Advantages And Disadvantages of AAC Blocks

1. Eco-Friendly and Sustainable

The main ingredient of AAC blocks is industrial waste material fly ash (60% of its weight), which takes care of the issues concerned with its disposal.
Other materials like cement, lime, gypsum, and aluminum powder which are non-toxic and no emitting any harmful gases.
The residue of the manufacturing process is also recyclable with raw materials and used again. And no virtual wastage at the construction site also.
Less energy consumption during manufacturing process consumptions compared to the production of other materials makes the ACC Blocks eco-friendly and sustainable.
When the final product is ready, it’s volume thrice of the materials used, making it extremely resource-efficient and environmentally friendly.

2. Lightweight

The density of AAC Blocks usually ranges between 550 kg/cum – 650 kg/ cum which is about 1/3^rd that of red bricks (clay bricks).
So that AAC blocks are 3 to 4 times lighter than bricks, 30% lighter than that of concrete due to possessing of a cellular structure created during the manufacturing process.
So that the effective dead load of the building reduced.
Lower dead loads allowing to the construction of taller buildings. Less effective dead load cause to reduce the foundation and construction investment costs by about 27%, and save 5% on the comprehensive costs

3. Thermally Insulated & Energy Efficient

Aluminum reacts with Calcium Hydroxide in presence of water and releases hydrogen gas, leads to the millions of tiny cells formation.
The cell’s size is about 2- 5mm so that its heat conductivity coefficient (K) about 0.15 w/m-k, making self-heat insulation.
Thus, the AAC block has exceptional thermal insulating properties and light-weighted.
Due to lower thermal conductivity of the AAC blocks maintain the inner temperature nearly at standard room temperature, so less use of air conditioner and blower ultimately leads to savings the energy efficiently.

4. Fire Resistant

The AAC blocks making ingredients are all inorganic and non-combustible. This means they will not produce poisonous gases and fire-resistant up to 1600°C.
The fire resistance duration depends on the thickness of the wall, a 100mm thick wall can withstand up to 4 hours of direct exposure, thus meeting building codes for building fire protection.

5. Sound Proof

As the AAC block has numerous tiny interior air holes results in enhanced sound and acoustic absorption.
It offers sound attenuation of about 40-50 dB, blocking out all major sounds and disturbances which makes it an ideal material for the construction of walls in auditorium, hotels, hospitals, schools, offices, multi-family housing, and other structures that require acoustic insulation.

6. Easy to Use and Having Design Flexibility

As the variable sizes of blocks available for construction so that a lesser number of joints in the masonry wall.
AAC blocks come with larger sizes equal to multiple clay bricks, which means continuous masonry can be carried out without the limitations of a 1m height.
The lighter weight of the blocks makes it easier to handle and place results in faster construction work as the installation time is significantly reduced due to a lesser number of blocks and a small number of additive materials also, resulting in reduced time-to-finish.
AAC blocks can be easily cut, drilled, nailed, milled, and grooved to fit individual requirements.

7. Seismic Resistant

The light weight property of blocks reduces the mass of a structure.
As the impact of the earthquake is directly proportional to the weight of the building, the building constructed using AAC blocks is more reliable and safer thus decreasing the impact of an earthquake on a building.
Non-combustible nature provides an advantage against fires, which commonly accompany earthquakes.

8. Moisture Resistance

Permeability is contributed by open holes which form capillary tube but in AAC blocks having millions of independent closed air holes ranging in diameter from 1-2 mm inside.
Thereby, AAC blocks is to effectively prevent water diffusion.
The permeability resistance of these blocks is about 85% higher than clay brick walls.

9. Economy

AAC blocks are lightweight, it helps to decrease the load on reinforced concrete blocks by 10%-15% reduce foundation cost and allow to construct more stories and reducing the investment costs.
As the AAC blocks having uniform shapes so less materials required for plastering. Plastering done by easy way and fast in the surface of AAC blocks walls, which also saves material and labour costs.
Due to thermal insulating property can be reduce the electricity.
Large size leading to a smaller number of joints so construction is fast and also reduce the consumption of mortar.
Overall, the use of AAC blocks is 30% economical than other materials in the construction cost. it also helps to

10. Great ventilation

AAC blocks material has a very porous structure and allows diffusion of water. This reduces the presence of humidity inside the building and absorb moisture and get great ventilation.

11. Pest Resistance –

Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (AAC) Block does not consist of the organic material in its constituents that leads to preventing/avoiding termites, damages, or losses.

12. Long-Lasting

AAC blocks are highly superior in terms of strength. A higher level of strength of AAC blocks gives higher stability to the structure of the building. AAC is manufactured from non-biodegradable materials, which neither rot nor attract mould, keeping interiors clean and durable.

13. Perfect Size and Shape

The manufacturing process of AAC Blocks ensures constant and consistent dimensions by cutting the blocks with machines. Advanced manufacturing technique and the equipment ensure the dimension precision is within ±1.5mm margin of error in terms of length, width, and height. Internal walls can be finished by a direct thick layer of plaster of paris, thus eliminating the need for plastering.