BENEFITS for ENGINEERS
Engineers Benefits Outline
  1. Design strength like any flat, solid concrete wall
  2. Insulation in one step
  3. 50% increased compressive strength of concrete
  4. Widths from 4” to 20+”
  5. Any angle, radii for curves as small as 6’
  6. Stepped wall thickness, Pilasters
  7. Interlock any connector corner combination 4”+10”, etc.
  8. Code approvals
  9. Design from footer to eaves
  10. High R-Value
  11. Quiet
  12. Faster Construction

SmartBlock™ Benefits:

  • SmartBlock™ combines the properties of desirable solid concrete and the superior insulating value of Expanded Polystyrene (EPS).
  • SmartBlock™ Products are energy efficient -- the excellent insulation values reduce heating/cooling costsand create a solid air barrier, preventing both thermal loss and air and dust infiltration.
  • SmartBlock™ walls work great for sound suppression by allowing only 1/3 the noise of the regular stick framed walls. Consequently, the interior is effectively shielded from all outside noise.
  • SmartBlock™ projects are constructed quicker then houses build using conventional building techniques.
  • SmartBlock™ walls are extremely strong -- walls are "cast-in-place" monolithic, reinforced concrete.
  • SmartBlock™ is versatile -- curves or angles can be easily formed; any standard interior or exterior finish can be applied.
  • SmartBlock™ is environmentally friendly - use of wood Products in construction and job-site waste is significantly reduced.
  • SmartBlock™ 6-inch (12VWF6) concrete walls give you a four-hour fire barrier for common walls.
The following table compares SmartBlock™ built walls to other methods of construction.

 

SmartBlock™

Masonry

Poured-in-Place

Stick Frame

Speed of Construction

Fastest

Slow

Slow

Medium

Fire Resistance

High

High

High

None

Structural Strength

Highest

High

Highest

Medium

Flexibility in Design

High

Low

Lowest

High to Medium

Ease of Use

High

Medium Low to Low

Medium to Low

Medium

Cost

Low

Low to Medium in Most Applications

Medium in Most Applications

Lowest

Incidence of Callbacks

Low

Medium

Low

High

Additional Steps Required for Insulation

No

Yes

Yes

Yes

Insulation Value

R-22 or R-24 Equivalent

Marginal

Marginal

Marginal

Sound Impedance

High

High

High

Low

Job Injuries

Low

Medium

Medium

High