As climate change continues to impact the world, the need for resilient and sustainable building materials has never been greater. One such material that is gaining traction in the construction industry is AAC (autoclaved aerated concrete) blocks. With its impressive strength and lightweight nature, AAC blocks are the perfect material for building resistant structures.
AAC blocks are made from a mixture of cement, lime, sand, water, and an expanding agent. This expanding agent, usually aluminium powder, reacts with the other ingredients during the manufacturing process to create millions of tiny air pockets within the concrete. These air pockets give AAC blocks their unique lightweight and insulating properties.
Since its inception in the 1920s, AAC blocks have gained popularity across the world due to their unique properties, including thermal insulation, fire resistance, and sound insulation. As of now, over 92 million CBM AAC blocks have been produced in India, saving approximately 106 million tons of CO2 emissions and reducing energy consumption by 22.15 GW. The worldwide total AAC blocks market size is $18.5 billion which is growing at a CAGR of 6.7%. The total market size of AAC blocks in India is around $675 million, and it is expected to grow at a CAGR of 18% in the coming years.
Benefits of AAC blocks:
*Light wight: The strength of AAC blocks is one of its biggest benefits. Despite being lightweight, they have a compressive strength of around 4 N/mm², making them superior to traditional bricks and comparable to concrete blocks in terms of strength. This high strength-to-weight ratio means that buildings made from AAC blocks are much more resistant to natural disasters such as earthquakes, hurricanes, and floods.
*Retain heat and environment friendly: AAC blocks also have excellent thermal insulation properties, making them ideal for building structures in extreme temperatures. In hot climates, they keep buildings up to 5°C cool by reducing the amount of heat absorbed through the walls. In colder climates, they help retain heat by preventing it from escaping through the walls. This means that buildings made from AAC blocks require less energy for heating and cooling, making them more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly.
*Fire resistance: Another advantage of AAC blocks is their fire resistance. AAC blocks have a high resistance to fire (>4 hours), making them ideal for fire safety walls. This is because the air pockets within the concrete act as an insulator, preventing heat from penetrating through to the other side. Moreover, AAC blocks have a high melting point of around 1600°C, which means they can withstand high temperatures without getting deformed.
*Durable and cost effective: AAC blocks are also resistant to pests such as termites and rodents, which cause significant damage to traditional building materials like wood and concrete. This makes AAC blocks a more durable and cost-effective option in the long run, as they require less maintenance and repair work. Additionally, AAC blocks are environmentally friendly. The manufacturing process for AAC blocks produces less waste and uses less energy than traditional building materials. Moreover, AAC blocks are made up of fly ash, which is a national waste, unlike red clay bricks, which require top layer fertile soil for their manufacturing.
AAC blocks are also easy to work with, making them a popular choice for builders and architects. They can be cut, drilled, and shaped using traditional tools, and their lightweight nature means that they are easier to transport and handle on-site. This reduces the amount of time and labour required for construction, ultimately saving money on project costs.
In a time of climate change, where extreme weather events are becoming more frequent and severe, the demand for resilient building materials is increasing. AAC blocks offer a range of advantages that make them the perfect material for building resistant structures. Their high strength-to-weight ratio, excellent thermal insulation, fire resistance, pest resistance, and sustainability make them a compelling option for builders and architects.
Furthermore, as the cost of traditional building materials continues to rise, AAC blocks may become a more cost-effective option in the long run. The durability and energy efficiency of AAC blocks mean that buildings made from this material require less maintenance and use less energy for heating and cooling, ultimately saving money on operational costs.
Lacks education and awareness: To encourage the use of AAC blocks in construction, it is essential to educate and raise awareness among builders, architects, and developers about their benefits. Governments can also incentivize the use of sustainable building materials such as AAC blocks through tax rebates, subsidies, or other programs. By promoting the use of AAC blocks and other sustainable building materials, we can create a more resilient and sustainable built environment for future generations.
Conclusion
AAC blocks are an innovative and sustainable building material that offers a range of advantages for construction projects. From their strength and durability to their energy efficiency and sound insulation, AAC blocks are a compelling option for builders and architects looking to create resilient and sustainable structures. As the demand for these qualities continues to grow in the face of climate change, AAC blocks may become a more mainstream option in India and other countries around the world.
