What is AAC?

What is AAC?

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What is Autoclaved Aerated Concrete?

AAC is a fine aggregate concrete containing air pockets. It is a lightweight masonry with excellent thermal insulation. It is highly resistant to fire, mold and rot, and is fast and easy to install, giving buildings superior properties over conventional wood-frames and concrete assemblies.

Aerated concrete units are used extensively in Europe and Asia, with over 2000 operating facilities globally.

Fast construction
Looking for a competitive advantage? Using AAC can reduce your construction by up to 40% or more. The variety of block and panel sizes minimizes the number of joints in wall masonry construction, and due to the nature of AAC, wall sections are typically less complex.  AAC's precise product accuracy also contributes to reduced construction time.  As well, the weight of blocks allow for easier movement, placement, and overall installation. 
Energy saving
AAC is energy efficient over its whole lifecycle.  Its production requires less energy than other construction materials and its lightweight nature saves energy in transportation.  The monolithic features of AAC create a tight building envelope where very little heat and air conditioning is lost.  Creating a NET ZERO building envelope is considerably easier and more effective when using AAC.
Versatile
AAC is used in a wide variety of ways.  From residential, commercial and industrial building construction to pillars, retaining walls, sound barriers, planters and other decorative home products.    AAC blocks can be produced in any size, type, and strength to match the design of your building. Plumbing & electrical lines are easier to install in AAC Blocks compared to red clay bricks, cinder blocks, and other masonry units, making it a more versatile choice for builders as well as end users.
Accurate
AAC is a prefabricated, standardized product that is produced using high-precision equipment.  There is little waste in production and in construction waste since tolerances are within 0.5 mm.  This level of accuracy allows: ·a tighter fit for the building envelope. ·less mortar used to bond between the blocks. ·quicker construction time due to reduced chance of mistakes and less structural issues. 
Natural Insulation
High energy efficiency is one of the determining characteristics of AAC. AAC’s cellular structure gives it a thermal efficiency 10x higher than aggregate concrete and 3x higher than clay brick. AAC buildings are warmer in winter and cooler in summer leading to overall construction and operations savings. AAC is energy-efficient over its whole lifecycle. All the raw materials to make AAC are natural. The finished product is chemically inert and odorless, thus making AAC an ideal building material for people with chemical sensitivity.
Long Lasting
AAC retains its properties for the entire life of a building without aging.  AAC resists wind, rain, storms, and does not decay or rot.  In general, changing outside temperatures does not damage AAC.  Its very limited shrinkage and thermal expansion prevent the formation of cracks in the masonry.   AAC also has excellent resistance to chemicals and pollutants and, due to its alkaline nature, can withstand acid rain.    As a result, an AAC building lasts at least 2-3+ times longer than a typical wood-framed building, and overall lifetime costs (construction and operation) are significantly reduced. 
Fire Resistant
Since AAC is composed of non-combustible materials, it renders a building highly resistant to fire (up to 1600C ), and depending on the thickness of the material used AAC can withstand 2-6+ hours of direct fire exposure without failing.
Super Smooth
In production, AAC blocks are cut with two wires leaving the surface super smooth and precise. Tight building envelopes along with quality outdoor and indoor finishing are very easily created because of this feature. 
Breathable
AAC is semi-permeable to moisture, allowing for better humidity control and occupant comfort.  AAC will not be damaged due to moisture or excess exposure to water in the event of flood or sprinkler activation. AAC does not rot or promote mold growth. Depending on the envelope design, vapour barriers can be eliminated. 
Recyclable
Unused AAC materials can be returned to a manufacturing plant for reuse.  Waste material can also be used for things like carvings (sculptures), decorative purposes (such as planters), soil amendment, and even cat litter. 
Durable
Due to its cementitious nature, AAC blocks and panels are incredibly durable.  AAC is a preferable building material in seismic zones.
Lightweight
AAC blocks weight about 50% less than standard masonry blocks and are up to four times lighter than bricks.  This makes these blocks easier to work with and decreases their shipping costs.  Further, it allows for taller construction as it decreases overall dead load of the building. 
Sound Absorbing
AAC provides superior acoustic insulation due to its porous nature.  Significant sound disturbances are blocked out with sound attenuation near 42 decibels. 
Affordable
Since construction time is shorter, and there are fewer trades involved in AAC construction, it is a cost-effective material to use. AAC is easily maintained with inexpensive tools and products. Most maintenance and repair can easily be completed by the home or building owner without the cost of expensive professionals.
Comfortable
Due to its natural ability to better regulate humidity, temperature, and sound, homes and buildings made with AAC are generally reported to be more comfortable by their occupants. Further, AAC does not rot, and it is highly resistant to mold and to pests, thus providing a better overall living experience.
Resource Efficient
Though its function and lifespan are similar to traditional concrete, it consumes up to 80% fewer resources than concrete production because of its porosity.  Further, AAC can be produced from waste materials, such as fly ash and slag. AAC construction waste as well as AAC salvaged from demolition are reused in the production of new AAC.