What Is A Autoclaved Aerated Concrete?
What Is A Autoclaved Aerated Concrete?
Autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC) is a type of lightweight, precast concrete made from a mixture of quartz sand, calcined calcium sulfate, lime, cement, water, and aluminum powder. It is cured under heat and pressure in an autoclave and is used to make blocks, wall panels, floor and roof panels, cladding panels and lintels for construction.
AAC materials have several advantages including being resistant to fire and mold, providing structure and insulation, and being easy to cut and shape using standard power tools.
They can be used for both interior and exterior construction and can be painted or coated for protection from the elements or covered with siding materials.
Autoclaved Aerated Concrete Applications
Autoclaved aerated concrete is a building material that is well-suited for use in several different types of construction projects, including:
High-rise frame buildings: Using autoclaved aerated concrete blocks to build internal and external walls has been shown to be economical and reasonable.
Buildings in seismic areas: The lightweight nature of autoclaved aerated concrete makes it resistant to earthquakes and buildings made with this material are less likely to suffer damage during an earthquake compared to brick-concrete buildings.
Buildings in cold areas: Autoclaved aerated concrete has good thermal insulation properties making it an excellent choice for construction in cold climates. A 200mm thick wall made of this material has the same insulation effect as a 490mm thick brick wall.
Buildings on soft foundations: Autoclaved aerated concrete buildings can be built with more stories than other types of buildings on the same foundation making them an economical choice.
Benefits Of Autoclaved Aerated Concrete
Autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC) has been used in construction for over 70 years and has several advantages over other building materials. One of its main benefits is its lower environmental impact. It has improved thermal efficiency, which reduces the heating and cooling load in buildings, and a porous structure that gives it superior fire resistance.
AAC is also easy to work with, allowing for accurate cutting and minimizing the generation of waste during use. Its resource efficiency leads to a lower environmental impact throughout its life cycle, from raw material processing to waste disposal.
It is also lightweight, which saves cost and energy in transportation and labor expenses, and increases the chances of survival during seismic activity. Additionally, larger size blocks allow for faster masonry work and using AAC can reduce project costs for large constructions.
It produces at least 30% less solid waste than traditional concrete and has a 50% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. The blocks are easy to handle due to their lightweight and the material is non-toxic, does not attract pests and is resistant to fire.
Its accuracy allows for less on-site trimming and the need for fewer finishing materials, and it has a long lifespan not degrading under normal climate changes.
Disadvantages Of Autoclaved Aerated Concrete
AAC, or autoclaved aerated concrete, is a building material that has been used for over 70 years. However, it has some disadvantages when used in construction, particularly in the UK where clay brick two-skin construction is more common.
One issue is that AAC can crack after installation if it is not properly handled, such as if it is installed in rainy weather or if the blocks are not kept dry during and after installation. Another issue is that AAC is more brittle than clay bricks and must be handled with more care to avoid breakage.
This can also make it more difficult to attach fixtures like cabinets and wall hangings, as thinner screws and special, large-diameter wall plugs are required. Additionally, AAC may not meet newer insulation requirements in northern European countries, requiring builders to use traditional methods and add an extra layer of insulation to the entire building.
Finally, it is worth considering the environmental impact of manufacturing and transporting AAC, as it has a relatively high carbon footprint compared to other building materials.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (AAC) is a revolutionary building material that offers multiple advantages when it comes to construction. It is eco-friendly, lightweight, and resistant to fire and water.
AAC blocks are an ideal choice for any type of construction project due to their long life expectancy and cost-effectiveness. With its versatility and contemporary aesthetic qualities, the AAC building material will continue to revolutionize the construction industry.
