Autoclaved cellular concrete (ACC) blocks are revolutionizing the construction industry. Known for their lightweight yet strong properties, these blocks are made from a mixture of sand, lime, cement, water, and an expanding agent. This combination creates a porous structure that not only enhances their insulation capabilities but also makes them incredibly easy to work with.
The outstanding thermal insulation of ACC blocks is one of their most notable qualities. There is less need for additional thermal insulation materials because the air pockets within the blocks naturally insulate. Because of this, buildings made with ACC blocks stay warmer in the winter and colder in the summer, which eventually results in significant energy savings.
Apart from their insulating qualities, ACC blocks have a high level of fire resistance. These blocks can tolerate very high temperatures because the materials used to make them are non-combustible. Because of this, they are a secure option for construction, giving both builders and homeowners peace of mind.
The sustainability of ACC blocks is another important benefit. In comparison to conventional concrete blocks, the manufacturing process requires less energy, and the raw materials are more plentiful and ecologically friendly. Moreover, the low weight of ACC blocks lowers the carbon footprint and transportation expenses related to their delivery.
It is also quicker and more efficient to build with ACC blocks. Their accurate measurements and effortless manipulation facilitate expedited construction, thereby diminishing labor expenses and project schedules. Because ACC blocks are so easy to work with, both experienced builders and do-it-yourselfers can produce high-quality results with less effort.
In general, ACC blocks provide a contemporary response to a number of the difficulties encountered in building today. They are a desirable alternative for many different types of construction projects because of their strength, insulation, fire resistance, and sustainability. ACC blocks are expected to become more and more popular as more builders and homeowners learn about these advantages.
- What are they?
- Types and characteristics
- Aerated concrete
- Gas silicate
- Areas of use
- Production technology
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What are they?
Aerated concrete, also known as autoclaved cellular concrete, is a dependable, superior-grade material that is long-lasting. Time has proven this building material’s resilience. A variety of buildings and structures can be constructed using autoclave cellular elements. They enable the construction of carrying structures, wall partitions, and other interior home features.
The primary benefit of the cellular block is its capacity to retain heat. The following benefits are unique to autoclane concrete:
- Fire safety. Thanks to the porous structure of the material, a barrier is carried out for the spread of fire.
- Soundproofing. The cellular-porous structure, which is possessed by autoclave products, improve the sound insulation of the material.
- Thermal insulation. The air in the pores inherent in autoclave blocks allows you to maintain heat, provide comfortable accommodation in the premises and reduce costs on heating devices.
- Easy processing. Cellular blocks are easily succumbing to sawing, drilling, strict.
- Economy. Thanks to this material, savings are made on construction, for example, wall structures made of aerated concrete will cost several times less than brick wall elements.
- Accuracy of geometric dimensions and a smooth surface allows you to save on wall finishing.
- Speed of installation when working with cellular concrete.
Among the material’s drawbacks are:
- Low strength in the cellular structure leads to cracking of the walls.
- Moisture absorption. This property requires the installation of a ventilation gap in the blocks.
- Mandatory use of a butterfly anchor.
The material’s density drops as a result of its large pore volume. There are two methods for producing cellular concrete: autoclaved and non-autoclaved. In autoclave furnaces, hardening utilizing autoclave technology is done at high temperatures and pressures. In non-autoclaved production, the thermal effect of atmospheric pressure is used to naturally harden the material.
Types and characteristics
Aerated concrete and foam concrete are distinguished from one another using a variety of technological techniques. Their manufacturing technologies differ, but their properties remain the same. Based on its bulk density, autoclaved concrete can be classified into different types:
- Heavy concrete. Used for reliable supports or load-bearing structures.
- Light concrete. Used in buildings where the lightness of the material and thermal insulation characteristics are required.
- Medium concrete. They are used to erect enclosing elements and low-rise buildings.
Aerated concrete
Aerated concrete, an artificial stone with uniformly spaced pores throughout the volume, is one kind of cellular concrete. Chemical additives are not used in the production of autoclaved aerated concrete, which is done in a plant.
