PorousClayBlock
Mass-lightened clay block. The addition of wood flour to the raw mix creates a dense network of micropores during firing. Combined with the complex geometry of cells, it offers exceptional thermal insulation and massive inertia in a single load-bearing element.
Cross-section of a porous block. The staggered vertical cells force heat into a zigzag path, while micro-pores of burned combustibles provide additional distributed insulation.
The porous block represents the high-tech evolution of the traditional brick. It combines the mechanical strength and secular durability of terracotta with the most modern thermal insulation needs, creating single-layer walls that often do not require an external ETICS coat.
Combustible microparticles mixed into raw clay burn during firing at 1000°C, leaving spherical micro-cavities full of still air. Combined with staggered vertical cells forcing heat into a tortuous zigzag path, this virtually doubles the real insulating thickness.
Unlike dry walls, porous block masonry retains considerable mass, providing exceptional thermal phase shift. Thicker blocks allow single-layer load-bearing walls without added insulation, guaranteeing robust, breathable walls.
Standards
European and international references applicable.
Physical properties
Usage environment
Porous blocks must be cut with diamond disc saws or angle grinders, never with percussion. Mortar joints can be thin-bed (1-3 mm) for rectified blocks, guaranteeing thermal continuity without mortar bridges.
Documented applications
TAV. DnZEB Single-layer Masonry
Thick walls (38-45 cm) plastered internally and externally, meeting thermal requirements without added ETICS.
RC Frame Infill
Closing of openings in reinforced concrete frames, providing lightness and facade acoustic reduction.
Reinforced Masonry
Blocks with vertical channels for steel reinforcement and concrete casting in high seismic zones.
Internal Partitions
Reduced thickness blocks (8-12 cm) for internal divisions, superior to drywall for fixing heavy loads.
Thermal Transmittance 38 cm Wall (U-Value in W/m²K)
TAV. EThe continuous evolution of cell geometry has allowed porous clay blocks to equal modern stratified walls, guaranteeing transmittance well below the regulatory limit for passive houses (nZEB).
Used in these processes
TAV. PUsed in these systems
TAV. SReference regulations
1 normInformational links to the regulatory framework. Always verify the current text on the official source.
Operational documents from this sheet
Specification clauses, site checklists and compliance dossiers generated from the graph — and kept in sync when a cited norm changes. Join the waiting list.
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