BRIEF ABOUT AAC CEMENT BLOCKS?

What are AAC blocks?

When you use eco-friendly construction materials for your dream home, you are not only helping to save the environment, but you are also lowering your overall construction costs. Autoclaved aerated concrete blocks (AAC blocks or bricks) are deemed superior to other novel construction materials utilised around the world, such as burnt clay bricks, which are environmentally hazardous. In India, the advantages of AAC blocks as a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional building materials are widely recognised. In this post, we will discuss AAC blocks and their benefits and drawbacks in the construction of houses. AAC blocks are precast, foam concrete, and environmentally friendly building material made from quartz sand, calcined gypsum, lime, portland cement, water, and aluminium powder aggregates. The concrete is autoclaved under heat and pressure after mixing and moulding, giving it its particular qualities. Due to their great strength, load-bearing, and thermal insulating capabilities, AAC bricks are in high demand.

What are the advantages of AAC blocks?

In today's world, when the necessity of environmental conservation is being recognised worldwide, the building industry has seen technological improvements, including the usage of new and sustainable construction materials. The following are some of the benefits of AAC bricks:

Better workability and faster construction- Traditional bricks are typically 50% lighter and 10 times larger than AAC blocks. This one-of-a-kind property makes installation a breeze and provides the needed flexibility, making changes, cutting, and shaping a breeze. AAC blocks feature fewer joints and uniform dimensions, making them easier to lay and speeding up the construction process. Finally, the lightweight blocks are simple to carry, which helps to reduce overall logistics and shipping expenses when compared to typical brick transportation costs.

Earthquake-resistant- buildings are often built to withstand vertical forces such as self-weight and gravity. Horizontal forces, such as those induced by earthquakes, are also present. During the production process, the AAC blocks obtain a high level of strength, ensuring the finished structure's endurance. As a result, constructions made of AAC bricks can withstand larger seismic loads than ones made of traditional bricks.

Thermal insulation and energy-efficiency- The substance has small air pockets, and hydrogen is used to foam the concrete, providing it exceptional heat insulation properties that allow for mild winter temperatures and cool summer ones. As a result, it can help you save up to 25% on your air conditioning bills. AAC blocks are energy-efficient throughout their lifecycle because they require less energy to manufacture.

Fire-resistant - In comparison to conventional building materials, the material is non-combustible and provides fire resistance of up to six hours depending on block thickness and up to 1,200 degrees Celsius. As a result, it is also significant from the standpoint of fire safety.

Sustainable and cost-effective - AAC blocks are created from non-toxic, natural raw materials, and the manufacturing process produces very little waste. Some of the debris or offcuts can be recycled or turned into aggregates. Because it is made of non-biodegradable materials, it is sturdy and solid, and it resists rot and mould. AAC blocks are also cost-effective because they are lightweight, energy-efficient, and simple to install.

Compressive strength is high - The block's typical compressive strength is 3 to 5 N/mm2. As a result, it is far stronger and better than bricks of comparable density.

Pest-resistant - AAC blocks are made of inorganic components that help to keep pests like termites and rats out of the structure.

Soundproof - AAC blocks' lightweight and porous nature allow for significant sound attenuation. As a result, the material is commonly utilised in the construction of studios, hotels, and hospitals, among other things.

Moisture-proof - Moisture can wreak havoc on a building. Water absorption is low in AAC blocks because of the macro-pores. As a result, they offer improved moisture protection. 

Construction businesses in India are looking for AAC block manufacturers since this new-age building material outperforms traditional bricks for a variety of reasons. For starters, bricks are heavier, resulting in more costs and waste when used in building construction. Furthermore, increased kiln fuel prices may have an impact on overall costs. AAC blocks, on the other hand, are compact and portable. Because AAC blocks are about 80% lighter than standard red bricks, they require less cement and steel, resulting in cost savings. Furthermore, because AAC blocks are environmentally benign, they provide higher durability and sound and heat insulation than bricks.