What is aerated concrete?

Autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC), another name for aerated concrete, is a multipurpose building material that is becoming more and more common in construction projects all over the world. Its special formula and production method produce a product that is strong, light, and energy-efficient. Because of this, it’s a great option for a range of construction applications, including both residential and commercial structures.

Aerated concrete is made by combining water, cement, lime, finely ground sand, and a tiny bit of aluminum powder. After pouring this mixture into molds, a chemical reaction takes place, releasing hydrogen gas. The material has a sponge-like structure because of the gas’s creation of microscopic air bubbles throughout it. The mixture is given extra strength and stability by being cured in an autoclave, a high-pressure steam chamber, after it has set and been cut into blocks or panels.

The lightweight nature of aerated concrete is one of its key benefits. It is lighter than conventional concrete, but it still has remarkable strength and load carrying capacity. As a result, buildings will weigh less overall, which may result in cheaper building and transportation expenses. Furthermore, the porous structure of the material offers superior thermal insulation, which lowers the need for heating and cooling while maintaining a steady interior temperature, helping to save energy in buildings.

The ability of aerated concrete to withstand fire is yet another important advantage. The material is a safer option for building construction because it is non-combustible and can withstand high temperatures without releasing toxic gases. Because of its soundproofing properties, it is also perfect for use in noisy places like residential complexes, schools, and hospitals.

In addition to being practical, aerated concrete is eco-friendly. In comparison to conventional concrete, less energy is used during production, and the material is recyclable. Because it is lightweight, there are also less emissions when it is being transported. As architects and builders search for more environmentally friendly building materials, aerated concrete sticks out as a sensible and ethical option.

In conclusion, aerated concrete is a compelling option for contemporary construction projects because it provides a number of advantages. Its environmental benefits, energy efficiency, and fire resistance make it a material that should be taken into consideration for any building project. Aerated concrete is expected to become more significant in influencing the architecture of the future as the building sector develops further.

What is aerated concrete and products from it

The majority of developers know what a gas block is. This product is a concrete parallelepiped that is filled with gas and has a rectangular shape. Using an aluminum blowing agent and autoclave technology, the gas block is produced.

Aerated concrete’s unique characteristics include:

• uniform distribution of air cavities in the aerated concrete massif;
• stable diameter of internal cells;
• cell concentration in the aerated concrete massif is up to 70%;
• open shape of air cavities.

The aerated concrete massif’s cellular structure improves the material’s thermal insulation qualities and boosts its capacity to pass steam. It’s simple to distinguish aerated concrete by its rough surface and white color.

What sets aerated concrete apart is:

• material density;
• area of ​​use;
• size of perceived forces.

The gas-filled composite (aerated concrete) is classified into the following types based on the specified features:

• thermal insulation;
• structural and thermal insulation;
• structural.

Products made with aerated concrete block vary in volume, weight, and size. An online calculator can be used to quickly determine how many aerated concrete blocks are needed for masonry.

What an aerated concrete block is made of

Using autoclave technology, aerated concrete is created with the following ingredients:

• cement marked M400 or M500, used as a binding ingredient. The concentration does not exceed 35–45%;
• sifted quartz sand used as a filler. The filler content in the aerated concrete mixture reaches 40–45%;
• slaked lime participating in the pore formation reaction. At a concentration of 12 to 18%, the required size of air cells is achieved;
• aluminum powder, which acts as a pore-forming agent. The pore-forming agent is added in an amount of up to 1%;
• calcium chloride in an amount of 0.2% and calcium silicate in an amount of 2.5%, introduced to ensure the required structure of the aerated concrete mass;
• water heated to 55–60 degrees Celsius. Water is added according to the recipe until the required condition of the aerated concrete composition is achieved.

It is determined through experimentation what the introduced ingredients’ percentage ratio is. Aerated concrete’s strength characteristics and structure are influenced by the quantity of additional ingredients added.

Aerated concrete production technology

Gas-filled composites are made in special tanks called autoclaves. These are tanks with an internal pressure exceeding 8 atm and a temperature of 160 degrees Celsius, hot enough to cause steam to saturate aerated concrete.

The following stages comprise the technology used in the production of aerated concrete blocks:

1. Crushing quartz sand in crushers using metal balls.
2. Weighing and dosing the components according to the recipe used.
3. Pouring cement, quartz sand and lime into the tank and their subsequent mixing.
4. Adding an aluminum suspension to the aerated concrete mixture along with heated water.
5. Pouring aerated concrete composition into molding containers (casting molds).

Since the composition increases in volume as a result of a chemical reaction and reaches its upper level, the mold is filled with composite to a volume between 60 and 70 percent of the total. Lime and aluminum filler react inside the molds. This causes a gas to be released, which helps a porous structure form. As a result, throughout the volume of the aerated concrete mass, air cells ranging in size from 0.5 to 3 mm form.

The subsequent series of events consists of:

1. Cutting the hardened mass into blocks of the required sizes.
2. Collecting excess composition for reuse.
3. Laying the cut blocks on pallets and loading into the autoclave tank.
4. Removing aerated concrete products from the autoclave tank.
5. Laying polyethylene film on the finished product.
6. Transporting the blocks to the finished product warehouse.

Laboratory samples are used to verify the properties of aerated concrete. The necessary temperature and humidity are guaranteed by automated steaming process control, which also ensures the essential properties of gas blocks.

