From the research conducted to improve thermal, acoustic and water vapor transmission properties of mortars using fine aggregates (volcanic ash) such as a pyroclastic, whose scientific name is "lapilli“. This new mortar can obtain vibrated concrete blocks that meet the requirements of the CTE regulation.

In this new mortar part of the aggregate (lapilli) has been replaced by treated expanded polystyrene (EPSt).

The material obtained is lighter, more acoustically and thermal insulating as well as water vapor resistant, than the ones used today.

“The Aridolar mortars meet the requirements of the Spanish Technical Building Code 2007 in an economically viable way”

Construction

The entry into force of the Basic Document "DB-HR protection against noise" and "the limitation of the energy demand" under the Spanish CTE regulation in 2007, has led to an in-depth review of the thermal-acoustic properties of the filling elements used in the construction of buildings (blocks, hollow bricks, plates, panels, etc.) confirming that many of them do not meet the requirements of the regulations.

“A 5 cm panel coated with plaster on both sides, turned out to have the same sound insulation, as a wall built with vibrated concrete blocks of 15 cm thick and coated with plaster on both sides"

Global expectations

• The worldwide meteoric growth of construction (about 70%) is concentrated mainly in China, USA and India. [Oxford Economics y Global Construction Perspectives]
• Is expected an increase of around 33% in the USA employment for the period 2010-2020, reaching a total of 1.8 million jobs in the sector for 2020. [Statistical department, USA]

Spain

• Growth of Spanish sector around 2,5% in 2015-2020 [Oxford Economics y Global Construction Perspectives]
• In Spain, the potential housing demand will be situated above 300,000.00 homes between 2011 and 2016. [BBVA, 2011]

• Blocks, hollow bricks and panels made from this new material have remarkably improved properties including a density decrease of around 32.82%, resulting to be a lighter, and an increase of 103.64% in thermal resistance.
• Partitions and facades built with vibrated concrete blocks, would meet the CTE without having to place an interior partition (block or drywall).
• Further features: Acoustic resistance of a 15 cm wall  is equal to a 5 cm panel; Flexural strength: 51.51% lower; Compressive strength: 68.85% lower; Water vapor resistance: 20.64% higher; Water vapor resistance Factor: 21.75% higher.

“The buildings built with blocks made with this new mortar will substantially increase the useful area of the building"