, and then, with the upcoming volume of work, a small team of 2-5 people or even beginners in construction will be able to cope with it.
- At the bottom of the trench, a gravel-sand cushion is laid or a thin cement screed is made.
- The next step is to lay the waterproofing layer on which the first row of blocks is installed.
- The first row should be laid not only neatly, but also as accurately as possible, and special rotary blocks should be used to connect the corners or foam should be used.
- When installing polystyrene formwork blocks you should use special elements, greatly facilitating the process: of various shapes and purposes with plugs, modules, additional products.
- Laying the second and subsequent rows must be done with an offset.
- The reinforcement must be pulled through the internal through cavities of the interconnected blocks.
- All blocks must be tightly connected to each other using a tongue-and-groove lock.
- To pour one layer of concrete, it is necessary to prepare the formwork of no more than 3-4 rows, otherwise it will be quite difficult vibrate the solution, which can lead to the formation of voids, especially dangerous around the fittings.
Price
Due to the fact that the production of expanded polystyrene blocks for formwork is not unified, products of various shapes, types and sizes are presented on the market. But if we talk about their cost, then you can focus on the following data:
- the price of a standard block, for example, with dimensions of 1250 × 250 × 250, 1000 × 300 × 250 or similar, ranges from 250 to 500 rubles;
- corner blocks cost from 190 to 500 rubles;
- the cost of end blocks reaches 750-800 rubles;
- wall price from 270 to 800 rubles;
- one module for making a jumper will cost 350-500 rubles;
- the cost of partitions, plugs, end connections starts from 10 rubles and can reach 100 or more rubles (depending on the type of element).
Manufacturers
The production of expanded polystyrene blocks is a rather complex and high-tech production, but despite this, high-quality products manufactured in different regions of the country are presented on the Russian market. Among Russian manufacturers, the leading positions are occupied by:
- ZAO PKP Teply Dom, whose production is located in the Moscow region, in the Lyubertsy district;
- LLC "My House", Rostov-on-Don;
- OOO DSM-Stroy - whose production facilities are located in the Urals, in the city of Chelyabinsk;
- LLC "Timal", Ufa
Before buying blocks, you should try to get as much information as possible about discounts, methods of delivery to an object, and its cost. Some manufacturers and their distributors may offer seasonal discounts, for example in the winter months.
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 for waterproofing, insulation and other protective actions are carried out with the foundation. The development of modern construction allows to reduce the cost of materials, to 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 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 designer. In production, polystyrene is poured into molds with locks and joints, after hardening, such blocks look like a Lego constructor. At the construction site, the constructor 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... 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 expanded polystyrene 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 produced from polystyrene granules under high temperature and high pressure 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
The weak points of application of such construction technology include 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 building:
Foundation construction stages
For arranging permanent formwork during the construction of the foundation, several steps will be required:
The construction of the foundation with the use of fixed formwork implies the possibility of adding coarse-grained crushed stone to the concrete mixture. Fraction size should not exceed 8 mm.