Building material technology grows is continuously growing every single day, this includes AAC (Autoclaved Aerated Concrete) blocks or what is often called lightweight bricks. In this article, we will be discussing the world of AAC Blocks. Starting from the history, technology, characteristics and various other aspects regarding this particular building material.
A consultant, architect, developer or contractor certainly needs to have standards regarding their choice of product when conducting a construction project.
This serves as the reason as to why the knowledge regarding building material technology must constantly be updated. So that mistakes can be avoided.
Get to know more about AAC BLOCK
The first AAC Block was developed in Sweden in 1923 as an alternative building with the purpose of reducing deforestation.
Ever since the 1980s, AAC Block has become more and more used in the construction industry around the world. This is due to the fact that AAC is lightweight yet strong, which means it can reduce the cost of building structures.
Natural materials such as Quartz sand and limestone has been used in the world of building materials since the end of the 19th century. In early 20th century the production process was improved with the introduction of the steam curing system. This is the starting point for a particular building material, namely Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (AAC).
AAC Block or lightweight brick is a lightweight building material with high strength and serves as an excellent insulator
The strength of this material is obtained from the treatment process by using water vapor pressure on the autoclave machine. This process produces countless pores.
The entire process and substance produced gives the AAC block exceptional mechanical and physical characteristics.
AAC Block as an alternative for conventional materials
AAC blocks are used as a substitute for the conventional red bricks commonly used to build walls or floors.
AAC blocks are used in the construction industry thanks to the fact that they are lightweight yet strong, which is very helpful in reducing the cost of building structures.
If we are to compare conventional red bricks and AAC blocks, there are advantages when using the AAC blocks:
- It is very good at withstanding fire and extreme weathers.
- Free of moss, mold, moths, because it is made of cement, unlike conventional red bricks, which are made of clay.
- Walls made of AAC Blocks are also more soundproof, so for those who live in urban areas it can minimize noise.
- Dimensions are larger than conventional red bricks, which results in a more economical and faster work.
The fact that it is a heat insulator makes Powerblock AAC blocks the right choice for construction projects with specific demands for temperature insulation and sound, such as:
- Laboratory
- Swallow house
- Generator house
- Sports halls, etc.
Consultants, Architects and especially Developers and Contractors who are building or renovating a building would of course want to be able to realize the client’s requests for a low cost, strong building structure and fast completion time.
The process of building a house tends to be associated with high cost and long completion time. But along with technological developments, especially in the world of construction, this is no longer a problem.
One solution to building houses quickly and cheaply is by using Powerblock AAC blocks
This method will reduce the time and costs required for you to build a living space.
AAC block as a Material for Various Art in Design
Because it is lightweight and easy to install, its use can lower the cost spent on Steel, Concrete, Cement / Mortar and Sand.
Lightweight bricks are also very easy to cut or to drill with ordinary saws and drills.
This can bring creative ideas regarding the usage of AAC Powerblocks to produce charming handicraft products or interior accessories.
Many creative handicrafts have been made with AAC blocks, including:
- Statue,
- Plant’s pot,
- Garden light box,
- Interior light box,
- Office desk legs,
- Decor panels or wall decor, And others.
Get to know AAC blocks from its 10 Characteristics
The characteristics of AAC blocks offers many advantages. Even in developed countries, the use of this kind of AAC materials can reduce the cost of premium fire insurances.
Here are 10 characteristics that make this building material a highly recommended substitute for conventional red brick.
- LIGHTWEIGHT
AAC block is a lightweight building material that can be used as a non-bearing wall.
Because it has a homogeneous structure and is lightweight, Powerblock products can reduce the forces generated by an earthquake and reduce the burden of the structure.
Another convenience obtained due to the lightweightness of AAC blocks is in handling and transporting the products.
In addition, Powerblock products are solid, more homogeneous and easier to install.
- LOW WATER ABSORPTION
Although Powerblock’s composition consists mainly of pores, it does not give Powerblock a high water absorption. Because the Steam Curing process carried out in the production process results in the pore structure of this material crystallizing. This results in the pores being impermeable to one another. Then the water absorption process will only occur in the outermost layer. After that the layer will become a protector preventing further water absorption.
- RESISTANT TO FIRE
Powerblock is a non-combustible material and because of its low thermal conductivity, the heat flow in this material is very small.
The result is a material that has good resistance to fire. Powerblock is even used to protect other materials.
Therefore in many developed countries, the usage of AAC materials can reduce the cost of premium fire insurance, and is recommended for insulation of processing room and storage spaces such as computer rooms and archive rooms due to their resistance to fire.
- LOW SHRINK RATE
Wall cracking is aclassic problem that is often encountered. The cause of the crack itself can be grouped into 2:
External factors.
Caused by the movements outside the material itself, such as the movement of column structures, deflection of the beam or floor and other external forces such as collisions and others.
Internal factors.
Caused by the movements of the wall material itself such as shrinkage and expansion of the wall material, the plastering or the wall adhesive. Powerblock shrinks at a lower rate which reduces wall cracking due to internal factors.
- HIGH COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH
Powerblock has a compressive strength (N / mm²) ≥ 4.00 and a density of 550 ± 50 kg / m³ when dry. When examined from its weight, this material has a relatively high strength. Very few other building materials can reach this level.
- GOOD SOUND INSULATOR
This building material is a better sound insulator when compared to other building materials. Research shows that Powerblock provides good sound insulation.
- HIGH ACCURACY IN TERMS OF SIZE
International standard raw materials and the quality of the production process ensure Powerblock’s accurate size with a low tolerance of ± 2 mm in length, ± 2 mm in height, ± 2 mm in width.
This size accuracy will facilitate the work in the field and ensures a neater result.
This high size accuracy also allows the use of thin adhesives which are quite thick as 2-3 mm and allow direct finishing without plastering.
- ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY
Powerblock is a product that is environmentally friendly, non-toxic nor harmless. The material used cannot be a nest for fleas, insects nor other similar animals.
- LONGLASTING
Powerblock is resistant to weather changes, durable and stable.
- HIGH EARTHQUAKE RESISTANCE
Lateral force planning that works on a building due to an earthquake is largely determined by the weight of the building and the acceleration of ground motion due to the earthquake.
In simple terms the lateral earthquake force acting on a building is based on Newton’s famous formula.
There are several other factors that also affect earthquake forces such as the type of soil under the foundation and the degree of flexibility of the structure of the building.
The mass of AAC blocks basically provides benefits in when creating a design that tries combats earthquakes.
This material can also break down the structural mass and automatically minimize the effect of earthquake forces on the building.
In addition to what we have learned from this article, AAC blocks have a non-flammable characteristic which is a crucial factor to fire prevention that usually occur along with earthquakes. For a long time Powerblock AAC blocks have been used in earthquake-prone areas such as Aceh, Yogyakarta and Padang. Buildings that use this material both in whole or in part in fact have good resistance towards earthquakes. In Indonesia, PT. Powerblock Indonesia is a company that is part of advancing the world of construction and building materials in the country by becoming a manufacturer of AAC blocks with a large production capacity in a relatively short time.