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Autoclaved Aerated Concrete. By: Allison Carlisle MEEN-3344. What is it?. Autoclaved aerated concrete(ACC) is a porous, lightweight, concrete-like material made with many small aggregates.
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Autoclaved Aerated Concrete By: Allison Carlisle MEEN-3344
What is it? • Autoclaved aerated concrete(ACC) is a porous, lightweight, concrete-like material made with many small aggregates. • AAC is 80% air. It can weigh about 1/6 to 1/3 as much as normal concrete and can be just as strong with reinforcement and a protective finish. • Where? How long in use?
How it’s Made • Raw materials such as limestone, water, sand, and often fly ash are mixed with cement. • A reactive expansion agent such as aluminum powder is added to create air bubbles and cause expansion. • The mixture is poured in large molds with • After it sets, it is wire cut into precisely sized blocks and then baked. • Reinforcement is placed within the molds prior to the curing. • It is then baked to speed up the curing process and help maintain their dimensions.
Properties • Density: 20-50 lbs. per cubic ft. • Compressive strength: 300-900 psi • Allowable Shear stress: 8-22 psi • Thermal resistance: 0.8-1.25 in. of thickness
Uses • AAC combines insulation and structural capability for floors and roofs. • Its light weight properties make it easy to cut, size, and adjust for complex jobs • It’s a cement-based material, so it can resist water, mold, insects, and is mostly fire resistant.
limitations • Made in rigid, pre-sized panels • Because it has a lower strength in most load-bearing applications, it is typically reinforced. • Also requires a protective finish since it is a porous material and would deteriorate if left exposed. (usually a stucco-type finish) • Not readily available in America but can be easily shipped
Applications and cost • Commonly used in everyday buildings such as commercial and residential places. • Also can be used for thermal insulation, plumbing and electrical conduits. Ensures structural integrity and tightness. • Cost can be expensive varying from the size needed and distance that it has to be shipped
Summary • It’s a light weight • It is versatile and durable. • Easy to adjust and size if mistakes or changes are made • Great for complex, and smaller jobs such as plumbing areas.
Bibliography • Jardine, Kathleen, Cameron,James, Sungarden Houses, Inc., Web, 2012, www.sungardenhouses.com • Lionheart Publishing, Inc., Using Autoclaved Aerated concrete Correctly, Mason Contractors Association of America, Web, 2008, masonarymagazine.com • Portland Cement Association, Autoclaved Aerated Concrete, Web, 2012, http://www.cement.org/homes/ch_bs_autoclaved.asp • http://www.lightconcrete.com/images/LightConcrete.pdf