What Are AAC Blocks? Types, Prices, Advantages, And Applications

Whether you are building a home, an office, a shopping complex, or any other space, opting for high-quality materials at affordable prices has always been a priority. However, a new factor that is influencing the decision-making of the people in the present dynamics is their consciousness of the environment. In the pursuit of a material that can be eco-friendly, cost-effective, and meet the quality requirements of the people, AAC blocks or aerated autoclaved concrete blocks have emerged as a popular choice.

The traditional burnt bricks bring with it a wide range of environmental problems and therefore the need for a superior alternative was rising. This is where in the 1920s, a Swedish architect Dr. Juhan Axel Eriksson, and a professor named Henrik Kreuger came together to develop a new construction material that was lighter and significantly more durable as compared to the clay bricks, AAC blocks.

What Are AAC Blocks?

The AAC blocks or aerated autoclaved concrete blocks are revolutionary building materials that are widely used all over the globe. The AAC bricks are the precast concrete building structures that are used to create a variety of buildings in the construction industry. They are lightweight and come with incredible thermal insulation capabilities that make the material stand out as a significant innovation with a unique set of properties and features. These blocks are primarily composed of materials like sand, cement, lime, aluminium powder, and water.

The development of these structures includes the mixing of the different ingredients of the material, moulding them, and curing them for a specific duration of time. The inclusion of the aluminium powder helps to create tiny bubbles in the material imparting the distinctive lightweight and aerated characteristics to the AAC bricks. These blocks are then placed in a high-pressure steam chamber called an autoclave for several hours. The high temperatures and pressure help to trigger a chemical reaction that hardens the blocks and imparts strength to them.

These structures have porous, foam-like textures and serve as a building material that is a cost-effective, durable, and reliable building material for diverse applications. There are numerous options in terms of AAC block sizes, some of which are as follows:

• 600mm x 200mm x 50 mm
• 600mm x 200mm x 75 mm
• 600mm x 200mm x 100 mm
• 600mm x 200mm x 150 mm
• 600mm x 200mm x 200 mm
• 600mm x 200mm x 230 mm
• 600mm x 200mm x 250 mm
• 600mm x 200mm x 300 mm

Common AAC Block Types

The needs and requirements of every architectural project are different due to the diversity of options in structures that you might need to build. In such an era, a wide range of building materials options is also an inevitable need. The industry ensures that to your advantage. You can choose from different options for AAC block types based on your expectations and preferences. Some of the common types of AAC blocks include the following:

1. Standard AAC Blocks

One of the most commonly used types of concrete aerated blocks, the standard AAC bricks are the solid, lightweight, and uniform types that offer a perfect balance of cost-effectiveness, strength, and insulation capabilities. They have a porous surface and come with superior tensile strength and durability.

Key Features:

• They possess high compressive strength.
• Equipped with incredible thermal and sound insulation properties.
• Lightweight, easy to handle, and quick to install.
• Non-combustible and fire-resistant.
• Particularly ideal for non-load-bearing structures.

Standard AAC Block Uses:

• Use for walls in residential, commercial, and industrial buildings.
• Used in internal and external walls.
• Primarily suitable for diverse non-load-bearing applications.

2. Hollow AAC Blocks

As the name suggests, the hollow AAC blocks typically feature voids or hollow cores that also ensure their reduced weight without compromising on strength and durability. The overall usage of the raw materials in this kind of Aerocon blocks is relatively less, but the thermal insulation capabilities and the strength of these structures make them a great option for a variety of applications.

Key Features:

• Reduced material usage and thus lighter in weight than standard AAC blocks.
• Improved thermal performance with superior insulation capabilities.
• It helps to reduce the overall construction costs due to material savings.
• Ensures easy installation of pipes and conduits.

Hollow AAC Block Uses:

• Particularly ideal for non-load-bearing internal partition walls or boundary walls.
• Can be used for external walls to benefit from the thermal insulation properties.
• Ideal for structures requiring reduced dead load.

