Aerated concrete is relatively homogeneous when compared to normal concrete, as it does not contain coarse aggregate

phase, yet shows vast variation in its properties. The properties of aerated concrete depend on its microstructure
(void±paste system) and composition, which are in¯uenced by the type of binder used, methods of pore-formation and
curing. Although aerated concrete was initially envisaged as a good insulation material, there has been renewed interest in
its structural characteristics in view of its lighter weight, savings in material and potential for large scale utilisation of wastes
like pulverised fuel ash. The focus of this paper is to classify the investigations on the properties of aerated concrete in terms
of physical (microstructure, density), chemical, me-chanical (compressive and tensile strengths, modulus of elasticity, drying
shrinkage) and functional (thermal insulation, moisture transport, durability, ®re resistance and acoustic insulation)
characteristics. Ó 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.

AAC blocks can be appropriate in different parts of building; it can be used in both non-load bearing and
load bearing walls [17]. Autoclaved aerated concrete blocks can be applicable in construction engineering
(compensation for the foundation, pipeline backfilling, roof insulation, etc.), but also get some application results in
infrastructure facilities (such as bridge and culvert backfill, road widening, resolving bumping at bridge-head of soft
base embankment [28].
B. Autoclaved Aerated Concrete
Raw materials which are suitable for autoclaved aerated concrete are fine grading materials. Silica or quartz sand,
lime, cement and aluminum powder are main raw materials for producing AAC. Silica sand’s percentage is higher
than the other aggregates in aerated concrete mix. Both silica and quartz sand are mineral based aggregates which
can be obtained from broken rocks or granites. At the same time fly ash, slag, or mine tailings can be used as
aggregates in combination with silica [13]. All fine aggregates as silica sand or quartz sand and lime are mixed with
cement. Then water will be added to this mix and hydration starts with cement forming bond between fine
aggregates and cement paste. After mixing process, expansion agent is added to the mix for increasing its volume
and this increase can be from 2 to 5 times more than original volume of the paste. Finally, expansion agent which is
used for this process is aluminum powder; this material reacts with calcium hydroxide which is the product of
reaction between cement and water. This reaction between aluminum powder and calcium hydroxide causes forming
of microscopic air bubbles which results in increasing of pastes volume as shown in Fig. 3. The hydrogen that is
formed in this process bubbles up out of the mixture and is replaced by air. The hydrogen, which is a lighter gas,

FUTURE OF AAC
AAC market development went through a major revolution since the 1990s. With large increase

in absolute number of AAC manufacturing facilities, producers worldwide are striving to

improve the balance between manufacturing cost and physical material properties, with a focus

on thermally efficient building. International ‘green’ policies and strict building regulations are

putting pressure on AAC producers demanding more energy-efficient materials (low density

blocks and panels), better quality products (high product accuracy, surface quality) and wider

range of product application (residential, commercial and industrial). Beyond the existing AAC

commodity market of blocks there is a growing worldwide demand for integrated building

solutions.

It is known that building with AAC panels makes it possible to reduce the total cost of ownership

for the final consumer. Offering buildings made of solely prefab AAC elements results in a fast,

easy construction and no on-site waste.

Inevitably, this forward looking approach requires investment in high-quality and automated

equipment that uses the latest manufacturing technology. Hence, both existing manufacturers of

AAC blocks and new investors that are looking to introduce AAC to their market should not
limit themselves to a low quality and limited range of product output. Producing a complete

AAC solution is a next step towards the market expansion and increasing market share of AAC

as a building material. Investments in innovative plant upgrades and new plants with modern

AAC technology are essential to stay ahead of ever-changing construction market.

CONCLUSION

1.Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (AAC) is one of the most sustainable building materials today. The
unique product flexibility and characteristics allow for high-speed and energy-efficient construction
methods.

2.Due to its relatively low consumption of readily available raw materials, excellent durability,
energy efficiency, relative cost effectiveness, and ability to be recycled, AAC is well deserving of its
“green” designation.

3.AAC is one of the materials which can cope up with the shortage of building raw materials and
can produce a light weight, energy efficient and environmentally friendly concrete. AIRCRETE
Building System is perfectly suitable to address the rising need for a more affordable social
housing because it allows saving costs on installation time and finishing. Natural insulation, low
density and fire resistance contribute strongly to AAC’s image of being a number one building
product for more energy efficient and sustainable future.

4.Autoclaved Aerated Concrete block is different from conventional concrete in the mix
materials and properties. Though the compressive strength of Autoclaved Aerated concrete is
less than that of concrete, AAC blocks possess many beneficial factors such as lower density,
enhanced thermal and sound insulation and reduced dead loads. Hence it is an ideal alternative
for traditional wall brick or stone materials owing to its environmental impact and eco- friendly
features.

Technical Specification

Property Units AAC Block Clay Brick

600 X 200 X (75 to

Size mm 300) 230 X 75 X110

mm +/- 5mm in length * +05 to 15

Size Tolerance -
+/- 3mm in width &
height

Compressive N/mm2 Min 4.0 * 2.5 to 3.5

Strength
Normal Dry (Oven Dry) Kg/m3 551 to 650 * 1800

Density
Max 0.24
Thermal Conductivity "K" W/m-k * 0.81
 Drying Shrinkage % Max 0.05% * -

Fire Resistance 2 to
6
Hrs. 2
(Depending on thickness)

Sound Reduction
45 for 200 mm thick
Db wall -
Index

* As per IS 2185
Part 3