SILKA calcium silicate elements - Xella UK

2.4.7 Erecting wallsWith a squad consisting of two persons,SILKA calcium silicate elements canbe laid mechanically. One personoperates the crane, picking up strategicallyplaced elements and bringingthem to the wall under construction.The second person sees to the applicationof thin joint mortar to all jointsand ensures that the elements arecorrectly placed. The application ofthin joint mortar must take place withthe aid of the mortar applicator; theslide of this applicator must be set tosize disposing only of a 2 mm mortarbed. The mortar for the vertical jointis applied with the help of a scoop,from the bottom to the top,on thealready adjusted SILKA elements.For elements with a thickness of300 mm, it is recommended that themortar is applied by the personoperating the crane before he cranesthe next block to the wall.If necessary, the placement of theelements could be tightened up withthe use of a heavy rubber hammer toclose the vertical joint. Excess mortarmust be removed with a spack knifeafter it has slightly hardened.2.4.8 Scaffold work and shoringThe SILKA walls can immediately beerected to the full height of the wall.Depending on weather conditions andthe thickness of the walls, it may benecessary to shore walls. The regulationsset by health and safety directivesmust always be adhered with regardto shoring walls as well as scaffoldingwork. During and after construction,the walls must be prevented from fallingdown.Walls falling over or sliding down couldbe caused by wind load (pressure orsuction) or because of impact load,which could take place during, forexample, assembly of floor slabs.Calculations by ‘TGB Steenconstructiesen proefnemingen’(according to European Standard) haveshown that a wall with a height of upto 2.70 m and a thickness of up to214 mm should be supported andproperly shored every 5.00 m until thefloor on top of the walls (or roof constructionrespectively) has been placed.REMARK:Do not apply thethin joint mortarwith the aid of atrowel under anycircumstances.16SILKA Calcium Silicate Elements