WHAT IS AAC?

Autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC) is a light precast foam concrete building material. It is made with a combination of cement, fine aggregates and a chemical that give rise to the fresh mixture like bread dough. This type of concrete actually contains 80 percent air. The material is then moulded and cut into slabs of fixed dimensional units. The panels of AAC are joined with thin bed mortar and are then used for floors, roofs and walls.

The Advantages of Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (AAC) are:

● Possess significant advantages over other cement construction materials. In fact AAC combines insulation and structural capability in one material for use on walls, floors, and roofs.

● AAC is resource efficient and has a lesser environmental impact in all phases of its life cycle from the processing of raw materials to the disposal of waste. It helps to reduce at least 30% of environmental waste and also a decrease of 50% of greenhouse gas emissions.

● The material’s workability allows for design and construction flexibility and the ability to make easy adjustments. It is easy to cut, to shave and shape and readily accept nails and screws, thus reducing the creation of solid waste.

● Reduces the cost of projects as its light weight and cellular properties save cost & energy in transportation, labour expenses, and increase chances of survival during seismic activity.

● Concrete blocks made of ALC weigh about one-fifth of typical concrete and since it is such a lightweight material and easy to work with, the assembly is much quicker and smoother.

● Produced in sizes that are easy to handle for quick construction. The material can be cut to size on site using conventional carbon steel power tools with the larger sized blocks leading to faster masonry work. The panels and blocks are produced to the exact sizes needed before they even leave the factory. There is less need for on¬-site trimming. Since the blocks and panels fit so well together due to lesser number of joints, there is a reduced need for mortar.

● AAC is also a great energy saver as its enhanced thermal efficiency, makes it an excellent insulator, allowing for easier maintenance of the interiors of building by reducing the heating and cooling load in buildings. Better thermal efficiency makes it suitable for use in areas with extreme temperature as it eliminates the need for separate materials for construction and insulation leading to faster construction and more savings.

● Inorganic and its porous structure giving it superior fire resistance properties. Since it is also non¬-combustible, it will not burn nor give off toxic fumes and there are also no other toxic gases or toxic substances in AAC.

● Great acoustic performance and can be used as a very effective sound barrier or dampener, both from external noises and from other rooms.

● Good ventilation, is very airy, absorbs moisture and allows for the evaporation of water, reducing humidity within the building and this helps to prevent condensation and mildew ¬related problems. AAC are capable of resisting water corrosion, rot, mold, mildew, insects and pests.

● AAC is usually applied with polymer modified stucco, natural or manufactured stone, or siding with bricks or vinyl to make it more durable and it will not affected by harsh climates or extreme changes in weather conditions nor will it degrade under normal climate changes.