Guidelines for Professionals

Construction & Installation Guidelines

Correct installation of the System 3E construction system ensures stability and the best thermal performance.

1. First Layer Installation (On Foundation)

Accurate alignment of the first block layer is of critical importance in ensuring the straightness and quality of the wall. Follow the steps below:

01

Axis Marking

Establish the axes of the future walls on the foundation and verify the diagonals. If the level difference at specific points exceeds 30 mm, perform necessary leveling beforehand.

02

Waterproofing

Apply horizontal waterproofing (e.g., SBS or special roll material) to the foundation to protect the wall structure from capillary rising moisture.

03

First Layer Mortar

Apply a leveling and foundation mortar layer under the first course. We recommend cement mortars with strength classes M5 to M10.

04

Corner Installation

Start laying the elements from the corners on a 10–30 mm mortar layer. Ensure proper vertical and horizontal alignment and secure blocks against displacement.

05

Level Verification

Use a mason's line and a level (or builder's level/nivellier) to check and control the level and height between corner blocks and first-row elements.

06

Row Completion

Place the intermediate blocks between the corners. Ensure the upper surface of the elements is at the exact same height before starting the next layer.

2. Mortarless Dry Wall Assembly using "click-click" Method

Once the mortar of the first layer has cured, construction continues completely dry (without glue or mortar).

  • Cleaning: Before laying a new layer, ensure the upper surfaces and locks of the blocks are completely clean of dust and debris.
  • Dry Assembly: Place the blocks mechanically on top of each other and lock them with light taps of a rubber mallet.
  • Tools: Always use a rubber mallet. Avoid heavy steel and hard tools that can damage the perlite element surface or locks.
  • Sequence: Install the elements of each layer starting from the corners and proceed along the building perimeter.

NOTE: When installing blocks, direct the mechanical pressure (rubber mallet taps) only to the side surfaces (smooth sides of the block). Avoid hitting the upper and lower profiled locks directly to preserve their geometric stability.

Dry wall assembly

3. Creating Grooves and Recesses for Installations

Grooves and recesses for building services (cables, pipes, etc.) must not compromise the stability of the SYSTEM 3E wall. Eurocode 6 (standard EN 1996-1-1) defines the maximum dimensions for vertical and horizontal grooves that are excluded from structural calculations:

Section Type (without plaster) Max Depth of Vertical/Inclined Chases [mm] Max Width of Vertical Chases [mm] Max Depth of Horizontal Chases [mm] Max Length of Horizontal Chases [mm]
SYSTEM 3E EKO+ (352 mm) 30 mm 200 mm 20 mm up to 1250 mm
SYSTEM 3E INTERNAL (175 mm) 20 mm 100 mm 10 mm up to 1000 mm

4. Load Tables for Fixings and Anchors

Special anchors have been tested for attaching heavy objects, window and door frames, and facade elements into the SYSTEM 3E perlite wall. Use Rawlplug or Hilti screw anchors and plugs using the non-impact drilling method.

Single and Multipoint Fixing Anchors

(Applications: windows, doors, shelves, cabinets, railings, garage doors, etc.)

Type / Manufacturer Hole Diameter [mm] Embedment Depth [mm] Allowable Load [kN] Edge Distance [mm] Anchor Spacing [mm]
Rawlplug R-FF1-N-08 8 mm 70 mm 0.34 kN (~34 kg) 100 mm 250 mm
Rawlplug R-FF-N-10 10 mm 70 mm 0.15 kN (~15 kg) 100 mm 250 mm
Hilti HRD-H 10 mm 50 mm 0.22 kN (~22 kg) 100 mm 250 mm
Hilti HUD-L 10 mm 70 mm 0.19 kN (~19 kg) 100 mm 250 mm

Advanced Chemical Anchors (Heavier Loads)

(Applications: stairs, canopies, large facade structures, sanitary equipment, etc.)

Chemical Anchor / Threaded Rod Hole Diameter [mm] Embedment Depth [mm] Allowable Load [kN] Edge Distance [mm] Anchor Spacing [mm]
Rawlplug R-KEM-II + rod R-STUDS-08110 (M8) 10 mm 80 mm 0.27 kN (~27 kg) 100 mm 250 mm
Rawlplug R-KEM-II + rod R-STUDS-10130 (M10) 12 mm 85 mm 0.23 kN (~23 kg) 100 mm 250 mm
Rawlplug R-KEM-II + rod R-STUDS-12160 (M12) 14 mm 95 mm 0.31 kN (~31 kg) 100 mm 250 mm
Hilti HY 170 + HAS-U M8x80 10 mm 60 mm 0.31 kN (~31 kg) 100 mm 250 mm
Hilti HY 170 + HAS-U M8x150 10 mm 120 mm 1.39 kN (~139 kg) 100 mm 250 mm

5. Reinforcements and Finishing Layers

Opening Reinforcement

To reinforce the inner corners of window and door openings, it is recommended to use fiberglass mesh in three directions (horizontally, diagonally, and vertically). This protects the finish from potential micro-cracks.

Internal Finish

Walls are finished internally with a thin plaster layer (gypsum, lime, or cement-lime plaster). Before plastering, the surface of the perlite blocks must be treated with a primer or deep primer.

External Finish

On the building's exterior, a layer of cement or cement-lime adhesive mortar is applied across the entire wall surface with embedded reinforcing fiberglass mesh. The wall is then finished with decorative plaster or facade cladding.