Cellular concrete, which was developed in 1920, has addressed the need for an artificial material with properties akin to those of wood. It avoided some of its drawbacks, such as its water absorption and maintenance requirements, and was lightweight and perforable or cut. These days, producers like Hebel and Retak are actively selling Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (AAC) blocks on the market, creating a constructive system that is simple to operate and effective. If you've ever questioned how to construct using these components for masonry, it's important to learn more about the benefits of this material.
It is a prefabricated material that can be used to construct partition walls as well as bearing walls. It contains binders (mostly concrete and some lime), fine aggregates, water, and an expansion agent. Similar to regular or concrete bricks, these combine well with mortar when used.
In terms of performance, the closed, airtight chambers created by the microbubbles integrated into the mass make it an effective heat insulator.
Because the tight texture of the material has nearly zero capillary suction and minimal water absorption, all of this enables the material to have a strong resistance to liquid water penetration.
The attenuation of sound waves during each subsequent passage through the air chambers contributes significantly to the significant acoustic isolation value provided by this as well.
In addition to all the other qualities listed, the material has a high fire resistance, which is one of the primary factors in the needed resistance ratings per several international standards.
Disadvantages of AAC Block
Iron must be kept separate from HCCA blocks during construction due to the presence of lime, as doing so could lead to corrosion.
Adhesive mortars are unique to this kind of product and may only be purchased straight from the producers.
The Manufacturing Process of AAC Blocks: A Comprehensive Overview
AAC blocks, renowned for their lightweight and insulating properties, undergo a meticulous manufacturing process. Here's a detailed guide to understand how these innovative building materials are produced:
- Fly ash is mixed with water to form a slurry, which is then combined with cement, gypsum, and aluminum powder in the appropriate proportions.
- Raw materials are dosed and mixed meticulously to ensure the desired quality of the final product. The ratio of ingredients is crucial for the outcome.
- Molds, coated with a thin layer of oil, are filled with the prepared mix.
- Aluminum reacts with calcium hydroxide and water, releasing hydrogen gas, leading to the expansion of the slurry mix.
- The mixture is allowed to rise and settle before undergoing curing in an autoclave, where it is subjected to high pressure and temperature.
- Once cured, the blocks are demolded and cut according to specifications using cutting machines.
- AAC blocks boast superior properties compared to traditional clay bricks, including compressive strength, sound reduction index, fire resistance, and thermal conductivity.
- They offer advantages such as reduced structural cost, speedy construction, energy savings, and uniform quality.
The manufacturing process of AAC blocks involves precise procedures and careful handling of materials to ensure the production of high-quality, lightweight, and durable building blocks. With their myriad benefits and superior properties, AAC blocks continue to revolutionize the construction industry, offering sustainable solutions for modern building projects.
