Debunking of common Myths related to AAC Blocks

AAC blocks are a revolutionary building material that can transform the way construction projects are carried out in India. And Magicrete is proud to be a leading manufacturer and supplier of these blocks to various sectors in India today. Made from fly ash, these blocks are eco-friendly, lightweight, durable, resistant to heat, moisture, earthquakes, and pests, and can be modified easily as per requirement. Yet, many professionals, as well as laymen, harbor certain misconceptions about the nature and effectiveness of AAC blocks. Well, it•Ùüè÷Ì¢å‫̢åãè÷s time to debunk the most popular myths about these revolutionary products, so that you can gain confidence about using them in different structures.

Myth #1 •Ùüè÷Ì¢å‫̢åÛåÏ Walls made of AAC blocks are not strong enough

AAC blocks have a strength of more than (4N/mm² (MPa) as per IS: 2185-Part III. Clay bricks on the other hand have a compressive strength of about 3.5 N/mm2 and the most commonly used CC blocks have a strength of 3.6 N/mm2. Hence, AAC blocks are very strong, robust, and safe, even when compared to bricks or CC blocks. As a result, they can be conveniently used for different kinds of wall construction.

Myth #2 •Ùüè÷Ì¢å‫̢åÛåÏ Due to lightweight properties, AAC blocks cannot be used in high-rise buildings

AAC blocks weigh one-third of what clay bricks weigh, and this is all the more reason why they should be used in high-rise buildings. They help reduce the total dead load of the building, which contributes to structural savings by up to 20%. And this lightweight property also helps to reduce the chances of damage from earthquakes.

Myth #3 •Ùüè÷Ì¢å‫̢åÛåÏ Cellular lightweight concrete blocks and AAC blocks are the same things

No, they are not the same at all. Though AAC blocks and cellular concrete blocks look similar, they are different on several parameters. AAC blocks are preferable due to these reasons:

Myth #4 •Ùüè÷Ì¢å‫̢åÛåÏ Low availability of AAC blocks during monsoon, just like clay bricks
No, procuring AAC blocks is never difficult, no matter what the season is. Traditional clay bricks are produced in kilns, so naturally, their production and supply plummet during rains. But AAC blocks are manufactured in autoclaves in factories and are hence free from the effects of the monsoon.

Myth #5 •Ùüè÷Ì¢å‫̢åÛåÏ Specialized masonry skills required for AAC applications

Not at all. Regular masons with basic training can work with AAC Blocks easily. Normal masonry practices are applicable in the masonry work of AAC blocks, as they adhere to IS: 6041-1985 (required for AAC Block masonry). Also, the amount of plaster and mortar needed for installing AAC blocks is much less than for traditional clay bricks. Though special masonry skills are not needed, the tools used for installing AAC blocks must be specific. The right tools will also offer high quality and productivity.
Myth #6 •Ùüè÷Ì¢å‫̢åÛåÏ AAC blocks increase the cost of construction
Actually, it does the reverse. AAC blocks can reduce construction costs by almost 30%. You will derive maximum benefits if you use Magicrete AAC blocks from the design stage onwards. By using Magicrete blocks, you can also lessen the life cycle cost, which is not possible with clay bricks or CLC blocks. Also, by using AAC blocks, the load transmitted on RCC from the structure goes down by 10 to 15%.
Myth #7 •Ùüè÷Ì¢å‫̢åÛåÏ Cutting AAC walls for conducting and plumbing is difficult
Since AAC blocks are cellular in structure and lightweight, they can be easily cut and shaped as per your wish. They also work well with screws and nails, and chases can be created in them to install electrical and plumbing lines. But you will have to use specific tools like the electric chaser machine to get accurate results without impacting the walls. Definitely avoid the use of a normal chisel for manual chasing.

Myth #8 •Ùüè÷Ì¢å‫̢åÛåÏ AAC walls have a water seepage problem
No, AAC blocks feature discontinuous air pores that don•Ùüè÷Ì¢å‫̢åãè÷t allow water to pass through. Red clay bricks on the other hand absorb a lot of water due to high capillary action. Naturally, AAC blocks also discourage the nesting and growth of termites, mold, and mildew.