Large-format Silka Tempo blocks are gaining popularity, not only in the Polish market, due to their ability to speed up construction work twice as fast. The group of these products has just been joined by an innovative block - Silka Tempo Light, with weight reduced by 1/5, which will be used in projects requiring less structural load while maintaining excellent acoustic parameters.
Construction of residential projects is taking place under increasing pressure of time, but also cost. In order to speed up the construction of multifamily buildings, designers and developers are looking for new technologies for faster and cheaper construction that will reduce the number of workers needed.
Large-scale technologies for fast wall assembly are playing an increasingly important role in this. In this regard, Xella Polska is a leader in the cellular concrete and silicate segment, offering a range of large-dimensional products: from large blocks to floor-high wall panels.
For many years, investors have been eager to build larger residential as well as commercial projects with large-size Silka Tempo silicate blocks. A single element, 50 cm long and 60 cm high, replaces four and a half traditional small-size Silka blocks. Combined with the mechanization of the work - the large blocks are assembled with special mini-cranes - this means an increase in the efficiency of the work and as much as a twofold reduction in wall erection time.
Silka Tempo Light
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Silka Tempo Light - faster construction and less strain on the structure
In multifamily construction, the requirements for acoustic protection, which are defined by the PN-B-02151-3:1999 standard, are particularly important. One of the most important values is the acoustic insulation index R'A1 ≥ 50 dB, which is required from the walls separating the dwelling from other parts of the building. This condition is met by massive elements. On the other hand, in modern construction technology of multifamily buildings, walls no longer play a load-bearing role - they are usually an infill in the reinforced concrete frame.
So Xella Poland began work on creating the ideal product, which was to have high sound insulation, in addition to the many advantages of large-dimensional systems, but also reduced weight, so as to put less strain on the structure of buildings. After months of testing in construction laboratories and trials at Silka production facilities, the innovative Silka Tempo Light block design was achieved. Numerous hollows reduced the weight of a single element by 22% compared to 24 cm thick Silka Tempo blocks.
Silka Tempo Light is the first large-size lime-sand block in Poland and Europe with reduced weight, which at the same time has excellent strength and acoustic parameters - comparable to heavier, standard Silka Tempo 24 cm blocks. Silka Tempo Light is available in a thickness of 24 cm (with a length of 50 cm and a height of 60 cm) and a compressive strength class of 15 N/mm².
Lower transportation costs
What does the lower weight of masonry elements mean in practice? Already at the stage of transporting Silka Tempo Light blocks, you can reduce costs by more than 1/5 compared to standard Silka Tempo 24. This also means improved logistics: you can load 30% more material in a single transport.
Silka Tempo Light - product features
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Ideal material for framing infill
The lower weight of a Silka Tempo Light element also translates into lower building construction costs, because it means less load on the ceilings and columns (so less steel is needed on site). This makes this new product also ideal for infill walls in frame buildings.
Acoustic comfort
The new material is characterized by unique acoustic properties with a low weight of the masonry element (material density: 1600 kg/m³). Walls made of Silka Tempo Light with a thickness of 24 cm provide excellent acoustic comfort of the partition: RA1 = 57 dB.
Lower carbon footprint
Thanks to the lower consumption of raw materials, the carbon footprint of material production was reduced by approx. 1/5 compared to Silka Tempo 24 cm blocks. A lighter block also means fewer emissions associated with transporting material to the construction site.
Shorter wall construction time - by 55% on average
However, Silka Tempo Light is all about faster wall installation. Thanks to its lightness, it is ahead of the previous leader among silicates in terms of construction speed: Silka Tempo blocks. And this is because the grapple of a mini-crane can simultaneously lift two Silka Tempo Light blocks. One masonry team (2 people working with the mini-crane) can build as much as 55 sq. m. of masonry in one working day! For comparison, with standard Silka Tempo blocks, the same team can erect 50 sq. m. of walls, and building with small-size Silka E blocks, a mason's trio is able to build 23 sq. m. of wall.
Silka Tempo Light - a diagram of the construction rate
© XELLA
Efficient construction
Building in the Silka Tempo Light system is therefore characterized by the highest efficiency of work among silicate technologies available on the Polish market. Two fitters with a mini-crane can achieve the efficiency of up to seven bricklayers building with traditional small-size elements.
The large size of the blocks significantly speeds up masonry work. Construction with Silka Tempo Light also provides the opportunity for better site organization, as well as reducing the risk of delays.
Silka Tempo Light installation plans
© XELLA
Design in BIM technology
The investor, choosing the Silka Tempo Light system, receives full supportfrom the manufacturer of the material in terms of design work. Xella's design department will each time prepare an accurate structural design of all walls for a given investment in BIM technology, as well as on 3D models. On the basis of the design, detailed installation plans for each partition are developed, which are then transferred to the contractor. Implementation on the basis of accurate assembly plans minimizes on-site cutbacks or execution errors, as well as eliminates waste of materials and construction waste.
Learn more about Silka Tempo Light's innovative silicate blocks.
