Aerated concrete, also known as autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC), gas concrete, or by brand names like Ytong, is a highly versatile building material. It’s ideally suited for a wide range of applications, including external walls, internal partition walls, pillars, roofs, and ceilings.
This innovative material is primarily composed of natural raw ingredients such as quartz sand, cement, lime, and water, making it an environmentally benign choice for construction. Unlike traditional concrete, aerated concrete has a distinct composition; its closest relative is actually sand-lime brick, both of which are produced through a steam-hardening process.
A defining characteristic of AAC is its porous structure, consisting of over 80 percent air bubbles. This makes it exceptionally lightweight, which significantly contributes to its ease of processing and handling on construction sites.
Advantages of Aerated Concrete
- Durable and Stable: Offers good structural integrity for various building components.
- Non-Combustible: Provides excellent fire resistance, enhancing building safety.
- Excellent Thermal Insulation: The high air content results in superior thermal performance, reducing heating and cooling costs.
- Low Weight: Its lightweight nature simplifies transportation, handling, and construction, potentially reducing foundation loads.
- Easy to Cut and Process: Can be easily sawn, drilled, and shaped with standard tools, allowing for flexible design and quicker construction.
Disadvantages of Aerated Concrete
- Poor Sound Insulation: The porous structure that provides thermal insulation can compromise its ability to block sound effectively, requiring additional measures for acoustic privacy.
- Sensitive to Point Loads: While strong, it can be sensitive to concentrated point loads, necessitating careful load distribution in certain applications.
- High Water Absorption: AAC readily absorbs water, making thorough priming crucial before applying plaster or other finishes to prevent moisture-related issues.
- Limited Correction During Laying: The common method of laying AAC blocks with thin-bed adhesive offers little room for adjustment once blocks are placed, demanding precise workmanship.
- Special Disposal Requirements: It cannot be disposed of with general construction waste and requires specific recycling or disposal methods due to its unique composition.