HISTORY OF AAC
Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (AAC) is a popular building material that draws its roots from the early 20th century. Throughout its existence AAC has gained a considerable share in international construction markets and today, maintains its reputation of the building material of the future. This review presents the background on AAC discovery, early commercial development and eventual international success. Different AAC manufacturing technologies are hereby described and how competition contributed to ways of making AAC over the years. An overview of the latest AAC developments due to continued innovation will conclude with an outlook on the AAC industry landscape.
Autoclaved Aerated Concrete consists of the unique combination of Tobermorite 11A molecules and air pores. Tobermorite 11A is a molecule that, once created, cannot physically decompose through heat, rot, corrosion or other chemical process and thus is very durable.
AAC products are produced using a mix of generally abundant-available raw materials like sand, cement, lime and gypsum. The raw materials are mixed with water, a very small amount of aluminum powder is added, and poured in large molds.
AAC And Value Engineering
DBS has been successfully developed and implemented a building system for more than 20 years, been used in residential and commercial applications.
The short- and long-term benefits of these systems are realized by owners, developers, designers and contractors. The benefits are achieved by the various material properties and methods that are associated with the established approach to construction.
One of the main benefits of Delta Block is safety. An owner using Delta Blocks creates a sound, functional and safe building. Another benefit of the DB Building System is versatility. DBS can provide many architectural features that will enhance and project a unique architectural image for the building and its owner. DB construction is insect and termite proof. Therefore, the need for expensive insect and pest treatment as well as long term maintenance costs will be greatly reduced. Furthermore, the superior thermal properties associated with all of the DBS products will translate into increased energy savings.
The cost savings realized when using DBS products, mainly related to the shorter construction time, will be dramatic. The advantages of DB include low maintenance costs, good sound insulation and excellent thermal insulation. It easily meets energy codes.
Creative designs cannot be realized without the use of a highly adaptable construction material. DB can be adapted to suit most architectural designs while still providing a simple construction system that can meet all load requirements.
Buildings can be constructed quickly and safely using DB building systems. The product itself is lightweight; therefore easily handled. DB’s workability (e.g. anchoring, routing, and drilling characteristics) is well developed and can be easily performed. DBS material also produces less waste. By using the right combination of DBS products, productivity will be increased. DB will reduce the amount of time spent on job sites due to its ease of handling.
AAC market development went through a major revolution since the 1990s. With large increase in absolute number of AAC manufacturing facilities, producers worldwide are striving to improve the balance between manufacturing cost and physical material properties, with a focus on thermally efficient building. International “green” policies and strict building regulations are putting pressure on AAC producers demanding more energy-efficient materials (low density blocks and panels), better quality products (high product accuracy, surface quality) and wider range of product application (residential, commercial and industrial). Beyond the existing AAC commodity market of blocks, there is a growing worldwide demand for integrated building solutions . It is known that building with AAC panels makes it possible to reduce the total cost of ownership for the final consumer. Offering buildings made of solely prefab AAC elements results in a fast, easy construction and no on-site waste.
Inevitably, this forward-looking approach requires investment in high-quality and automated equipment that uses the latest manufacturing technology. Hence, both existing manufacturers of AAC blocks and new investors that are looking to introduce AAC to their market should not limit themselves to a low quality and limited range of product output. Producing a complete AAC solution is the next step towards the market expansion and increasing market share of AAC as a building material. Investments in innovative plant upgrades and new plants with modern AAC technology are essential to stay ahead of ever-changing construction market.