Plan, build, feel good

Clay is inspiring

For a research project in Meissen, we developed a modern, industrially manufactured perforated clay block that, due to its high dimensional accuracy and consistent quality, can be used similarly to a fired masonry brick. The facade here was built from matching materials, which are perfect for wall construction. The use of a curtain wall allows for composite-free installation. Materials can be separated by type at the end of the building’s life. Based on the experience gained, we can make initial structural recommendations.

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Building approval
Clay is personal

Planning principles

When planning clay block masonry, certain principles must be observed to ensure safe and efficient execution.

Wet rooms one above the other

Placing wet rooms one above the other is extremely advantageous, as it facilitates the installation and maintenance of water pipes and drains. By vertically aligning bathrooms, kitchens and other wet rooms, pipes can be laid more efficiently and cheaply. This not only reduces material costs, but also minimises potential leaks and water damage, as the pipe systems are more compact and accessible. Any risks of wetting the clay masonry can thus be minimised.

Even load distribution

An even distribution of the load is crucial for the structural integrity of a building. During planning, care should be taken to ensure that walls and supporting elements are arranged on top of each other as far as possible, so that vertical loads are transferred directly downwards. This prevents uneven loads and avoids potential damage to the structure. Furthermore, even load distribution contributes to the long-term stability and safety of the building.

Structural engineering

Thorough structural calculations are essential for any construction project. These calculations ensure that the building can withstand the planned loads and is structurally stable. This includes the analysis of materials, loads and forces that affect the structure. Without careful structural planning, there are risks of structural damage and safety risks. Of course, we are at your disposal for advice in this regard.

Limiting opening widths

Large window openings and projections can weaken the structural strength of a building. To avoid this, opening widths should be limited and windows kept to moderate widths. This reduces the need for additional reinforcements and minimises the risk of cracks in the clay masonry and other damage. It is important to maintain the balance between natural light sources and structural integrity during planning.

Including emergency outlets

Emergency outlet drainage systems can quickly drain excess water in the event of unforeseen water leaks, such as a burst pipe or blocked drain. It is important to make allowance for these at the planning stage so as to protect buildings from water damage. They should be placed strategically, especially in bathrooms and kitchens, to minimise the risk of water damage in the clay masonry.

Measures against moisture

The masonry must be protected from moisture during construction. It is also advisable to place wet rooms on top of each other and to allow for emergency outlets.
Clay is versatile

Areas of application

The use of GIMA clay block masonry is regulated in the building approval/type approval and in ABP P-BWU03-I 17.2.60. The areas of application of DIN 18945:2024-03 “Earth blocks – Requirements, test and labelling” also apply to application class AKII in conjunction with use class 1.

Variants for double-shell masonry:

Structurally protected external masonry

GIMA clay blocks can be used for load-bearing external walls of use class 1. To avoid weather damage, we recommend double-shell masonry. This design provides excellent protection against external environmental influences while at the same time improving the thermal properties of a building. This construction makes the best use of the clay block’s advantages for the indoor climate by regulating moisture and maintaining a pleasant temperature. In addition, the double-shell masonry increases the longevity and resistance of the building.

Fire wall

The fire resistance duration of GIMA clay blocks for load-bearing separating walls meets the requirements for a fire wall of classification REI-M 90 with a minimum thickness of t = 240 mm. The classifications in DIN 18940:2023-06 – “Load-bearing earth block masonry – Construction, design and execution” in fire resistance classes REI 30 (d ≥ 175 mm) and REI 60 (d ≥ 240 mm) stipulate significantly lower fire protection requirements.

Internal masonry

GIMA clay blocks are suitable for both load-bearing and non-load-bearing interior walls. They are suitable for wet rooms and can be used for interior walls in water impact classes W0-I and W1-I according to DIN 18534-1:2017-07. This includes all walls in kitchens and bathrooms as well as wall areas above sinks, bathtubs or showers.

Clay is flexible

Technical details

When building with GIMA clay blocks, some important technical details must be taken into account. The structure and properties of the building material require specific measures crucial to the long-term stability of the masonry.

Plinth waterproofing

The classification of non-load-bearing internal masonry is in accordance with the requirements of DIN 4103-1:2015-05 “Part 1: Requirements and verification”. Accordingly, it is possible to use GIMA clay blocks for a wall thickness d ≥ 115 mm for construction area 1. Constructions with two, three and four-sided mounting are covered. Usability under building regulations is certified by the general building approval certificate P-BWU03-I 17.2.60.

Structural masonry

GIMA clay blocks can be used for both non-load-bearing and load-bearing masonry. They are dimensioned according to DIN 18940: “Load-bearing earth block masonry – Construction, design and execution”.

