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Physical and Thermal Properties of Autoclaved Aerated Concrete.

Durability

Due to autoclave treatment Autoclave Aerated Concrete (INSI-Block) has proven to be a very solid material (28-40 kgf/cm2) with the bulk weight being relatively small (400-500 kg/m3). With the same bulk weight, solidity of Non Autoclave Cellular Concrete is 10-12 kgf/cm2. If compared to Non Autoclave Cellular Concrete, AAC tends to display lower shrinkage (non autoclave cellular concrete - 3-5 mm/m, AAC - 0.3-0.5 mm/m). Reinforced concrete slabs or AAC slabs can be used as floors instead of framing in low-rise construction. When taking into consideration solidity to thermal conductivity ratio it is recommended to use INSI-Blocks of density 500 for outer bearing walls and INSI-Blocks of density 400 for floors.

Workability.

Wide range of dimensions is a great advantage of AAC. Blocks thickness varies from 100 to 500 mm. Slots and ridges are made at the ends. AAC can be easily treated with the helop of common tools (drill or hand saw). Thanks to peculiar cavities at the ends of a block, a mason can hold a block while laying it. Door ways and arches, wiring channels and holes for switch sockets, as well as pipelines can be easily cut due to simplified treatment process of AAC. Blockwork structures are constructed 3 or 4 times faster than brickwork ones because of fewer masons' movements required.

Seismic Resistance

For many years AAC reinforced units have been applied in seismically active regions. The buildings with walls made of AAC (wholly or in part) have proved better seismic resistance during earthquakes. ACC light weight and high strength account for reduction of loads on building. Fire resistant and non-combustible properties speak for another advantage against fires often caused by earthquakes.

Fire Resistance

Non-flammability is explained by the fact that INSI-Blocks (AAC) are manufactured from natural mineral non-combustible raw material. INSI-Block is capable to resist one side fire attack for up to 7 hours. Fire resistance of gas silicate is much higher than that of common concrete. INSI-Blocks protect metal structures from direct fire. As the surveys conducted by RRIFP showed AAC can be used for construction of A-class fire separation walls - fire separation walls in buildings of any fire resistance levels, as well as for construction of bearing walls of any building types. Good fire resistance makes AAC prime material applicable for residential houses reconstruction including heightening, which is usually accompanied by the improvement of building fire resistance.

Ecological Compatibility

Our actions should do no harm to the environment for the sake of future generations. Those who use AAC as building material use environmentally friendly material because AAC manufacture is energy-saving and is associated with the reduction of CO2 emission. INSI-Block is produced of sand, lime, cement, gypsum and aluminium powder. It does not evolve toxic waste (unlike styrol) and with respect to ecological compatibility is surpassed by wood only, but unlike wood, it is resistant to rot and ageing. INSI-Block is manufactured from ecologically sound raw materials which is proved by certificates. It ensures environmental safety of blocks with radiation background being lower than 9-11 mcr/h. In accordance with environmental challenges AAC is suitable for recycling and reusability. It does not include slag, styrol and other harmful substances.

Comfort

A house built of INSI-Blocks is classified as stone structure though its microclimate is comparable to that of wooden houses — it is cool inside in hot weather and warm in winter. Due to porous structure INSI-Blocks are extremely vapor permeable (unlike foam concrete) which let the walls «breathe» thus sustaining optimal temperature-humidity conditions. Cellular structure of AAC (INSI-Block) accounts for its improved sound-proofing properties that are essential for multi family houses, offices and cottages. A wall made of AAC (INSI-Block) of type 500 and thickness 200 mm and plastered on both sides is characterized by sound dampening properties of 55 decibels which corresponds to present-day standards for separation walls.

Quality and Economy

Dimensional accuracy +/- 1-2 mm enables to lay AAC blocks (INSI-Blocks) on adhesive mixtures with minimum joint thickness between 2 and 4 mm (unlike cement mortar with joint thickness between 10 and 15 mm). This leads to the reduction of «cold bridges» and increases thermotechnical homogeniety of a wall. If compared to cement mortar, INSI glue makes a wall 10-30% «warmer». Reduction of joints space results in the reduction of finishing costs. With INSI construction mixtures the quantity of mortar used is reduced by 4-5 times.