Ytong large-format panels - express construction of partition and structural walls
Lack of qualified contractors, time pressure and rising labor costs are the everyday reality of the construction market today. The answer to these challenges are large-format systems, which reduce the number of workers needed and significantly accelerate the implementation of the project. The undisputed leader in the production of large-format wall panels is Xella Poland, which produces two types of cellular concrete wall panels at its plant in Ostroleka: Ytong Panel for partition walls and Ytong Panel SWE for structural walls.
The assembly of the elements is carried out on the basis of an assembly plan delivered to the construction site
© XELLA
Ytong Panel - the fastest system for partition walls
The Ytong Panel system allows you to build partition walls up to three times faster than from small-sized blocks. One worker can install up to 40 m² of walls in a day (for comparison - with 11.5 cm thick blocks this is about 13.3 m² of partition).
The height of Ytong panels is adjusted each time to the height of the floor, which eliminates the need for cutting. Ytong Panel G5/650 elements are produced in thicknesses of 10 cm and 7.5 cm, and their height ranges from 260-300 cm (graded in 2 cm increments).
Ytong Panels are assembled using special carts, and mechanization significantly increases the efficiency of work
© XELLA
It is the combination of the large dimensions of the elements with mechanization of the assembly that makes it possible to reduce the time of construction work - even by 75%. The smooth surface of the panels makes it possible to dispense with plastering and finish the walls with a thin coat, tiles or wallpaper applied directly to the substrate.
Ytong panels are delivered to the construction site at the stage of erecting load-bearing walls, and their installation can be carried out by one person using a special hand or electric truck. This means not only a reduction in execution time, but also a significant reduction in the need for workers - which, in an era of continuous shortage of crews, is a key argument in the choice of technology.
The Ytong Panel system allows partition walls to be erected up to three times faster than with small-size blocks
© XELLA
Excellent sound insulation and safety
Despite their small thickness, Ytong Panel partitions provide high acoustic comfort. Walls with a thickness of 10 cm have a sound insulation RA1 of 41 dB, which is the optimal value for separating rooms from sanitary facilities. On the other hand, 7.5 cm thick panels have a sound insulation RA1 = 37 dB, which is a very good value for partitions between living rooms.
Ytong Panel is a cellular concrete with a density of 650 kg/m³, provides solidity and stability of partitions and allows hanging heavier objects on them. The high fire resistance of EI 60-120 guarantees the safety of users.
The smooth surface of Ytong Panel walls can be finished with a thin-layer coating or with tiles or wallpaper, applied directly to the partition
© XELLA
Ytong Panel SWE - innovative structural panels
Ytong Panel SWE are large-size cellular concrete elements designed for construction of structural walls. Designers select the height of the panels according to the height of a given floor, so that a single element can reach from the floor to the ceiling. The height of the panels ranges from 180 to 300 cm, and the width from 29.9 to 59.9 cm. Available thicknesses are 20 and 24 cm. SWE panels are produced in the P4/500 variety, characterized by a compressive strength of 4 N/mm² and a density of 500 kg/m³.
And the Ytong Panel SWE Ultra+ variant with a thickness of 36.5 cm is designed for the construction of single-layer external walls with a U-value of 0.2 W/(m²K), which means meeting the stringent thermal requirements of the Technical Conditions 2021. The elements are produced with a density class of 300 kg/m³ and have a compressive strength of 2.2 N/mm².
The building structure of Ytong Panel SWE wall panels is developed by the BIM design department of Xella Polska
© XELLA
SWE and SWE Ultra+ panels are the largest cellular concrete wall elements available on the market. They allow walls to be erected in single-family housing (including terraced houses), as well as in industrial and public buildings.
The high dimensional accuracy of the panels speeds up the construction of even and smooth load-bearing walls and facilitates the laying of finishing layers. Walls made of panels, like the material itself, are completely non-combustible - they have a reaction to fire class A1 and fire resistance of EI 360 and REI 240.
A smooth wall surface is easier and cheaper to finish
© XELLA
Instant wall construction
Due to the heavier weight of the elements , Ytong Panel SWE panels are assembled using an autonomous crane or HDS. Three workers are enough to build the walls: two installers and a crane operator. During an 8-hour working day, they are able to erect up to 150 m² of walls, while three masons making walls from small-sized blocks can erect about 40 m². This means nearly four times higher productivity.
Ytong Panel SWE can also be used to erect gable walls in buildings with a usable attic. It is also important to match other elements produced by Xella Polska, such as prefabricated Ytong lintels, fittings or Ytong floor slabs, which allows to build a materially homogeneous structure.
Structure design in BIM
Customers deciding to use Ytong Panel or Ytong Panel SWE large-format systems can benefit from the support of Xella Polska's design department. A detailed structural design of the walls in BIM technology is prepared for each building, along with an installation plan and a 3D model. Xella also offers a contracting service as part of its Construction Services program.
Ytong Panel SWE allows walls to be erected up to 4 times faster than with traditional small-size technologies
© XELLA
Lower carbon footprint of the investment
Ytong's large-size panels are a solution that realistically addresses the construction industry's key problems: lack of manpower, tight schedules and rising costs. Thanks to the large dimensions of the elements, precision workmanship and the possibility of mechanization of installation, Ytong Panel and Ytong Panel SWE systems provide many times faster construction, high technical performance and safety of use.
Large-format Ytong Panels are designed to size for a specific construction site. Cuttings are avoided, as well as environmentally burdensome construction waste. All Ytong materials are produced primarily from natural raw materials. Their unique properties allow the erection of energy-efficient buildings.
For more information, visit the company's Xella Polska page on the A&B portal.
