ECO FRIENDLY THERMOCELLIT BLOCK, thermocellit BLOCK build systems, honeycomb clay blocks

INTRODUCTION

ThermoCellit honeycombed clay blocks are large fired clay and have a honeycomb cross-section. The size of the blocks enables rapid construction time coupled with excellent thermal properties, making this a very eco friendly build system and is fast becoming very popular.

The blocks are laid with a horizontal mortar joint 8-12mm thick using a special light weight mortar. Vertical joints are tongue and grooved and need no mortar. The ThermoCellit range includes special blocks for windows and corners, and lintels. Internal walls can also be built with Cellit blocks.

ADVANTAGES

The main and obvious advantages gained by using Thermocellit build blocks are rapid build times and more importantly the eco friendliness of the system along with the following:

Easy to plan wall layout
Special shapes are available for corners, windows and door openings
Easy to use
Blocks can be cut
No mortar is needed in the vertical joints due to a tongue and grooved edge, reducing mortar use by up to 40%
Very little thermal movement results in less cracking and better building resale values
Surface fixings compare favourably with conventional masonry construction
The blocks are very strong and have a high impact resistance

PRODUCT DATA

ThermoCellit block

Height 240 mm Length 260 mm Thickness 300 / 365 mm Weight 162 / 197 kg/m² respectively Vapour diffusion resistance, μ 4 U-value with external render and internal plaster 0.36/0.30 W/m²K respectively Crushing strength of Thermocellit wall 4 N/mm² Sound reduction (with render + plaster finishes) 48 / 51 dB respectively

Ecological benefits

Ecologically friendly construction
1. Relation with the surrounding environment
2. Low environmental impact in the manufacturing process
3. Low degree of “nuisance” during construction

Energy management
High level of continuous thermal insulation reduces energy demand in heating. Thermal bridges values are also much lower than conventional construction.

Maintenance
No maintenance required.

Humidity and condensation
High protection against dampness penetration and the formation of condensation.

Acoustic Insulation
Good results are easily achieved.

Quality of living environment
Healthier living environment is assured by the lack of dampness, the good insulation values and the resistance against biological growth.

Air quality
The clay blocks do not contain pollutants such as fibres, organic airborne materials (benzene, toluene, solvents, ethers), formaldehyde and so on (there are about 100 possible pollutants in organic airborne materials such as PFA). No fungicides or insecticides are present and no radioactive components.

Water purity
No adverse effect on the water table.

Water and Waste management
No effect on domestic water consumption and in waste management

Other considerations

Recyclability
Thermocellit clay building blocks are totally recyclable.

In case of fire
Masonry clay blocks are totally fire proof (class A1). Furthermore no toxic gases will be released when exposed to fire.

In case of flooding
Prolonged exposure to water will not alter the structure of the clay blocks and their mechanical and thermal characteristics will be the same once dry.

In case of earth tremors
Excellent behaviour in seismic areas. The holding structure, with reinforcing rods contained in the column blocks and continuous lintels at each floor level is very efficient. The only recommendation is seismic areas is to fill the perp joints, an operation not necessary in other areas.

In case of pests and insects presence
The clay building blocks cannot be attacked by pests and insects.

Thermocellit blocks have less water absorption in the wall. The table shows a typical example in a wet climate zone. Condensation risk is virtually eliminated therefore there is less need to adopt heavy external waterproofing systems that do not allow walls to breathe. The little moisture absorbed will be eliminated through an appropriate vapour permeable render and the wall will dry out naturally.