 | When AAC was first developed? |
 | Autoclave Aerated Concrete Masonry Units (AAC), are ultra lightweight concrete blocks with a unique cellular structure that provides superior energy efficiency, fire resistance and acoustical properties. Though AAC is largely new to India, AAC is not a new building material; it was developed in Sweden in the late 1920s by Architect Dr. Johan Axel Eriksson. Today there are manufacturing facilities spread across all over the world and in all climatic conditions. However for India it’s an evolving product. |
| What are the ingredients of Duralite AAC Blocks? |
| The basic raw materials used in the manufacturing of AAC are Pulverized Fly Ash (PFA), Portland Cement (PPC), Lime, Water and Aluminum powder. All the materials are mixed to form slurry. The slurry is then poured into molds. Entrained air bubbles are created by a chemical reaction between the hydration products and aluminum powder, which causes the material to rise in the mold. After curing for 45 minutes, the product is cut into the unit sizes by piano wires. The units are then cured under pressure in autoclaves for 8 to 12 hours, which transforms the material into hard calcium silicate. |
| What are some of the benefits of Duralite AAC Blocks? |
| Among others the main benefits of DURALITE AAC BLOCKS construction are: Fire Resistance, Durability, Thermal Performance, Acoustic Insulation, Pest Resistance, Precision, Speed and Ease of Construction, Structural Versatility, Light Weight, Workability, Non-Toxic and Environmentally Friendly. |
| Do we need a specialised application team? |
| No. Although Duralite AAC Blocks are easy to build, the application procedure is similar as with the conventional bricks. IS:6041 (for AAC Block masonry), are applied in Duralite ACC Blocks masonry work. We offer free on-site training in order to build with Duralite ACC Blocks properly and gain all the advantages offered. On top of that we regularly organise seminars for application teams. |
| What is the recommended thickness for internal & external plaster? |
| Partitions made from AAC blocks should always have a surface treatment. Reason behind is to safeguard against the ingress of moisture, to protect the attack by aggressive environmental influences and to prevent the mechanical resistance. There are various products available. The flat surfaces of all the walls made of AAC blocks allow thin layers of plaster to be used. With an exterior plaster thickness of about 12 mm-16 mm and 8 mm to 12mm for internal plaster, the thermal insulation is improved, while you achieve great economy, by minimising plastering thicknesses. |
| Do I need to soak Duralite AAC Blocks in water before use? |
| Duralite AAC Blocks need not be wetted before or during the laying of walls. In case the climatic conditions desire so, the top and the sides of the block may be moistened so as to prevent absorption of water from the mortar and ensure the development of the required bond with the mortar. |
| Can I leave Duralite AAC Blocks masonry without plaster? |
| No! Plaster protects our masonry, improving on the same time the thermal insulation of the building. Before applying plaster the applicator should do the necessary cleaning of dust from the walls, making sure with this way about the good results of the final surface. |
| I want to paint walls without plastering them. What do you suggest me? |
| Duralite AAC Blocks strictly does not recommend skipping the plastering stage for any reason. A painting exterior masonry is possible, but there is no guarantee of sealing the rain water. This is the reason why Duralite walls must be plastered in any case. |
| Why is AAC a good thermal Insulator? |
| Duralite AAC Blocks is an autoclaved cellular concrete comprising of fly ash, water and air. Air filled cells form during the manufacturing process. This air, in fact, constitutes the best imaginable thermal insulation in this manufacturing context. As a result, Duralite obtains the characteristics of an insulating material. Duralite AAC Blocks is insulating itself, so it is unnecessary to provide additional insulation. No more problems generated by poor insulation installation, no more thermal bridges. Building with Duralite results in 100% effective, durable insulation. Due to its excellent insulation capacity and high thermal inertia, Duralite protects you against the cold in winter. Conversely, in summer Duralite prevents the entry of heat. In other words: warm in winter and cool in summer. |
| How and why Duralite AAC Blocks is considered a Green Building Component? |
| Autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC) is well known as an environmentally friendly construction material. 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. Duralite AAC Blocks is manufactured from common and abundant natural raw materials. The finished product is twice the volume of the raw materials used, making it extremely resource-efficient and environmentally friendly. |
| How much money do I save if I use Duralite AAC Blocks? |
| Construction with Duralite AAC Blocks with the final processing (building and plastering) saves at least 10-15%, when compared with the traditional way of building, depending on the type of the project. The exact value of the general savings is difficult to say because it depends on the project |
| Where do Duralite AAC Blocks are most usually been used? |
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• Hospitality; hotels, motels and restaurants • Retail and warehouses • Industrial • Office Buildings • Education • Medical, clinics and offices • Religious • Single family homes • Multi-family projects • Specialty application such as fire walls and sound walls |
