Advantages and Disadvantages of AAC blocks

In this article, we will try to cover the Advantages and disadvantages of AAC blocks.

With the increased population and demand, the construction industry has evolved over the years. First, we used to construct our houses using mud bricks then red clay bricks were introduced.

But, As we know burnt clay bricks require a large amount of energy and release smoke, and also they are manufactured using top fertile soil. So there is a need to find alternate construction material.

Due to the increased demand for building materials, A new building material has introduced, i.e Autoclaved Aerated concrete(AAC) blocks.

Do you know, Why we are mainly focusing on advantages and disadvantages of AAC blocks?

It is obvious that any material has its own advantages and disadvantages. particularly with AAC blocks, the people have not used it and blindly believe in what others say.

So this article removes your confusion about; whether these aac blocks are suitable for residential buildings or not! and also we will give you exact information about the Advantages and disadvantages of AAC blocks.

Also Read:

• AAC Blocks manufacturing process
• cellular lightweight concrete manufacturing process and Applications

Advantages of AAC blocks

1. AAC is a very light material and has many advantages, it has a higher strength to weight ratio.
2. Due to the air voids present inside the AAC blocks, these have better tensile strain carrying capacity, Better heat, and sound insulators, also they have a lower coefficient of thermal expansion.
3. When these blocks are used in replacement to conventional bricks, the dead load will be reduced which could result in a decrease in the cross-section of the slab subsequently the quantity of steel gets reduced and saves a lot of money.
4. As the structural load due to materials decrease on the foundation, so this helps us to construct high rise buildings efficiently.
5. The masonry wall constructed using AAC blocks has fewer joints due to the large size of the block.
6. These are light in weight than normal bricks, so this reduces transportation costs and makes construction easier and faster.
7. These blocks are resistant to pests and moisture content.
8. In the manufacturing process and also while using the blocks on-site there is no wastage happens because the cut pieces are again recycled and used in the production process.
9. It requires minimum maintenance costs and they give a longer life.
10. It makes productive use of waste material available on earth, i.e, fly ash. So AAC blocks help in the creation of a sustainable environment by reducing carbon footprints.
11. AAC blocks use 60-75% of fly ash in the production process.
12. Also, In the manufacturing process of AAC blocks, no harmful chemicals and gases are released only steam is released.

Now let’s discuss, disadvantages of AAC blocks

Disadvantages of AAC blocks

1. Disadvantages of AAC blocks Include, Many contractors are unaware of AAC blocks and they have to employ skilled masons because the mortar used for AAC is thin compared to conventional cement-based mortar.
2. Local governing bodies like the department for building construction, the design review department, and planning commissions do not know or aware of AAC blocks, so they have to be educated to know the ability of AAC, that satisfies the National building codes(NBC).
3. Cracks are formed on the walls after the installation of AAC blocks, to reduce cracks use less strength mortar, and keep the block dry before use.
4. As the voids are present in the AAC blocks, they are more brittle material than conventional brick, so they should be handled carefully while installing.
5. Due to this brittleness, long thin screws are required for fitting cupboards and these drill holes can’t hold screws for a long time.
6. AAC blocks are only used in Non-load bearing structures, i.e, Framed structures.
7. When compared with Individual costs, AAC blocks are costlier than red clay bricks but overall masonry cost is less for AAC because it consumes less mortar.

conclusion

In conclusion, we can say that Autoclaved Aerated Concrete blocks are lightweight, Eco-friendly, thermal resistant, sound insulators, fire-resistant, moisture-resistant, highly workable, and resistant to freezing and thawing effects. It can easily replace conventional red clay brick.

It has the same strength as of clay brick and available at less cost, so It can be used in all residential buildings also.

The disadvantages of AAC blocks are quite small when compared to their advantages.

So from my experience, If you are constructing a residential or commercial framed structure( Having Beams, columns, slabs) use AAC blocks and If you are constructing a load-bearing structure( without columns, beams, slabs) then prefer Red clay bricks.

If you have any doubts or suggestions! comment below