Advantages of AAC Blocks are varied and many depending upon local condition. Some of those advantages from India's point of view are mentioned below :
Depending upon the thickness of the Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (AAC) Blocks, they offer fire resistance from 2 hours up to 6 hours. These blocks are highly suitable for the areas where fire safety is of great priority.
Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (AAC) Block consist of the inorganic material in its constitution that helps preventing/avoiding termites, damages or losses.
The porous structure of the AAC blocks results into enhanced sound absorption. The Sound Transmission Class (STC) rating of the AAC blocks up to 45 db. Thus, AAC blocks have been the most ideal material for the construction of walls in auditorium, hotels, hospitals, studios, etc.
The light weight property of the AAC blocks results into higher steadiness of the AAC blocks in the structure of the buildings. As the impact of the earthquake is directly proportional to the weight of the building, the building constructed using AAC blocks are more reliable and safer.
As the AAC block is very easy to handle, manipulate and use ordinary tools for cutting the wood such as the drill, band saws, etc. could be easily used to cut and align the AAC. Moreover, the AAC blocks come with larger sizes and fewer joints. This ultimately results in faster construction work as the installation time is significantly reduced due to fewer amounts of blocks and the masonry amount involved is also lowered resulting into reduced time-to-finish.
AAC blocks are highly superior in terms of the strength. Higher level of strength of these blocks gives higher stability to the structure of the building. AAC is manufactured from non-biodegradable materials, which neither rot nor attract mould, keeping interiors clean and durable.
AAC block weighs almost around 80% less as compared to the conventional red brick ultimately resulting into great reduction of deadweight. Further, the reduced deadweight results into reduction of the use of cement and steel which helps great in cost savings.
AAC Blocks have an attractive appearance and is readily adaptable to any style of architecture. Almost any design can be achieved with AAC.
Autoclaved Aerated Concrete products do not contain any toxic gas substances. The product does not harbor or encourage vermin.
AAC block has exceptional thermal insulating qualities. The thermal conductivity of the AAC blocks helps maintaining the inner temperature to be warm during the winters and cool during the summers which ultimately leads to savings in air conditioning load and consequently enhanced energy efficiency.
Moisture from both external and internal sources can cause damage to buildings, therefore, moisture protection is a primary consideration.
External moisture sources include rain and water from the soil. Internal moisture, usually in the form of humidity, can cause condensation on the surface of the walls as well as condensation inside the wall itself.
AAC has a very porous structure which is characterized by "macro" pores. Macro pores are small air bubbles evenly distributed throughout the material. Therefore, absorption of water into the AAC material is minimal.
AAC is a non-toxic product which does not pollute the air, land or water. During the manufacturing process, waste from the cutting process is recycled back with raw materials and used again. During construction, there is virtually no waste generated. The energy consumed in the production process is only a fraction compared to the production of other materials. The manufacturing process emits no pollutants and creates no by-products or toxic waste products. AAC is manufactured from natural raw materials. The finished product is thrice the volume of the raw materials used, making it extremely resource-efficient and environmentally friendly.
One of the biggest features of AAC blocks is its light weight. These blocks possess a cellular structure created during manufacturing process. Millions of tiny air cells impart AAC blocks very light weight structure. Density of these lightweight blocks usually ranges between 550 – 650 kg/m³ making them lighter than water.
The process of manufacturing AAC Blocks ensures constant and consistent dimensions. Factory finished blocks provide a uniform base for economical application of a variety of finishing systems. Internal walls can be finished by direct P.O.P., thus eliminating the need of plastering.
The block has an average compressive strength of (3-4.5) N/mm³ which is superior to most types of light weight blocks, 25% stronger than other products of the same density.
The AAC products, because of their cellular and discontinuous micro structure are superior to the normal clay brick in resistance of water penetrability and thus the external surface of AAC walls provides superior resistance to moisture penetration than the traditional clay bricks.