AAC blocks aka autoclaved aerated concrete blocks are a precast, foam concrete, sustainable construction material made from aggregates of quartz sand, calcined gypsum, lime, portland cement, water and aluminium powder. AAC bricks are in high demand, owing to their high strength, load-bearing and thermal insulation properties.
By choosing eco-friendly construction materials for building your dream house, you are not just doing your bit to conserve the environment but also saving on your overall construction costs. Among the innovative construction materials used across the world, AAC blocks are considered superior to other conventional materials like burnt clay bricks that cause environmental hazards.
AAC block: Features
| Colour | Greyish-white |
| Weight | 50% lighter than red bricks |
| Fire Resistance | Between two and six hours, based on the thickness |
| Energy Efficiency | 25% reduction in air-conditioning costs |
| Thermal Efficiency | Three times higher than clay bricks |
| Water Absorption | About 10% of its weight |
| Sound Insulation | 42 dB (approximately) |
| Affordable Cost | Nearly one-third of the cost of regular bricks |
In today’s times when the world is realizing the importance of environmental conservation, the construction sector has also witnessed technological advancements, including the use of innovative and sustainable construction materials. Here are some of the advantages of AAC blocks:
Better workability and faster construction
AAC blocks are about 50% lighter and 10 times larger than traditional bricks. This unique property facilitates easy installation and gives the desired flexibility that makes adjustments, cutting, shaping, etc., quite easy compared to regular bricks. AAC blocks have fewer joints and consistent dimensions, thereby, ensuring ease of laying and making the construction process faster. Lastly, the lightweight blocks are easy to transport, which helps to save on the overall logistics and shipping costs, as compared to the costs involved in the transportation of traditional bricks.
Earthquake-resistant
Generally, buildings are designed to handle vertical forces, such as self-weight and gravity. However, there are also horizontal forces, such as those caused by earthquakes. The AAC blocks gain a high level of strength during the manufacturing process, giving durability to the finished structure. Thus, structures made with AAC bricks are capable of handling higher seismic loads, compared to structures with conventional bricks.
Thermal insulation and energy-efficiency
The material contains small air pockets and hydrogen is used to foam the concrete, thus, giving it an excellent heat insulation property that allows temperatures to be warm in winters and cool in summers. Therefore, it can significantly lower your air-conditioning costs by about 25%. AAC blocks are energy-efficient across their lifecycle, as their production involves less energy consumption.
Fire-resistant
The AAC block material is non-combustible and provides fire resistance of up to six hours, depending on the block thickness and up to 1,200 degrees Celsius, compared to other building materials. Thus, it also has importance from a fire safety point of view.
Sustainable and affordable
AAC blocks are made from natural and non-toxic raw materials and their manufacturing process generates minimum waste. Some of the waste generated can be recycled or used in aggregates. As it is made from non-biodegradable materials, it makes the building durable and stable, preventing rot or mold. Furthermore, being lightweight, energy-efficient and easy to install, AAC blocks also minimize the labor costs.
Pest-resistant
AAC blocks are prepared from inorganic materials, which help in protecting the structure from pests such as termites, rodents, etc.
Soundproof
The lightweight and porous structure of AAC blocks enables high sound reduction. For this reason, the AAC block material is widely used in the construction of studios, hotels, hospitals, etc.
Moisture-proof
Moisture can severely damage a structure. The macro-pores inside AAC blocks ensure low absorption of water. Thus, they provide better moisture protection.
In conclusion-
When it comes to small-scale building projects, red bricks may still find their importance. However, for large-scale residential, commercial and infrastructure projects, AAC blocks provide greater benefits and play a significant role in controlling the environmental damage caused due to construction using outdated building materials.
