Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (AAC) Blocks – Pros, Cons and Technical Specifications

There are many advantages of AAC blocks over the traditional bricks. Some of them are:

• Light weightiness: One of the biggest features of AAC blocks is its light weight. These blocks possess a cellular structure created during the manufacturing process. Millions of tiny air cells impart AAC blocks very light weight structure. The density of these lightweight blocks usually ranges between 550 – 650 kg/m³ making them lighter than water.
  
  
• Savings on Building Materials: AAC blocks are almost 80% lighter than conventional bricks or blocks which results into decrease the dead load of building and gradually decrease quantity of cement, aggregate, reinforcement used in building construction.
  
  
• Earthquake Resistant: As the impact of the earthquake is directly proportional to the weight of the building so the building constructed using AAC blocks are more reliable and safer.
  
  
• Faster Construction: As AAC blocks are larger in size, easy to handle and light weight so the speed of construction will be faster than conventional bricks.
  
  
• Fire Resistance: AAC blocks offer great fire resistance from 2hrs-6hrs depending on the thickness of blocks. The areas at which there is high priority for fire resistance AAC blocks are the best example.
  
  
• Good Compressive Strength: AAC blocks have average compressive strength 3-4.5 N/sq.mm which is greater than conventional red clay bricks.
  
  
• Superior Strength: High level strength of blocks gives higher stability to building structure, AAC blocks are highly superior in terms of strength
  
  
• Resistant to termite attacks: Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (AAC) Block consist of the inorganic material in its constitution which helps to avoid termites attacks that happen in the case of clay bricks.
  
  
• Sound Proof: AAC blocks have been an ideal material for the construction of walls in the auditorium, hotels, hospitals, studios, etc. The Sound Transmission Class rating of the AAC block is up to 45 db.
  
  
• Attractive Appearance: AAC Blocks have an attractive appearance and are readily adaptable to any style of architecture. Almost any design can be achieved with AAC.
  
  
• Low Water Absorption: AAC blocks have lots of “macro pores” in which air bubbles are evenly distributed  and not interconnected. Hence, absorption of water into AAC material is minimal.
  
  
• Less Pollution: AAC is a non-toxic product which does not pollute the air, land or water. During the manufacturing process, waste from the cutting process is recycled back into raw materials and used again causing lesser pollution.