Do you want to build faster and easier? No wonder you are interested in SYSTEM 3E and the possibility of easily constructing single-layer walls, especially as they are made of natural perlite. This method reduces wall construction time to a minimum, but that's not all. There is no need to use any mortar, adhesives, and additional thermal insulation. You can eliminate even reinforced concrete elements – for details see below.
3E technology and modern construction methods
3E technology stands for Energy, Ecology, and Efficiency. It is a construction approach that focuses on minimizing the impact that buildings and construction, in general, can have on the environment. It also involves maximizing the use of renewable energy.
Although the main aim of our technology is to reduce energy consumption and make buildings more environmentally friendly, it can sometimes be difficult or impossible to eliminate reinforced concrete elements because of their versatility and strength.
The construction of houses using SYSTEM 3E avoids the complex processes we are used to in the construction industry. The 3E technology offers savings such as:
reduced construction time,
reduced time commitment of the construction team,
no need for a highly skilled team,
no need for equipment that requires electricity,
reduce the water use during construction,
reduce waste during the construction process,
lower costs,
no need to purchase mortar, thermal insulation, or other building materials,
the use of modern construction methods, including the elimination of reinforced concrete elements.
SYSTEM 3E - the best alternative to reinforced concrete
Reinforced concrete elements are made from concrete reinforced with either steel bars or steel profiles called steel inserts. In traditional construction methods, they are used wherever the height capacity and fire resistance of structural elements are important. Their advantage is also their resistance to dynamic influences. They have excellent vibration-damping properties. This is why architects use them in volume construction, i.e. in the design of residential buildings (flats, detached houses, or blocks of flats), as well as hotels and public spaces.
However, by using SYSTEM 3E technology, the number of reinforced concrete elements can be minimized.
Perlite 3E wall technology is the best, but not the only, alternative to reinforced concrete elements. 3E walls have a fire resistance class of REI 240+M. This means that after 240 minutes of fire, walls made of SYSTEM 3E retain their structural parameters and are still resistant to any mechanical damage. That is why it’s the perfect alternative for reinforced concrete structures.
What else does SYSTEM 3E guarantee? Safe and, above all, durable wall construction. The compressive strength factor is 1.5 N/mm2.
A wall without reinforced concrete - what are the advantages?
What are the advantages of walls without concrete columns? Check:
no thermal bridges,
no need for thermal insulation,
safe and dry construction as the SYSTEM 3E elements are self-locking,
a lower carbon and water footprint and a raw material that is fully recyclable,
huge financial savings,
sustainable construction.
How to build a house without reinforced concrete columns? Putting SYSTEM 3E construction into practice.
The construction of walls using SYSTEM 3E technology allows the use of structural elements that, when assembled, form a durable monolithic structure. This ensures the strength parameters required by the building structure.
However, the designers take into account the possibility of additional loads, mainly related to the so-called vertical load, which can be the weight of the floor or other factors, including snow. SYSTEM 3E has no problem with this, please note that SYSTEM 3E technology has the same strength capacity as cellular concrete.
The construction process in SYSTEM 3E allows you to eliminate reinforced concrete elements as much as possible. By using this alternative, you can achieve the highest standard of construction while respecting the environment, and your budget.
A key aspect of the elimination of reinforced concrete elements is the modularity of SYSTEM 3E and the precision manufacturing of each perlite block. This allows each element to fit perfectly. During the development of SYSTEM 3E, the Morse taper effect was used in the joints of the elements. This makes the structures stronger and more resistant and eliminates the necessity of using mortar or glue to connect the elements.
3E walls vs. use of reinforced concrete elements
The use of modern methods such as SYSTEM 3E does not mean that reinforced concrete cannot be used at all. It all depends on the architect's design project and requirements. It is just that the 3E technology allows fast construction without the use of additional structures.
What is worth knowing?
If the wall needs additional stiffening, a reinforced concrete element can be made, which is the most common practice for all brick wall structures.
It is also possible to use a dodger in the wall at the design stage. This involves designing it in a 'L’ shape. Each dodger is a stiffener for the whole wall structure.
The stiffening of the classic straight wall can be achieved by a section of the inner wall. The stiffening is then achieved by creating a rib, i.e. a 'T' shaped wall. The length of such an internal wall depends on the design and calculations, but a fragment of 2 pcs 3E elements, i.e. 140 cm, is usually sufficient. Such a wall can also be included in the internal wall layout.
How often should the 3E wall be braced when not using reinforced concrete?
This depends on the design and calculations, i.e. how high and long the wall is, what loads are coming down from above the structure (e.g. roof structure including self-weight, finishes, wind and snow loads, is there a second floor, type of slab to be supported by the wall). It is also worth considering what the wind forces are in the site area.
As a standard, it is worth remembering that the 3E wall should be stiffened every 5 to 7 meters.
Durable construction thanks to gravity
The walls in SYSTEM 3E require weight or loading on the top which allows for wedging the elements together. Additional weight on the top of the walls allows the unique locks to be locked. This loading can be achieved by using a traditional reinforced concrete ring beam or by using a timber beam as part of the roof structure. The timber beam is anchored in the wall by drilling the bars to 3E elements (min. depth is a 2-layer of 3E elements).
Build smarter with SYSTEM 3E
Would you like to know more about how to correctly design reinforced concrete elements using SYSTEM 3E technology? Contact us to arrange a conversation with structural designer Radosław Krzemiński or architect Norbert Prętnicki, who can also train you in design in SYSTEM 3E.
Are you a contractor and you would like to find out more about SYSTEM 3E's technology and capabilities, please contact one of our consultants or arrange a SYSTEM 3E factory visit. This will allow you to fully explore all the benefits and features of this innovative building system.