3. Reinforced AAC Blocks

One of the widely used AAC block types in the Indian construction industry, the reinforced AAC bricks are the kind of blocks that are embedded with steel rods, wires, or meshes to add to their structural stability, strength, and load-bearing capacity. These kinds of blocks are particularly used for projects that require superior durability and strength such as multi-story buildings, industrial projects, skyscrapers, and other similar projects.

Key Features:

• Offers superior tensile strength and load-bearing capacity.
• It is also resistant to damage by seismic forces.
• They also come with impressive lightweight properties despite added reinforcement.

Reinforced AAC Block Uses:

• Particularly suitable for heavy-load or high-rise buildings.
• Also ideal for load-bearing walls in industrial and commercial spaces.
• Can also be used in the construction of retaining walls and columns.

4. Lightweight AAC Blocks

This includes the AAC block types that are designed to offer higher standards of durability and structural stability along with a strong emphasis on minimizing the overall weight of the structures. This helps reduce structural load in high-rise structures and thus offers effective standards of stability and reliability in buildings.

Key Features:

• Lighter in weight as compared to standard AAC blocks.
• Easy transportation, effective handling, and reduced construction loads.
• Faster construction with reduced labour costs.
• Reduced load on the foundation of a building.

Lightweight AAC Block Uses:

• Effectively used in high-rise buildings where reduced structural load is necessary.
• Can also be used for the construction of partition walls and infill walls.
• Construction of interior walls in low-rise structures.
• Diverse kinds of renovation and remodeling projects.

5. High-Strength AAC Blocks

As the name suggests, the high-strength AAC Bricks come with higher compressive strength, are denser, and typically heavier than other potential options in order to manage heavier compressive loads of industrial and heavy load structures. They are superior choices for heavy-duty applications and ensure the durability of diverse structures.

Key Features:

• Comes with higher compressive strength.
• They ensure better durability and are also resistant to cracking or wear and tear.
• Equipped with an enhanced standard of load-bearing capacity.
• Ensures the long lifespan of tall buildings and skyscrapers.

High-Strength AAC Block Uses:

• Ideal for structural walls and load-bearing walls.
• Heavy-duty applications such as industrial and commercial buildings.
• Can be used for the building of foundations and basement walls.

6. Fire Resistant AAC Blocks

These are the kinds of structures that are specifically designed to withstand higher temperatures for extended periods of time thereby offering superior levels of fire safety to the people. They prove to be a reliable choice for fire-prone regions as they are built to prevent the spread of fire to other spaces.

Key Features:

• They are typically non-combustible and highly resistant to fire.
• They can withstand temperatures up to 1200°C without causing the spread of fire.
• They help structures retain structural integrity during fire incidents or in fire-prone areas.
• Ensure peace of mind and safety with passive fire protection.

Fire-Resistant AAC Block Uses:

• Particularly used for firewalls, kitchen areas, and industrial setups for superior fire safety.
• Can be used in the construction of schools, hospitals, and public buildings.
• Also in Industrial plants and factories with increased fire safety needs.
• Also suitable for storage areas and warehouses for long-term performance.

7. 200 mm AAC Block

This includes the thick, strong, and robust structures that come with remarkable strength and insulation capabilities. This features thick blocks that are particularly ideal for external walls or structural applications where durability and reliability along with strength prove to be a priority.

Key Features:

• Ensures additional load-bearing capacity with superior strength.
• Equipped with excellent sound and thermal insulation properties.
• Helps to reduce the overall material consumption for thick walls due to higher AAC block density.

200 mm AAC Block Uses:

• Particularly used in external walls in multi-story buildings and other heavy-duty applications.
• Can be used for essential soundproofing for theatres and auditoriums.
• Also used in cold storage facilities for proper temperature maintenance.

8. 100 mm AAC Block

In comparison to the 200 mm aerated autoclaved concrete block, the 100 mm AAC bricks are significantly thinner and lightweight with impressive standards of efficiency and effectiveness in a variety of low-load bearing applications. They are easy to handle and ensure quick installation thereby supporting the cost-effectiveness and timeline management for the clients.

