U-shaped formwork blocks made of aerated concrete, also known as U-bricks or U-elements, are U-shaped. These U-shaped blocks provide insulating formwork for the concrete lintel. Using aerated concrete U-bricks prevents thermal bridges, as aerated concrete is an excellent insulating building material. They are used in reinforced concrete ring beams or as lintels above window and door openings. The advantage of using U-shaped blocks is that you can install them yourself on-site. This eliminates the need to lift heavy lintels into place with a crane.
In addition, U-shaped elements can also be used to clad columns or pipe ducts. U-shaped elements are available as individual elements, each 600mm (60cm) long. This makes them easy to install yourself. Because we manufacture the U-shaped elements ourselves in our aerated concrete sawmill, we can order U-shaped elements for virtually any wall thickness and height.
Order the standard U-shells here
- U-scale 150mm
- U-scale 175mm
- U-scale 200mm
- U-scale 240mm
- U-scale 300mm
- U-shell 365mm with insulation
- U-shell 400mm with insulation
- U-shell 425mm with insulation
- U-shell 500mm with insulation
Benefits of scaling you:
- Easy to install yourself
- Insulating formwork of the concrete lintel
- Lightweight and handy elements of 600 mm long
- All wall thicknesses possible thanks to customization
- Preventing cold bridges
U-elements are suitable for:
- Reinforced concrete ring beams
- Lintels
- Cladding for columns
- Tubes for pipes
Construction of a reinforced concrete ring beam or lintel
To ultimately load the U-shaped structure, it must be constructed with (construction) concrete and steel. A reinforcement cage or steel profile, such as an HEA, HEB, or IPE, can be used in the core of the U-shaped structure. The type of reinforcement is best assessed by a structural engineer. For lintels, the U-shaped structure can be fitted with a layer of insulation for improved thermal values. This is mounted inside the U-shaped structure on the exterior/exterior facade. (see drawing) Once the reinforcement and insulation are in place, the concrete can be poured.
How do I make a lintel myself?
By creating a temporary support, using wooden beams and slats, the aerated concrete U-shaped shells are placed on top. The U-shaped shell can then be fitted with a reinforcement cage or steel beam to reinforce the structure. You can purchase these yourself. Afterward, insulation can be installed if desired. Finally, the U-shaped shell can be filled with structural concrete. It's important to use the correct concrete for this to ensure a strong structure.
- Determining the length of the lintel
The length is determined by the clear opening and the support. The clear opening is the opening from wall to wall. The support is the length of the lintel that rests on the wall. A structural engineer can tell you how long the support should be.
- Reinforcement
The aerated concrete U-shaped structure requires steel to provide strength to the lintel; this is also called reinforcement. A reinforcement cage consists of rebar rods, and the top and bottom reinforcement is held in place by brackets, also made of rebar. It's important that the reinforcement/rebar has sufficient coverage, meaning there must be at least 15 to 20 mm of concrete along the steel. Insufficient coverage can lead to concrete rot if moisture penetrates, potentially leading to cracking.
- Aerated concrete U-shells already offer good thermal insulation, and the U-shaped aerated concrete elements can prevent cold bridges. Insulation can be applied to U-shells of 365, 400, and 500 mm. This additional insulation will provide better thermal insulation. The insulation is placed on the outside of the U-shell and glued to prevent shifting during the concrete pour.
- Support
A temporary support will need to be constructed at the location where the lintel is to be placed. This is necessary for the entire structure to be erected. This support can be made of wooden beams, also called rafters.
- Start by placing two horizontal beams, and then place sheet material or plywood on top. Make the plywood 5cm wider on each side than the U-shaped bracket. Make sure the top edge of the plywood is level with the wall's support surfaces.
- Next, place the vertical beams beneath the horizontal beams, ensuring the beams are spaced no more than 50 meters apart. For additional stability, braces can be added, these are diagonally placed beams or battens.
- Now the U-shaped panels can be placed on the plywood and bonded together with aerated concrete adhesive. Then screw a strip of wood onto the plywood and against the U-shaped panel on both sides. This will keep everything aligned and prevent the U-shaped panel from shifting during pouring.
- Placing reinforcement and insulation.
- Concrete pouring
- To cover
Can U-shells also be combined with other building materials?
Aerated concrete U-shaped walls can be combined with other building materials such as Poriso, brick, sand-lime brick, and concrete walls. It's important that a lintel above a door or window opening is well insulated to prevent insulation leaks, also known as thermal bridges. After installing the U-shaped walls, the wall can be finished. Aerated concrete is ideal for finishing plaster, for example.
A structural engineer can advise you on the type and dimensions of reinforcement required for your structure.
What can I make with a U-shaped scale? What do you use a U-shaped scale for?
U-shells can be used for:
- Lintels
- Ring beams are reinforcement beams placed on top of a wall. They connect and strengthen the entire structure.
- Columns
- Cladding of columns
Benefits of making your own lintel
- No crane needed to move heavy concrete beams
- You save money
- You can decide for yourself whether or not to install insulation
- You can determine the length of the lintel yourself, so you do not have to be guided by the standard dimensions of lintels
What is a lintel?
A lintel is a type of beam that spans a window or door opening. A distinction is made between load-bearing and non-load-bearing lintels. Non-load-bearing lintels serve only as filler above a window or door opening. No structure may rest on them.
The load-bearing lintels serve as filler and support the structure above the door or window opening. Load-bearing lintels are designed with a larger reinforcement cage than a non-load-bearing lintel.
Always seek technical advice from a structural engineer regarding dimensions and reinforcement.
U-shell with insulation
In addition to our standard U-shaped shells, we also offer U-shaped shells with an insulation layer. These are EPS insulation panels that we've already installed for you. The advantage is that you don't need to purchase additional adhesive to attach the insulation to the aerated concrete.
Order U-shell with insulation:
- U-shell 365mm with insulation
- U-shell 400mm with insulation
- U-shell 425mm with insulation
- U-shell 500mm with insulation
U-shell including construction concrete
The U-shaped shells must be filled with concrete. Not all concrete types are suitable for this. Constructive concrete is required to create lintels. This is specifically formulated for this type of application. Ask your structural engineer about the concrete quality.
U-shell is supplied without reinforcement steel
Our U-shaped claddings are supplied without reinforcement. Because every construction project is different, it's important for the construction to carefully consider the reinforcement. A local structural engineer can advise you on what reinforcement is needed for your construction project.