The following requirements apply to their use according to DIN 18940:

  • Maximum building class 4 (building height up to 13 m)
  • Ceiling span limited to 6 m
  • Adequate vertical and horizontal reinforcements
  • Arrangement of reinforcing elements in the ceiling plane, e.g. ring anchor, ring beam (concrete), ring beam (wood)

Dimensioning is done according to the simplified procedure in DIN EN 1996-3, with the following exceptions:

  • Taking into account moisture effects, ambient moisture factor depending on the installation situation when determining the rated value of compressive strength
  • Durability factor – depending on the combination of effects
  • Reduction for lattice masonry
  • Lower load factor

Non-load-bearing masonry

The classification of non-load-bearing internal masonry is in accordance with the requirements of DIN 4103-1:2015-05 “Part 1: Requirements and verification”. Accordingly, it is possible to use GIMA clay blocks for a wall thickness d ≥ 115 mm for construction area 1. Constructions with two, three and four-sided mounting are covered. Usability under building regulations is certified by the general building approval certificate P-BWU03-I 17.2.60.

Lehm ist wertvoll

The clay block construction site

It is crucial to protect the masonry from moisture during construction. Rain and other weather conditions can affect the clay, so clay blocks should be protected from extreme weather conditions.

Delivery and storage on site

Areas must be provided where the pallets can be stored in a protected location. Suitable weather protection must be provided for the pallets during the construction period. The material must be protected from ground moisture and rain until it is processed. GIMA provides special covers for this purpose, e.g. for open pallets.

Processing on site

Clay is sensitive to rain and water. Water can cause moisture penetration and leaching. On site, clay walls must be covered after construction and at the end of the day. GIMA provides suitable tarpaulins for this purpose as yard goods.

Drying time

Clay construction work should be completed by late summer or, weather permitting, early autumn, so as to prevent frost damage. Under normal conditions (summer building season, normal weather), the clay block (e.g. LZ 24) will require about two to four weeks drying time on site. Clay blocks need sufficient time to dry so as to avoid cracks and other structural problems. Depending on weather conditions and the thickness of the walls, the drying time can be several weeks. To prevent too rapid drying and associated crack formation, construction should be planned in such a way that slow and uniform drying is possible. To prevent uneven drying, make sure the walls are protected from direct sunlight and strong winds.

Ventilation

Adequate air circulation during the drying stage is essential for successful construction. Good ventilation helps to regulate the moisture content in the clay and prevents the growth of mould. In indoor environments in particular, windows and doors should be opened regularly to provide fresh air. In addition, fans or other mechanical ventilation systems can be used to promote air movement and allow uniform drying.

Clay is connecting

The clay system

Like hardly any other wall material, clay blocks can be combined with other natural building materials. We are happy to advise you on products that form a perfect symbiosis with our clay blocks.

Thin-bed clay mortar

Modern thin-bed clay mortar is water-soluble. Our clay blocks can be deconstructed and reused at the end of the building’s life. This completely redefines the environmental performance of these proven and efficient solid construction materials.

Clay plaster

Clay plaster is ideal for internal and external walls as it regulates humidity and improves the indoor climate. Clay plaster acts as a natural humidity regulator by absorbing excess moisture and releasing it again in dry conditions. This contributes to a healthier indoor climate. In addition, clay plaster offers an aesthetically pleasing surface that can be designed in a variety of ways to meet different design requirements.

Insulating materials

When choosing insulation materials, natural and sustainable materials should be preferred. Materials such as wood fibre, hemp, straw, sheep’s wool or cork have excellent insulating properties and fit well with clay buildings. These materials are not only eco-friendly, but also breathable, which helps regulate humidity in the building. The combination of clay blocks with these natural insulating materials improves the energy efficiency of the building and contributes to a pleasant living climate.
Our vision

Building efficiently with clay

"We want to create a building material that is suitable for mass production, can be manufactured industrially and is therefore affordable, and which, as a purely natural product made of 100% clay, also meets the highest sustainability requirements"
Simon Irlbeck
Head of Construction Technology at GIMA
"This product contains absolute availability."
Till Lill
Head of Supertecture and recyclable building pioneer
"Every brick is a piece of earth, with its tone, colour, smell, porosity, mass, texture, that delivers an excellent balance of beauty and performance."
Gjergji Dushniku
Architect and urban planner at ALN - ARCHITEKTURBÜRO LEINHÄUPL + NEUBER GMBH

Adress

Girnghuber GmbH
Ludwig-Girnghuber-Strasse 1
84163 Marklkofen, Germany

 

Telephone: +49 (0) 87 32 / 24 0
Fax: +49 (0) 87 32 / 24 200
info@gima-lehmziegel.de

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