Taupo Aerated Concrete Ltd (USAGE)

Using CSR Hebel

The following is a brief overview describing the implimentation of the CSR Hebel building system. For a more indepth description click the Technical button and follow the link to the official Hebel technical page.

Hebel Block Construction The Hebel block construction system is very simple yet allows complete design flexibility for basic or complex designs and architectural features. Typically block thicknesses are 200mm for external walls, 150mm for internal load-bearing walls and 100mm for internal non load-bearing walls.
Blocks are glued together to form solid masonry structural walls. The blocks are available in a full range of thicknesses from 100mm to 300mm, and are 550mm long by 200mm high. Vertical reinforcing rods are installed into drilled holes in the blocks at nominal 1.0 metre centres. Due to their dimensional accuracy the blocks are easily laid in CSR Hebel thin bed adhesive with 2-3mm joints. The first course is laid on thick bed mortar to compensate for irregularities in the slab. A slip joint/bond breaker must first be installed on the slab. It is essential that the first course is laid accurately so that speed is achieved in subsequent courses. Subsequent courses are then glued together using thin bed adhesive. This method makes for rapid and easily constructed walls. At the end of each course, blocks are simply cut to length with a hand saw.
Decorative features on building facades are also easily produced in Hebel from blocks. They can range from Quoins on the corners of a house to Midfloor bands, to banding around windows. These blocks are not reinforced and can therefore be shaped as desired without interference from reinforcing. Sculpture blocks are larger than the normal Hebel blocks and have a wide range of uses, from small statues to large water features, you are only limited by imagination and ability. Hebel PowerPanel Veneer Cladding Hebel Panel Cladding is an Alternative Solution to traditional drained cavity systems. Unlike drained ventilated cavity systems, the 22mm batten space is completely sealed. No cold air penetrates into the batten space. As Powerpanel is breathable it has the ability to transfer moisture vapour whilst remaining waterproof. This results in much less condensation resulting in no build up of moisture against the timber frame therefore problems of dry rot and fungal build up are totally avoided. The still air space provides additional insulation. This makes it ideal for retro-fitting to older houses to replace existing claddings. It can improve the appearance, and the thermal and acoustic performance of existing buildings. It is successfully used on multi-storey structures, with allowance for a movement joint at each floor level. The excellent acoustic insulation properties provide a very efficient sound barrier, blocking up to 47 decibels. (Timber framed building clad with bricks, or weatherboards typically block 19 to 25 decibels of noise). This makes Hebel a very effective sound barrier and as such is used extensively around motorway systems and railways to protect homes from excessive noise. With houses typically being built closer to each other these days Powerpanel provides a much quieter environment to live in. Panels are manufactured with a tongue on the top and a groove on the underside to lock them together.All panels are manufactured with two layers of reinforcing welded into a mesh, which is dipped in an anti-corrosive agent before placing in moulds. Panels are attached to steel or timber framing using stainless steel Tension Ties which hook around flanges on the steel columns in the panel. Hebel PowerFloor Soundfloor™ Used horizontally over floor joists, specially designed panels similar to Powerpanel can be used as a superior solid floor compared with timber, PB or composite alternatives. In this application it is called Soundfloor™. Suited for residential, commercial and industrial applications, its strong, lightweight nature as well as its non-toxicity, thermal and sound absorbing qualities, makes this an excellent cost-effective solution. Hebel Wall / Floor Structural Panels CSR Hebel panels are reinforced load bearing panels used in conjunction with CSR Hebel blocks for floors, walls or roofs. Weight: Typically 500kgs per 6m long panel, 200mm thick When used as flooring, the thickness of the slab should be in accordance with CSR Hebel recommended designs, taking into account the required span and load. Typical floor panels for housing are 200mm in thickness dependent on the span which can be as great as 6m. Panels are lifted into position one by one using a crane and special CSR Hebel lifting equipment. The panels are butted together, joint reinforcement on spacers are installed and mortar is then poured to form the ring anchor system.

CSR Hebel reinforced panels can be used as flooring in most building applications. The panels are laid on CSR Hebel supporting blockwork and the structure is locked together using a ring beam, as pictured above. This method of construction means that the floor can be laid down in one day, with blockwork walls being erected the next day. This flooring system has advantages in that it can be very quickly installed, has superior thermal and fire resistance and when used in conjunction with CSR Hebel blockwork will reduce the differential expansion between floor and walls. Lintels
	Hebel lintels are available in a range of sizes to cover most common sized openings for doors and windows. Since they are constructed out of the same material as CSR Hebel blocks and panels, the wall remains as a homogenous unit and surfaces are easily finished.
Lintels are designed for a minimum 200mm support at both ends with a maximum span between supports of 3000mm. Larger spans are possible through custom designs. CSR Hebel Technical Department will advise on the appropriate lintel for the required application.
For openings greater than 3000mm the traditional techniques usually employed for solid masonry construction are used. In this example suitable temporary boxing has been constructed and concrete poured around steel reinforcing.
Hebel Stair Treads Stair treads are available to complement the Hebel Block and Structural floor panels. They provide a quick, solid, creek free solution for creating stairways. Available in two widths; 1.0 metres and 1.2 metres, they are 300mm wide by 175mm high.
As with lintels standard traditional methods can be easily employed to cater for custom situations. Temporary boxing is nailed to the Hebel blocks and concrete is then poured over steel reinforcing.
Tools Hand tools are available for use with the Hebel Block including notched trowels, drill bits, and saws.
Finishes and Coatings CSR Hebel manufactures a premixed render that is specially designed for use with CSR Hebel. It is water-resistant, while still allowing the wall to breathe. The dimensionally accurate nature of CSR Hebel means that coatings can generally be applied as thin coats 5-8mm thick over the outside of the wall. In addition to cement based renders, many types of acrylic, alkali-resisting paint and other commercial surface treatments can be used with CSR Hebel blocks. The surface coating manufacturer should be consulted as to the suitability of their product with CSR Hebel. Internally, Gyprock plasterboard or render set finishes are most commonly used. It is recommended that fibre glass matting is used in the render at window, door openings and high stress areas. CSR Hebel blocks allow for quick and efficient installation of services such as wiring and plumbing. These services can be simply chased into the wall using either a hand or electric router. In accordance with good building practice, vertical chases should not be deeper than 40% of the wall thickness and horizontal chases not deeper than 40% of the wall thickness. After embedment the chased surfaces can be filled using CSR Hebel's patching mortar. Fibreglass matting should be applied in the render over this area. Fasteners/Fixings Fasteners especially designed for use in Hebel Block are available from Hilti, Tox and Ramset. These are typically of the expansion type.
	Hebel stocks a wide range of fixings to attach items to Hebel block and panel work. The fixing methods and fixing(s) used will vary depending on the load and intended use of the fixture. Holes where required for fittings should be drilled with a normal drill and not with a hammering action. Loose debris should be removed before insertion of the fixing. CSR Hebel does not recommend dynabolts.
Recommended Fixings - For skirting battens, architraves, lightweight materials, pictures, light fittings and plasterboard use Galvanised clasp nails, Red Pias stainless steel screws or Gyprock Hebel nails and screws - For curtain tracks, mirrors, coat hangers, pipe supports, doors and window frames use Red Pias stainless steel screws, Tornado sleeve nails or Mungo fixings. - For Grab rails, hand rails, cupboards, urinals, hand basins, suspended ceilings use Mungo fixings, HGN and HRD-H Hilti fixings or Fischer Nylon Twist Lock Anchors For further information, a comprehensive fixing guide is available from CSR Hebel offices.