In the building industry, aerated concrete blocks are gaining popularity, particularly for multi-story structures. By adding air bubbles to a concrete mixture, these blocks are created from a lightweight yet durable material. They are a desirable alternative for developers and builders because they have a number of benefits over conventional building materials.
The superior insulating qualities of aerated concrete blocks are one of their main advantages. Buildings benefit from the natural thermal insulation that the air pockets within the blocks provide by keeping them cool in the summer and warm in the winter. This may result in considerable energy savings and increased occupant comfort. These blocks’ lightweight design also makes them simpler to handle and transport, which can cut down on labor expenses and construction time.
Aerated concrete blocks have numerous benefits, but they also have certain disadvantages. Although their porous structure helps with insulation, it can also increase their susceptibility to moisture absorption. This indicates that in order to stop possible damage over time, appropriate waterproofing techniques are crucial. Furthermore, even though they are strong enough for multi-story buildings, under some extreme circumstances or under situations involving heavy loads, they might not be as strong as conventional concrete.
In order to make an informed decision in any construction project, it is imperative to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of aerated concrete blocks. They are an appealing option because of their sustainability, energy efficiency, and ease of use, but in order to guarantee sturdy and long-lasting constructions, it’s critical to address their drawbacks. Aerated concrete blocks have the potential to be a useful tool in the construction of contemporary multi-story buildings, given proper planning and execution.
Pros | Cons |
Lightweight and easy to handle | Not as strong as traditional concrete |
Good thermal insulation | Requires additional reinforcement |
Fire-resistant | Prone to water absorption |
Environmentally friendly | Higher cost than some alternatives |
Easy to cut and shape | Needs specialized construction techniques |
- What is aerated concrete?
- Positive qualities
- Environmental friendliness
- Heat saving
- Ease of processing in construction
- Slight weight
- Frost resistance
- Fire resistance
- Strength and durability
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What is aerated concrete?
Aerated concrete, also known as cellular concrete, is used to build fences, local area decoration, and residential and utility buildings.
- Autoclave method. A method of drying in a special autoclave oven is used. After heat treatment, the materials acquire increased strength and a dense structure. The products are used for the construction of load-bearing partitions and residential buildings with high requirements for strength and safety.
- The hydration method involves the hardening of blocks without accelerating drying. The materials are lightweight and are used in facade structures, construction of fences, utility rooms. The strength of the blocks is low.
- Portland cement grade M400 and higher;
- sifted quartz sand;
- lime;
- purified water;
- a foaming agent made of aluminum particles.
The component mixture is poured into molds and allowed to dry naturally or with the use of an oven. The components of aluminum undergo a chemical reaction with other substances during the hardening process, creating holes, bubbles, and cracks that give the blocks a porous structure.
The following subtypes of the building material are also separated based on the composition’s technical attributes and component proportions:
- structural;
- with increased thermal insulation;
- structural and thermal insulation.
The components are made in various sizes and configurations using automated machinery that ensures accuracy in the work and smooth edges.
Positive qualities
- environmental friendliness;
- high heat-saving index of buildings;
- low weight;
- resistance to sub-zero temperatures and temperature fluctuations;
- easy to install and process;
- high maintainability;
- fire resistance;
- strength;
- long shelf life;
- seismic resistance of a building made of aerated concrete blocks;
- walls and supporting structures are not subject to the formation of fungus and mold;
- high air permeability;
- reliable sound insulation.
Environmental friendliness
Aerated concrete construction results in a home that is eco-friendly. The material is safe to use, free of hazardous materials, and composed of inorganic non-toxic components like sand, cement, and lime. The blocks don’t release any toxic fumes when heated. The background radiation level of the material is very low (4–12 μR/h).
Heat saving
The construction material has excellent heat-saving qualities. The marking (D 400-600) indicates the density level at which thermal conductivity depends, and this must be considered when choosing blocks. The raw material’s moisture content and the elements’ porosity both have an impact on the parameter.
