TECHNICAL AND ECONOMIC COMPARISON OF THERMAL INSULATION AND WALL MATERIALS IN LOW-RISE RESIDENTIAL CONSTRUCTION

Abstract

Modern energy-efficient materials and products should be distinguished by an expanded scope of their application during the
construction, repair or reconstruction of buildings and allow improving the consumer qualities of capital construction objects. An
example of a material whose structure and properties are effective in terms of thermal protection of structures is a heater based
on autoclaved aerated concrete.
The purpose of the work is to analyze modern thermal insulation and wall materials that have become widely used in
comparison with aerated concrete. The growth of aerated concrete production is determined by the increased demand for this
product, which, in turn, is caused by high physical, mechanical and thermal characteristics. In conditions of martial law, energy
crisis and the need to restore the country, build and restore destroyed low-rise village buildings, aerated concrete becomes an
effective material.
The comparative characteristics of aerated concrete as a thermal insulation and wall material with other traditional
corresponding materials are considered and analyzed. The competitors of cellular concrete in the modern thermal insulation
market are such common insulation materials as mineral wool and polystyrene foam, however, these materials have significant
drawbacks. Mineral wool thermal insulation settles when wet and creates voids - "cold bridges". Polystyrene foam is painted and
has a high degree of fire hazard and toxicity, and the wall structure itself based on it requires reliable connection of dissimilar
layers.
The most promising insulation in the current situation may be autoclaved aerated concrete, which is also confirmed by the
data of technical and economic indicators of various options for wall insulation. In terms of thermophysical indicators and energy
intensity of production, autoclaved aerated concrete is better than traditional wall materials. The prospect of development, as well
as a decrease in the energy intensity of production of autoclaved aerated concrete is to increase its constructive quality coefficient,
which is achieved by increasing the strength of aerated concrete or maintaining it while simultaneously reducing its density.