Large-format urban post-densification
Since early March of 2016, the German federal government has addressed its planned residential housing offensive with a 10-point program. One crucial point of the action plan is promotion of urban post-densification. The report “Alliance for Affordable Living and Building” states: “The priority given to inner city development requires systematic utilization of existing development potentials.” The most essential measures include the promotion of slender wall structures that can be implemented quickly and economically.
Large-scale post-densification
Large-format elements, in the form of KLB Quadro plan elements from the company KLB-Klimaleichtblock, have already been used in this area with good success: They enable great structural-engineering capacity and provide outstanding sound insulation of up to 63 dB(A), even with single-shell execution (block thickness 24.0 cm/density 2.0/rendered on both sides). At wall thicknesses of 11.5 to 24.0 cm, the elements are also relatively slender. Specialist consultants and architects can make use of these lightweight concrete elements in many different ways: They are effective for use both as loadbearing interior walls and for single-shell exterior walls provided with a composite thermal insulation system (WDVS), or as dual-shell external walls with facing. Four KLB Quadro elements alone, 50 x 50 cm in size (approval Z-7.1-852), make up an exterior wall of 1 m². Complex and cost-intensive cutting of the elements is not required – since vertical and horizontal adjustment is provided by KLB plan blocks and stones that are structurally and acoustically matched. They are connected with the large-format elements by uniform tongue-and-groove keying.
Time saving is part
of the system
Connection points are no problem. Flat keying on the front end of the plan elements, for example, simplifies installation of windows, doors, and reveals. Interior walls are integrated into the masonry bond by butt-jointing techniques using perforated tapes. “KLB Quadro elements and accessory products link with each other like a toothed gear,” explains KLB Managing Director Dipl.-Ing. Andreas Krechting. Special tools such as mini-cranes enable additional time savings. Such cranes enable bricklayers to work quickly, ergonomically safely, and efficiently. A mini-crane simplifies placement of up to two plan elements simultaneously. The manufacturer, KLB, recommends working in teams of two, which results in typical labor time of only 0.44 h/m² of masonry.
