1.1 What it is and what it does
Aircrete, also known as Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (AAC), was first
produced in the UK in the 1950's. It is one of the lightest forms
of concrete and is the most technically advanced material used for
the manufacture of mass produced concrete blocks.
Approximately 3 million cubic metres of Aircrete blocks are now produced
in the UK annually representing about a third of all concrete blockwork.
Acoustic, energy conservation, fire resistance and structural properties
are uniquely provided in one product.
There have been considerable developments in product properties and
construction methods, which have accelerated in recent years, making
available higher strengths, lower densities and larger size units
than previously. Innovative methods of construction have also been
made possible as a result of modern manufacturing techniques e.g.
thin layer mortar jointing and blocks with hand holds in the block
perpends.
Aircrete manufacturers constantly update their knowledge of the needs
and expectations of customers and aspire to exceed them with products
providing construction solutions.
Functions and applications using Aircrete blocks:
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loadbearing walls in low and medium rise buildings including dwellings |
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walls below ground level dpc |
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non-loadbearing walls and internal partitions in most types of buildings both domestic and non-domestic |
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walls in framed construction |
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walls in basements |
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beam and block floor systems |
Beam and block floor systems comprise inverted tee beams of reinforced
or prestressed concrete supporting Aircrete blocks laid flat.
Internal Aircrete block walls including inner leafs may be designed
to be loadbearing or non-loadbearing. They may be undecorated, painted,
plastered, dry lined, thin coat plastered or rendered.
Plain face blocks are also available and suitable for internal wall
surfaces which are to be left undecorated or painted.
External Aircrete loadbearing or non-loadbearing solid or cavity block
walls may be rendered, spray coated, tile hung, weather boarded or
clad with brick slips or other suitable finishes. Aircrete walls may
be used as the sole thermal insulation or
in conjunction with internal or external added insulation.
Aircrete blockwork laid in thin layer mortar joints up to 3mm thick
gives higher wall compressive strengths, which reach maximum strength
sooner, for a given block strength compared with blockwork laid in
general purpose mortar. The use of
thin-joint blockwork with the associated improved speed and accuracy
of the jointing can lead to substantial savings in construction time
of walls.
The accuracy of thin-joint blockwork makes it suitable to receive
sprayed thin-coat plaster and finishes, leading to further time saving. |
Designs using Aircrete blocks:
| • |
optimise the use of resources and cause minimum damage to natural and social environments to enhance the quality of life in ways that will be acceptable to future generations. |
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help reduce the consumption of heavier quarried materials. |
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reap environmental benefits by minimising waste and contribute significantly to the health and safety of construction workers by providing easily handled lightweight units in the context of traditional masonry construction. |
Aircrete construction has a long life, requiring low maintenance and
is durable to provide sustainable construction. The material can be
recycled when the building
is replaced or refurbished.
In total, the UK construction industry currently generates 70 million
tonnes of waste and throws away 13 million tonnes of materials which
have been delivered to sites every year. Designs using Aircrete will
contribute to a reduction in these figures.
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