AERATED CONCRETEA SUSTAINABLE BUILDING MATERIAL

What is Aerated Concrete?

Developed in Sweden in the 1920s in response
to increasing demands on timber supplies, AC is a
lightweight manufactured building stone.
Comprised of all natural raw materials, AC is
used in a wide range of commercial, industrial,
and residential applications.
AC products include blocks, wall panels, floor
and roof panels, and lintels.

CLOSEUP VIEW
OF AC

It is recommended by Indian Green Building

Council (IGBC) as for material of choice for LEED
certification and offers cost savings up to 40%
due to huge savings in structural costs and
increase in floor space area.

Manufacturing Process
AC is a precast product manufactured by combining silica (either in

the form of sand, or recycled fly ash), cement, lime, water, and an
expansion agent - aluminium powder, and pouring it into a mould.
In structurally reinforced AC products like lintels or roof panels, steel

rebar or mesh is also placed in the mould.

Once added to the concrete, the aluminium powder reacts with the

silica, resulting in the formation of millions of microscopic hydrogen

bubbles. The hydrogen bubbles cause the concrete to expand to
roughly five times its original volume.
The hydrogen subsequently evaporates, leaving a highly closed-cell

aerated concrete, then cut into which are further steam and pressure
cured in an autoclave.

Properties of AC
Improved thermal efficiency reduces the heating and cooling load in

buildings.
Porous structure allows for superior fire resistance.
Workability allows ACurate cutting, which minimizes the generation of
solid waste during use.
Resource efficiency gives it lower environmental impact in all phases of
its life cycle, from processing of raw materials to the disposal of waste.
Light weight saves cost & energy in transportation, labour expenses,
and increases chances of survival during seismic activity.
Larger size blocks leads to faster masonry work.
Quick Assembly: Since it is a lightweight material and easy to work
with, the assembly is much quicker and smoother.

Properties of AC
Environmentally Friendly: Helps to reduce at least 30% of

environmental waste as opposed to going with traditional concrete.

There is a decrease of 50% of greenhouse gas emissions.
Energy Saver: It is an excellent property that makes it an excellent
insulator and that means the interior environment is easier to
maintain.
Great Acoustics: Aerated concrete has excellent acoustic performance.
It is able to be used as a very effective sound barrier.
Fire Resistant: Just like with regular concrete, AC is fire resistant. This
material is completely inorganic and not combustible.
Non-Toxic: There are no toxic gases or other toxic substances in
autoclaved aerated concrete. It does not attract rodents or other pests
nor can it be damaged by such.

Properties of AC
Great Ventilation: This material is very airy and allows for the diffusion

of water. This will reduce the humidity within the building. AC will
absorb moisture and release humidity; this helps to prevent
condensation and other problems that are related to mildew.
Lightweight: Concrete blocks that are made out of AC weigh about onefifth of typical concrete. They are also produced in sizes that are easy to
handle for quick construction.
Accuracy: The panels and blocks made of autoclaved aerated concrete
are produced to the exact sizes needed before they even leave the
factory. There is less need for on-site trimming.
Long Lasting: The life of this material is extended because if is not
affected by harsh climates or extreme changes in weather conditions. It
will not degrade under normal climate changes either.

Disadvantages
Scarcity of Manufacturing Plants.
Projects far from manufacturing facilities will suffer from higher initial
costs.

Familiarity with Product

Few contractors are a currently familiar with the product, and trained
masons must adjust to using thin-set mortar as opposed to traditional
cement-based mortar, which requires less precision in its application.

THANK YOU
Submitted by:Durga Prasad Gupta
(2011barc013)
Vijayant Lakra
(2011barc019)