Properties and Performance

Pressure resistance

The mechanical resistance of the granules of pumice used by Block Energy is excellent. In production the sand adding is avoided that leads to a greater mechanical resistance of the building but also increases its weight. The non prevention of sand addition, as often happens in other articles on the market, affects very negatively the thermal insulation.

Shrinkage and thermal-linear expantion

The shrinkage phenomenon in the block based on lightweight concrete of pumice during the intake, caused by physical forces such as the loss of water by diffusion, ceases after only 3 months. After the seasoning the shrinkage is less than 0.2 mm/m, too low to cause damage or cracks. Other artifacts are often subject to this problem related to the high absorption of water during their manufacture.

Thermal insulation

The thermal insulation of a building block depends on its density, the degree of permanent moisture and quality of aggregate. Unlike other blocks based on inerts artificially expanded concrete blocks of pumice aggregate will just do not stay wet for a long time and therefore avoiding water stagnating in the pores (which in the pumice are closed), determinateing thermal conductivity power 25 times higher of the airs one, significantly worsening the insulating capacity. The permanent moisture of pumice blocks are averagely less than 3%.

Acoustic isolation

Block Energy pumice blocks have high sound absorption properties closely related to the particular features of its physical structure. They absorb also vibration thanks to the elasticity of the pores. The use of blocks is thus particularly suitable for noise control in industrial construction. Already with the 20x20x50 cm. blocks of Block Energy S.r.l. with n. 2 layers of plaster nominal thickness of 1.5 cm., it makes a noise reduction D2m,nT,w(dB) = a 48 dB* C = -1 -* Ctr = -4* that makes this block suitable for any use. Better results are obtained with thicker blocks.

Fire Resistance

Since pumice is fireproof, the blocks of Block Energy Srl give maximum house security in case of fire or fire exposure. The block was awarded REI 180 - Class A.

Water absorption by capillarity

The constructions made of pumice blocks of Block Energy S.r.l. are dry in no time, while those made with other artificial porous materials remain wet for several years with considerable disadvantage of thermal insulation. This is due to the internal structure of closed pores of pumice, which determines low capillarity and diffusion of water vapor only 2-4 times greater than that of an air layer.

Adhesion of plaster

The granules of pumice allows you to create blocks that, since the roughness of their surface, allow good adhesion of plaster to walls.

Radon emissions

According to the study conducted by the Department of Nuclear Engineering - Nuclear Research Center E. Fermi – CESNEF of Milan on samples of pumice (*... of national origin).".... is absolutely clear that the use of pumice as a building material generally produces a reduction of each dose. Only if the dose of preexisting natural ground conditions are exceptionally low there can be an increasement of each dose. This increase, however, will certainly be less than 0.447 mSv/year. In both cases the value is lower than that recommended in ICRP Publication No. 82, as reference value for the IEL". "Echoing the views of the ICRP, one can conclude that the granules of pumice can freely circulate in the world market, indeed its introduction is desirable with a view of reducing the existing ground radiation".

Instalation

The operation does not require special attention. The layer will find greatly easier the handling of blocks of Block Energy S.r.l. cause of its low weight compared to other similar objects made with heavy aggregates (sand, gravel, grit, etc.).. Professionals can also discover the benefits of this weight savings adapting the structural calculation of buildings.

Uses

Uses of Pumice in construction

Pumice is undoubtedly an ancient building material. Its quality not escaped the attention of Vitruvius that in the architecture compendium of the I° century B.C. described it in detail. The great Roman architect included of the quality of the mixes that were obtained with it, that "... does not absorb much water and encumbers only slightly more the foundations of buildings." In modern era its use is widespread in the U.S.A., in Europe, countries of Middle East (Israel and the Arab Gulf states) and in New Zealand. The validity of the pumice is also reflected primarily in the use of technology related to lightweight concrete, especially regarding the load-bearings. An important innovation is also linked to its use in the production of sound absorbent substrates (killing footstep noise) and insulating plasters (interior and exterior). The production of lightweight pumice blocks is rooted and long practiced by large production realities in countries of great architectural tradition and progress, such as England and the U.S.A.

A choice to solve any doubt

The peculiarities underlined by the tests ensures that the blocks of Block Energy S.r.l. therefore are considered to be excellent infill walls of residential buildings, commercial and industrial, framed in any frame of reinforced concrete. Any further and more detailed information can be obtained from the Commercial Service of the Company, both by phone and e-mail address shown here. Block Energy will also be glad to visit with their engineers, on site and at home, construction companies and professionals who request it.

... A building tradition, projected into the future and well-established in the World!

The historic tower of the World Trade Center, built in 1973 in Los Angeles using structural lightweight concrete made of pumice, is the tallest building west of the Mississippi River. More than a million cubic yards of structural lightweight concrete pumice was placed successfully by California Lightweight Pumice Inc. of St. Clemente (CA). The pumice aggregates used by them widely meet the requirements established by the American Society of Testing Materials as constituents of concrete and lightweight structural building blocks. These aggregates were also approved by the International Conference of Building Officials and the Department of Building and Safety of the City of Los Angeles.