Key Features:

• They feature a thin profile and thus also helps to reduce the space consumption.
• They are lightweight and thus easy to cut, shape, and handle.
• They also provide sound insulation properties particularly useful for internal walls.
• With easy installation, they also help to reduce the overall construction time.

100 mm AAC Block Uses:

• Effectively used for internal partitions, dividing walls, and other non-load-bearing applications.
• Mainly used in office spaces and residential buildings.
• The structures have also found their usefulness in diverse renovation projects and the creation of lightweight wall structures.

9. Long-lasting AAC Block

These are the kind of AAC block types that are designed for durability and a long lifespan. These AAC bricks are manufactured meticulously to offer superior reliability and effective resistance to environmental wear and tear, thereby ensuring an extended service life.

Key Features:

• Offers higher standards of durability and resistance to different climatic conditions.
• Low maintenance over time with effective resistance to environmental wear and tear.
• They offer superior performance and impressive resistance to pests, corrosion, or rotting.

Long-lasting AAC Block Uses:

• Particularly suitable for projects requiring longevity of structures with minimal maintenance.
• Can be used in projects located in extreme weather conditions or coastal and high-humidity environments.
• Can also be used for structures requiring long-term performance and lifespan.

10. Rectangular Fly Ash AAC Blocks

This kind of AAC bricks is precisely manufactured with the power of fly ash as a primary ingredient. The fly ash is a by-product of the combustion of coal and makes the blocks an eco-friendly and reliable choice. This is a sustainable option that ensures superior performance along with a reduced environmental footprint for the users.

Key Features:

• They are eco-friendly and sustainable structures that help to reduce the overall environmental impact of the users.
• Typically lightweight and thermally insulating for better performance.
• The use of recycled material reduces the carbon footprint of the people.
• They are dimensionally accurate and thus are more precisely built.

Rectangular Fly Ash AAC Block Uses:

• Incredible choices for green building projects and environmentally conscious homeowners.
• Can be used for walls where precision and uniformity in designs are a priority.
• They can also be used for affordable housing and government projects due to the affordability of AAC block prices.
• Also ideal for large-scale residential and commercial developments with superior efficiency.

Leading AAC Blocks Advantages To Be Considered

The different kinds of AAC bricks offer a wide range of advantages to construction professionals and people thereby making them a great choice in the modern construction industry. Some of the common advantages of the structures include the following:

• Lightweight Nature: The different kinds of AAC blocks are up to 3 times lighter than red bricks, making them a great choice to reduce the overall dead load on a building. They are easy to cut, shape and modify, easier to insert screws and nails and create chase making the material a perfect and flexible choice for a variety of applications. Their lightweight nature also adds to their effectiveness and durability for high-rise structures and heavy-duty projects.
• Thermal Insulation: One of the key features of the AAC bricks is that they feature a unique cellular structure that helps to ensure a good level of thermal insulation properties in the structures. This helps to add to the overall energy efficiency of the structures and helps to reduce the cooling and heating costs for the occupants. The AAC blocks are superior to clay bricks in this context and thus become a widely used option.
• Eco-friendly: The aerated autoclaved concrete blocks prove to be a sustainable alternative to traditional building materials as these elements are made with natural resources such as fly ash, lime, and cement that help to reduce the overall impact of the users on the environment. Their production process ensures for reduced use of raw materials and the production process also typically emits fewer greenhouse gases thereby making the elements an eco-friendly choice.
• Durability and Strength: The lightweight nature of the Aerocon blocks is not equivalent to their strength and durability, despite being lightweight, the AAC blocks come with excellent compressive strength, load-bearing capacity, and long-term durability. They are cement-based structures and are also resistant to damage by water, mold, insects, and corrosion over time.
• Easy Installation: The AAC block sizes are comparatively larger as compared to clay bricks but they possess a lightweight nature that makes the elements easy to handle and install. As compared to conventional bricks, these elements accelerate the construction process, reduce labour costs, and ensure effective construction with quicker and easier installation of the structures.
• Sound Insulation: Along with the thermal insulation capabilities, the AAC bricks are also equipped with acoustic insulation properties thereby allowing the structures to be soundproof. They are ideal for the effective absorption of sound and for preventing it to penetrate from walls or structures. The use of ACC bricks helps you to maintain a quiet and calm environment indoors even with drums outside.
• Earthquake And Fire Resistance: The different AAC bloc types are designed to be non-combustible and thus can withstand high temperatures. They ensure excellent fire safety for the occupants making the structures ideal for fire-prone areas. The AAC blocks are manufactured to gather strength during the process, therefore they can handle heavy loads during earthquakes as well as compared to conventional bricks.
• Versatility in Operations: The AAC blocks are widely used elements for a diverse range of applications in the construction industry such as walls, roofs, floors, kitchen surfaces, and numerous others. This is due to the remarkable strength, the flexible AAC block sizes and prices, and the durability of the structures in the long run. You can choose the right type of AAC blocks for your specific purpose and requirements.