Artificial building materials have thermal conductivities that are generally comparable to those of natural wood. Heat retention in the space is guaranteed by the elements’ porosity. It is not necessary to use extra insulation when building. You can reduce your heating expenses by using wall panels composed of blocks with adequate thermal conductivity, as they are lighter than other constructions.
Since artificial blocks retain energy from heating devices inside the building as well as solar heat from the outside, the building material also has accumulative properties. The blocks will release heat to heat the house when the room cools.
Ease of processing in construction
It is advised to consider the ease of processing the components when weighing the benefits and drawbacks of aerated concrete blocks when building structures for diverse uses. You can expedite the construction work by using parts that are simple to install and fit.
Modifying the block arrangement can be done where the building or ornamental features are being constructed. The components are combined to create intricate structural solutions, arches, rounded corner pieces, columns, and park architectural forms. Engineering communications lines can be integrated inside structures made of artificial blocks.
An extensive variety of manual and electric processing block tools are available to manufacturers.
Hand tools are versatile, simple to use, and enable construction work to be done in a variety of locations—including those without electricity. Power tools expedite the building’s styling, fitting, and construction process.
Slight weight
Because they have many pores, blocks vary in small mass. Lightweight materials ensure simple element installation and expedite building construction. Construction costs are decreased because specialized trucks are not needed to move the components around the site. Lightweight materials shouldn’t have their foundation strengthened.
Frost resistance
Gas block homes are characterized by their exceptional resistance to frost. The liquid within the elements’ pores does not cause them to distort from the inside at below freezing temperatures. The blocks are resistant to multiple cycles of freezing and thawing without compromising the construction site’s operational features.
Fire resistance
It is advised to consider the building material’s fire resistance when determining the benefits and drawbacks of aerated concrete:
- the blocks are non-flammable, t.to. consist of inorganic components;
- buildings can withstand open fire for more than 5 hours;
- mineral components in the formula of cellular products do not increase the spread of fire flow;
- blocks are used to create protection for metal structures from direct flame.
Plastering the element’s coating and utilizing reinforcement technologies with unique fire-retardant impregnations can both improve the element’s fire-resistant qualities.
Strength and durability
The longevity and enhanced strength of the components should be taken into account when weighing the benefits and drawbacks of aerated concrete blocks. The material has a 60–70 year shelf life, depending on the elements’ dimensions and quality. The material’s high density dictated the blocks’ strength and ability to withstand mechanical loads from the elements.
One benefit of aerated concrete homes is that they can be installed in areas where there may be a risk of earthquakes. The components do not fracture or separate into smaller pieces when the load is increased. Building adhesion is increased by the rough texture. Wall panels can dampen low-frequency vibrations and are robust.
Aerated concrete blocks are very advantageous when building multi-story buildings. Because of their light weight, they are simpler to manage and lessen the strain on the foundation. Additionally, this material offers superior thermal insulation, which helps buildings stay cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Aerated concrete blocks also resist fire, which gives the construction an additional degree of security.
But there are a few disadvantages to take into account. Because aerated concrete blocks are weaker than regular concrete, the structural integrity of multi-story buildings may be compromised. They also have a tendency to absorb more water, which, if improperly sealed, can result in moisture issues. Another problem is cost; although the blocks are generally reasonably priced, additional materials for reinforcement and specialized labor may raise the final cost.
In conclusion, there are a number of advantages and disadvantages to using aerated concrete blocks in multi-story buildings. With regard to weight, insulation, and fire resistance, they have a lot to offer. However, due to their reduced strength and propensity to absorb moisture, they must be carefully considered and planned for. Builders can decide if aerated concrete blocks are the best option for their projects by considering these benefits and drawbacks.
Aerated concrete blocks are a great option for building multi-story buildings because of their superior insulation qualities, lightweight design, and ease of handling. These benefits can result in quicker construction times and cheaper labor costs. They do, however, have certain disadvantages, including the need for specialist finishing to ensure durability and aesthetic appeal, lower structural strength when compared to traditional concrete, and the possibility of moisture absorption. It is imperative that architects and builders comprehend these benefits and drawbacks in order to make well-informed choices regarding their application in high-rise building.