SYSTEM 3E elements are made from a carefully designed blend of natural perlite and mineral binders. While the exact formulation is a proprietary business secret, the mix is engineered to harness the outstanding properties of perlite, ensuring maximum performance across a range of benefits.
Key Properties of SYSTEM 3E Elements:
- Thermal Resistance: Perlite withstands temperatures ranging from 200°C to 900°C, providing superior fire resistance and ensuring structural integrity even under extreme heat.
- Chemical Inertness: Perlite is chemically stable and resistant to most chemicals, making it an ideal material for a wide range of environments.
- Sound Absorption: The material offers excellent sound insulation properties, helping to create quieter, more comfortable living and working spaces.
- Moisture Resistance: SYSTEM 3E elements resist moisture and provide protection against mould, algae, and fungi, ensuring long-term durability and healthy indoor air quality.
- Vapour Permeability: Perlite allows for natural moisture regulation, helping to maintain a stable, healthy indoor climate by preventing condensation and moisture buildup.
- Volumetric Stability: SYSTEM 3E elements retain their shape and integrity over time, offering reliable performance and resilience.
- Pest Resistance: The material provides natural protection against insects and rodents, contributing to the longevity and safety of the building.
Environmental and Health Benefits:
Thanks to its natural composition, SYSTEM 3E elements are non-toxic, making them safe for both human health and the environment. The materials are ecologically friendly, free from harmful chemicals, and help create a healthier indoor environment while reducing the ecological footprint of construction.
In summary, SYSTEM 3E elements combine the unique advantages of perlite with mineral binders to deliver a product that is durable, energy-efficient, and environmentally friendly—providing a safe, sustainable solution for modern construction needs.
What is the Mechanical Performance of SYSTEM 3E Elements?
The mechanical performance of construction materials plays a crucial role in determining their application in the building industry and influencing the durability of structures. The European standards for material use provide design guidelines that are essential when preparing construction projects. These standards help ensure that materials meet specific requirements, which are followed in the design and engineering processes.
Key Mechanical Properties of SYSTEM 3E Elements
The mechanical strength of SYSTEM 3E EKO+ elements is defined by various performance parameters, which are essential for assessing their suitability in different structural applications. The data provided below compares the mechanical properties of SYSTEM 3E elements with other common construction materials, such as autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC), ceramic bricks, and silicate blocks.
Compressive Strength
The standardised compressive strength (fb) and characteristic strength (fk) of SYSTEM 3E elements are comparable to those of structures made with autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC). This ensures that SYSTEM 3E elements are strong enough to be used in load-bearing walls for both external and internal applications in various types of buildings.
Flexural and Shear Strength
When it comes to flexural strength (both perpendicular (fxk) and parallel (fxk||) to the plane) and shear strength (fvk), SYSTEM 3E elements exceed or match the performance of other high-strength materials, such as silicate and ceramic blocks. These superior flexural and shear strength properties ensure that SYSTEM 3E elements provide robust and stable structures, even under stress.
Performance in Real-World Applications
The values presented are based on testing reports from model structures constructed with SYSTEM 3E elements. These tests serve as the foundation for designing structures in compliance with the Eurocode 6 standards, which are the current guidelines for designing masonry structures within the EU.
Conclusion:
With comparable or superior strength properties in key areas such as compressive, flexural, and shear strength, SYSTEM 3E EKO+ elements are well-suited for use in load-bearing walls in a variety of residential and commercial buildings. These elements not only meet the required structural standards but also provide high durability, ensuring that SYSTEM 3E technology can be used for single-family homes, multi-family buildings, and beyond—across the entire European Union.