AAC Bricks Price Structure in India

The prices of the AAC blocks in India vary depending on a wide variety of factors including the quality of the material, the quality purchases, the shapes and sizes of the blocks, the block type, technology innovation, the reputation of the manufacturer, and numerous other factors. For actual prices, you can refer to the website of McCoy Mart or the AAC block manufacturer. In a general sense, we have provided the estimated price structure of different types of AAC bricks.

Applications Of AAC Bricks

With the incredible strength and durability of the structures, the AAC blocks are versatile and find their applications in wide sectors of construction. Some of the common AAC block uses include the following:

• Residential Buildings: The elements are widely used for the construction of internal and external walls in spaces such as homes, apartments, and low-rise structures.
• Commercial Buildings: The AAC blocks are strong, sturdy, and reliable elements that have found their way into the commercial industry in the construction of offices, hotels, shopping complexes, corporate buildings, malls, and many others.
• Industrial Facilities: The different options for high-density ACC blocks impart the necessary strength and durability to diverse industrial warehouses, factories, power plants, and others. The unique load-bearing capacity and insulation properties of the structures make them ideal for different applications.
• Infrastructure Projects: Whether it is about schools, colleges, or universities or infrastructural projects like bridges, flyovers, metros, or others, the key features of the AAC bricks help to add to the overall functionality, performance, and lifespan of the buildings.

Choose The Highest Quality AAC Blocks For Durable Structures

The AAC Blocks are the new and innovative technology of the building materials that are reshaping the landscape of the modern construction industry with their improved ability to impart strength, durability, and reliability in the structures. However, to ensure the top-notch quality of the structures, you cannot just consult the first suppliers who appear when you search for the best AAC blocks near you. You need to compare the specifications and price structures of a variety of AAC block manufacturers and then choose the one that seems most trusted to you. Your spaces need to be built with safety and stability, so don’t compromise with quality material that can add to that performance.

Read Also: AAC Blocks vs Red Bricks

FAQ’s

Q-1. How are AAC blocks different from traditional concrete blocks?

A-1. AAC blocks differ from traditional concrete blocks due to their unique composition. They include cement, lime, sand, water, and aluminium powder, undergoing a specialized aeration process. This results in lightweight, porous blocks with excellent insulation, fire resistance, and sustainability, setting them apart from conventional materials.

Q-2. Are AAC blocks suitable for all types of construction projects?

A-2. Yes, AAC blocks are versatile and suitable for various construction projects. Their diverse types, including standard blocks, fly ash blocks, lintel blocks, soundproof blocks, decorative blocks, and high-strength blocks, cater to specific needs. From residential buildings to commercial structures, AAC blocks offer flexibility and performance.

Q-3. Are AAC blocks cost-effective despite their initial higher upfront costs?

A-3. Absolutely, While the initial cost of AAC blocks might be higher, the long-term savings arise from reduced transportation and installation expenses. Moreover, their energy-efficient properties contribute to overall cost savings, making AAC blocks a cost-effective and sustainable choice in the construction industry.