Sand, cement, lime, water, gypsum, and aluminum paste are the ingredients of aerated concrete. Hydrogen is released, which leads to the formation of pores. Aerated concrete is split into blocks with uniformly uniform dimensions after hardening. Gaps during the installation of aerated concrete elements are prevented by their geometry. In an autoclave with high temperatures and pressure, autoclaved aerated concrete reaches its maximum strength characteristics. The qualities of aerated concrete are consistent, strong, eco-friendly, absorbs water well, and insulates against heat.
Gas silicate
One kind of cellular material are gas silicate blocks, which are made of lime, fine sand, water, and additives that form pores. Gas silicates are produced utilizing autoclave technology in compliance with state regulations.
A gas silicate mixture is made by combining the ingredients in a specific order and with specific proportions. After combining the ingredients to a thick mass, the mixture is poured into containers that have been ready. The product develops a porous structure as a result of the chemical reaction between lime and aluminum powder, which causes hardening.
Cutting the products into blocks for the intended use is the next step. The building components are cut and then placed in an autoclave to be processed under high pressure and steam. The aerated concrete products are then allowed to solidify and compact.
Areas of use
The creation of reinforced slabs for wall elements, such as floors, partitions, and load-bearing structures, is made feasible by cellular concrete. Additionally, rooms are thermally insulated thanks to the porous structure of concrete. Products made of aerated concrete are utilized in seismically more active areas. They are often utilized in regions where natural disasters occur frequently. The material’s relative strength and light weight lessen the load on building and structure foundations.
When using aerated concrete to build a home, it’s critical to consider the blocks’ advantage of being amenable to different processing techniques, such as drilling, sawing, and planing. Because the material can improve its strength characteristics over time, gas silicate products are used for long-lasting structures.
Autoclaved cellular concrete (ACC) blocks are transforming contemporary building due to their energy-efficient, lightweight, and long-lasting characteristics. A high-pressure steam autoclave is used to cure the mixture of cement, lime, sand, and aluminum powder used to make these blocks, which produces a material that is both strong and easily workable. Because of their superior fire resistance, soundproofing, and thermal insulation, ACC blocks are a great option for sustainable building techniques. ACC blocks are an inventive and astute option for both builders and homeowners due to their adaptability and simplicity of use, which not only expedites the construction process but also lowers overall building expenses.
Production technology
Casting goods into a variety of containers is the technological process. There are dry ingredients and water in the mixture. Aerated concrete cannot be produced without binders and sand slurry. Dry ingredients are mixed thoroughly in a concrete mixer by immersing them in a specific ratio. After the ingredients are combined for approximately five minutes, the mixture is added to water along with aluminum powder. After mixing, the mixture is transferred into metal receptacles.
Since the solution may expand in size during the hardening process, it is crucial to fill the mold halfway. With a wire string, the solution that has overflowed the container’s edges is cut off. When preparing the mixture, water that has been heated to a temperature of forty degrees is used in order to hasten the setting and hardening of the solution. The filled containers are left alone until the solution has set completely after being poured into them.
Feature | Description |
Material | Lightweight, durable concrete |
Insulation | Excellent thermal and sound insulation |
Weight | Much lighter than traditional concrete |
Fire Resistance | Highly fire-resistant |
Installation | Easy to cut and shape |
Environmental Impact | Eco-friendly production |
Applications | Used in walls, floors, and roofs |
Blocks made of autoclaved cellular concrete (ACC) combine strength, insulation, and environmental advantages, making them a major advancement in building materials. These blocks have outstanding load-bearing capabilities and are lightweight and sturdy, making them simple to handle. Superior thermal and sound insulation is provided by their distinctive cellular structure, resulting in cozy and energy-efficient living areas.
The sustainability of ACC blocks is one of their most notable benefits. Compared to conventional concrete, they have less of an impact on the environment because they are made from natural raw materials like sand, lime, and water, and they are autoclave-cured. Furthermore, ACC block production produces fewer greenhouse gas emissions, supporting greener building techniques.
In addition to being fire resistant, ACC blocks also exhibit superior resistance against mold and pests, which prolongs the lifespan and durability of buildings constructed using them. Because of their longevity, ACC blocks eventually require less maintenance, which makes them an affordable option for both commercial and residential projects.
When ACC blocks are used in construction, eco-friendly projects are supported and building performance is enhanced. ACC blocks are set to become a mainstay in contemporary construction as the need for sustainable building materials rises because they provide a workable and eco-friendly solution.