AAC Blocks Civil Engineering | Buzzfeed

ACC stands for Autoclaved Aerated Concrete, is a Lightweight, Load-bearing, High-insulating, Durable building product, which is produced in a wide range of sizes  & strengths. 

The construction industry is transforming day by day there are huge researches & inventions are being invented to construct the modern infrastructures for a modern world. 

The ACC blocks technology was developed in 1924 in Sweden & it has become one of the most used building materials in Europe and is rapidly growing in many other countries around the world. Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (ACC) is a thermally insulated concrete based material. It is used in both internal and external construction. This is relatively a new product that is being integrated into the construction process.

In this article, we are going to learn about ACC blocks, there advantages disadvantages & scope in the construction industry. 

Advantages of ACC Blocks

i). Fire resistant: 

Depending upon the thickness of the Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (AAC) Blocks, they offer fire resistance from 2 hours up to 6 hours. These blocks are highly suitable for the areas where fire safety is of great priority.

ii). Soundproof:

The porous structure of the AAC blocks results in enhanced sound absorption. The Sound Transmission Class (STC) rating of the AAC blocks up to 45 db. Thus, AAC blocks have been the most ideal material for the construction of walls in auditorium, hotels, hospitals, studios, etc.

iii). Time saver: 

Use of ACC blocks is the best time saver for large structures, as well as small structures because of their large dimensions as the comparison to Red clay brick. As the AAC block is very easy to handle, manipulate and use ordinary tools for cutting the wood such as the drill, band saws, etc. could be easily used to cut and align the AAC. Moreover, the AAC blocks come in larger sizes and fewer joints. This ultimately results in faster construction work as the installation time is significantly reduced due to fewer amounts of blocks and the masonry amount involved is also lowered resulting into reduced time-to-finish.

iv). Economical: 

AAC block weighs almost around 80% less as compared to the conventional red brick ultimately resulting into great reduction of deadweight. Further, the reduced deadweight results in the reduction of the use of cement and steel which helps greatly in cost savings. Using ACC blocks can reduce the cost of labors & plaster. 

v). Moisture resistant: 

In, India there is a huge problem of dampness during the rain season & the unskilled contractors construct the individual's houses with the worst materials. Moisture from both external and internal sources can cause damage to buildings, therefore, moisture protection is a primary consideration. 

External moisture sources include rain and water from the soil. Internal moisture, usually in the form of humidity, can cause condensation on the surface of the walls as well as condensation inside the wall itself. 

AAC has a very porous structure which is characterized by "macro" pores. Macropores are small air bubbles evenly distributed throughout the material. Therefore, absorption of water into the AAC material is minimal.

vi). Easy to use in construction:

The process of manufacturing AAC Blocks ensures constant and consistent dimensions. Factory finished blocks provide a uniform base for economical application of a variety of finishing systems. Internal walls can be finished by direct P.O.P., thus eliminating the need for plastering.

vii). High Compressive Strength: 

The block has an average compressive strength of (3-4.5) N/mm³ which is superior to most types of lightweight blocks, 25% stronger than other products of the same density.

viii). Rapid Assembly: 

Due to the perfection in the size of an ACC block, they tend to assemble rapidly with the smaller number of labors. Labors can assemble the blocks with the best quality as there shape & size. 

Disadvantages of ACC Blocks

i). Due to lack of manufacturer, the cost will be going to so high for transportations & safety of blocks. 

ii). These bocks are not to found easily you have to travel long distances to find such blocks, then you have to take them to the construction site with safety this make them more costly. 

iii). Contractors are not familiar with that type of construction you have to find the skilled contractors or organization as well as professional civil engineers. 

iv). For this kind of construction, you may have to take permission of development authority. 

Price of ACC Blocks in India

For the size of 12"x4"x2" you have to pay around 35INR. 

Engineering Specifications

i). Basic Raw materials: Cement, fly-ash, foam chemical compounds, water, aggregates and etc. 

ii). Dry Density: 750 to 800 kg/m3

iii). Thermal conductivity: 800kg/m3

iv). Water absorption: 12% for 800kg/m3