Foundations – Cost and Time Benefits of Using Aircrete Foundations

By using Celcon Foundation blocks up to 12% can be saved on the cost of foundations per house. This can be achieved due to the laying rate of our Foundation blocks which is almost twice as fast as two skins of 100mm dense concrete blocks and up to four times faster than bricks. The weight of a Celcon block is less than half that of a dense aggregate concrete block, therefore Celcon blocks are easily handled and laid, offering considerable improvements in productivity.

Independent Research

Research by leading surveyors, Davis, Langdon and Everest* showed that a 12% saving is possible. The results were based on the following analysis:

Aggregate Foundations and Aircrete to Aircrete Foundations

2 leaves of 100mm thick solid dense aggregate pre-cast concrete blockwork of 7.0 N/mm² strength in cement/sand mortar (1:3)
75mm wide cavity with stainless steel wall ties
cavity filled with lean concrete
Cost per m²:£40.25

Aircrete

275mm Celcon Foundation blocks laid
cement/sand mortar (1:4)
Cost per m²: £35.50       

* Davis Landon & Everest, March 2002. Rates were applicable to the Midlands area in October 2001. Rates include profit and overhead but no allowance for preliminaries.

Main Benefits of Celcon Foundation Blocks

• One Foundation block replaces 12 bricks or two 100mm aggregate blocks
• No wall ties or lean mix required
• Footings can be back filled as soon as the installation is complete
• Can reduce ground floor heat loss and need for further insulation
• Resistant to sulphate attack in up to class 4 soil conditions

This information has been sourced, reviewed and adapted from materials provided by H + H Celcon.

For more information on this source, please visit H + H Celcon.