What are the Advantages AAC Masonry over the Conventional Brick Masonry Work?
AAC blocks have more strength than normal clay bricks.
1. Higher Strength
AAC blocks are a very strong building material. AAC blocks have the strength of more than 4N/mm2(MPa). They are more strong, robust and safe than both bricks and concrete blocks. Due to this property, they can be used conveniently in all different kinds of wall construction.
2. Very Lightweight
AAC blocks are comparatively lightweight that other types building blocks. They weigh one-third of what clay bricks weigh. They contribute to up to 20% structural savings by decreasing the dead load of the buildings. Due to this property, they are capable of reducing the damage caused to your construction during an earthquake.
3. Easy Procurement
Procuring AAC blocks is never tough. No matter what the season is, the availability of AAC blocks is high. Unlike traditional clay bricks which are not easy to get during monsoons as they are made in traditional kilns, AAC has no such seasonal restrictions. They are produced in autoclaves in factories which are unrelated and unaffected by the seasons.
4. No Special Masonry Practices Required
Working with AAC blocks is relatively very easy. Regular masons with very basic training can work with AAC blocks perfectly. The only condition is, the tools used while installing AAC blocks are specific. Using the right tools helps in offering high quality and productivity of the blocks. AAC blocks require less plaster and mortar than clay bricks while installation.
5. Very Cost Effective
The use of AAC blocks reduces the construction cost by almost 30%. It also decreases the life-cycle cost which is not possible in the case of clay bricks or conventional CLC(Cellular Lightweight Concrete) blocks. Along with being a cost-efficient material, it also helps to decrease the load on reinforced concrete blocks by 10%-15%.
6. Easy to Cut and Shape
AAC blocks have a cellular structure and are lightweight. Due to this, they can be cut in any shape as per your wish. The blocks can be easily hammered with nails or screws and are suitable to be drilled for installing electrical and plumbing lines. Using an electronic chaser machine can give better results for cutting the blocks for any purpose.
7. No Water Seepage Issues
AAC blocks contain discontinuous air pores which do not allow water to pass through. AAC blocks do not absorb water like red bricks or clay brick, which absorb a lot of water due to their high capillary action. Since there is no seepage or moisture present in the AAC blocks, they do not allow the nesting and growing of termites, mold, and mildew.