Non-autoclave technology can also be used to produce gas blocks. Nevertheless, the strength of gas concrete blocks made in this manner is diminished. Moreover, they exhibit greater shrinkage, which has an impact on the masonry quality of gas concrete blocks. Ensuring the necessary operational properties and a consistent air cavity structure is only possible with the autoclave manufacturing method.

Where gas blocks are used

In the field of residential and commercial construction, unreinforced wall products composed of gas concrete, partition components, and thermal insulation panels are utilized.

Because of the characteristics of aerated concrete and advancements in construction technology, porous building materials can be used for the following applications:

• Buildings of load -bearing walls and interior partitions. Estritus products of brands D 500 are used, capable of perceiving significant efforts;
• thermal insulation of brick and reinforced concrete walls on the facade side of the building. Material with labeling D300, D400 or D500 is used;
• construction of fences. Such structures are promptly built and do not require large expenses;
• structure of the reinforced belt around the perimeter of the walls. U-shaped gas concrete products are used, reinforced with reinforcement;
• manufacturing monolithic jumpers for various openings. Profile products made of aerated concrete are used.

The use of gas blocks in the construction of residential buildings, garage premises, and baths is permitted due to their increased thermal insulation indicators, overall dimensions, and high resistance to frost. Because of its dependability and durability, the material is well-liked. Block walls do, however, require waterproofing. Three-story houses made of gas blocks are feasible because of the safety margin.

Advantages and disadvantages of gas blocks

Let’s begin by discussing the benefits of aerated concrete. Principal benefits:

• increased dimensions with low weight;
• no need to use lifting equipment;
• easy laying of blocks on adhesive composition;
• accelerated rates of construction of walls and partitions;
• high thermal insulation characteristics;

• minimum dimensional tolerances, correct shape of products;
• improved sound insulation characteristics;
• resistance to open fire and high temperatures;
• ecological purity of aerated concrete material;
• ease of mechanical processing of aerated concrete;
• resistance to cold and temperature fluctuations;
• ability to pass steam from the room;
• long service life.

The drawbacks of aerated concrete

• fragility;
• hygroscopicity;
• the need to use special glue for masonry;
• difficulty in fixing fasteners in porous material.

Aerated concrete is frequently used in residential and commercial construction to address a variety of issues because of its many benefits.

Recommendations for choosing aerated concrete blocks

Consider the following factors when buying blocks:

• availability of a certificate of conformity;
• absence of chips and cracks on the block;
• storage conditions.

A video on selecting aerated concrete products is worth watching. Making a decision will be aided by consulting experts.

In order to create a high-volume air structure, aerated concrete—also referred to as autoclaved aerated concrete, or AAC—is a lightweight precast building material that combines cement, lime, sand, water, and a tiny quantity of aluminum powder. Because of its special composition, it is easy to cut and shape and has excellent insulating qualities in addition to being strong and thermally efficient. It is becoming a more and more popular option for a variety of construction projects, from residential homes to commercial buildings, due to its adaptability and eco-friendly qualities.

Does aerated concrete affect health

In response to the query regarding aerated concrete’s environmental friendliness, we observe:

• the material is made from environmentally friendly raw materials;
• no toxic substances are released during operation;
• lime included in the aerated concrete block turns into calcium silicate during the reaction, which is harmless to others.

In summary, aerated concrete poses no health risks to people.

Recommendations

For construction, autoclaved aerated concrete blocks are recommended. You should research a material’s characteristics and be aware of the distinctions between aerated concrete and gas silicate blocks before deciding how to use it. When choosing to construct using foam blocks, bear in mind that the primary distinction between foam concrete and aerated concrete is in the manufacturing process, which has an impact on the building material’s quality and the array’s structure. Consider the process of producing fiber concrete when selecting the materials for your home. Understand sand concrete thoroughly if you wish to use it.

Select a material that has improved strength, frost resistance, and thermal insulation qualities when determining which is best for building a house. These requirements are fully met by aerated concrete.

Question	Answer
What is aerated concrete?	Aerated concrete is a type of lightweight concrete that is created by adding air bubbles to the mixture. This makes it less dense and provides better insulation compared to regular concrete.
How is it made?	It is made by mixing cement, lime, water, and a foaming agent that creates bubbles, which remain trapped in the mixture as it hardens.

Aerated concrete is a creative and adaptable building material that has become more well-known for its special qualities and advantages. It is created by adding air bubbles to the concrete mixture, which produces an insulating and lightweight end product. As a result, it offers superior thermal and acoustic insulation over conventional concrete, making it a great option for both residential and commercial construction projects.

The simplicity of use of aerated concrete is one of its key benefits. Because of its lower weight, it is simpler to handle and move, which cuts down on labor expenses and construction time. Additionally, by increasing a building’s thermal efficiency, its insulating qualities can result in significant energy savings. This is particularly crucial in areas with harsh weather, as it can be expensive to keep indoor temperatures comfortable.

Its resistance to fire is another advantage. Aerated concrete is a safer alternative for building construction because it can tolerate high temperatures without losing its structural integrity. Additionally, because of its porous structure, moisture is better managed, avoiding problems like mold and mildew that can shorten a building’s lifespan and compromise its health.

All things considered, aerated concrete provides a productive and sustainable substitute for conventional building materials. Because of its fire-resistant, insulating, and lightweight qualities, it is a great option for contemporary building applications. Builders and homeowners can benefit from improved performance, safety, and energy efficiency in their projects by selecting aerated concrete.

Video on the topic

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