Page 55 - Construction Vision Dec-Jan 2024 Issue

BUILDING BLOCKS

FOR A GREENER

TOMORROW

SHRI MANOJ KULSHRESTHA
HEAD - CTS CAPABILITY BUILDING
JKCEMENT (GREY DIV.)

he current housing shortage in urban areas is around 10 One of the key advantages of AAC blocks is their superior thermal
million units and most of the shortage lies in EWS and LIG insulation properties. The unique composition of these blocks
Tsectors. The way requirements are increasing Bharat allows their cellular structure traps air within the material, resulting
needs additional 25-million affordable-houses by 2030. in excellent heat resistance. This means that buildings constructed
with AAC blocks require less energy for heating and cooling
Construction and building material industry is working continuously
purposes. This translates into reduced carbon emissions and lower
on developing new building material which are sustainable, good
energy bills.
for speedy construction and have lesser environmental impact.
Another key feature of AAC blocks is their lightweight nature.
In the pursuit of a greener future, the construction industry plays a
Compared to traditional concrete blocks, AAC blocks are
crucial role in adopting sustainable practices. One such building
significantly lighter, making them easier to handle during
block that is gaining popularity for its environmental-friendly
construction. This not only reduces labour costs but also minimizes
attributes is Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (AAC) blocks. These
the carbon footprint associated with transportation and increases
blocks are revolutionizing the construction industry by offering
the speed of construction also. Apart from all this due to lesser dead
numerous benefits in terms of energy efficiency and environmental
weight we need thinner concrete elements like Beams and
conservation.
Columns to support the dead weight and thickness of foundation
AAC was developed in 1924 by a Swedish innovator Dr Johan Axel (raft or footing) is also reduced which further reduces the cost of the
Erikkson, along with Professor Henrik Kreuger. They were working overall project with the use of lesser natural resources.
on developing an alternate building material with properties
Durability is another aspect where AAC blocks excel. These
resembling to that of wood with good thermal insulation, strong yet
factory-finished blocks are manufactured under controlled
easy to work with – but without the disadvantage of combustibility,
conditions, ensuring accurate dimensions and superior quality.
decay, and termite damage.
Their unmatched durability makes them resistant to fire, pests, and
AAC blocks are made from a mixture of cement, lime, fly ash, moisture, leading to longer-lasting structures that require minimal
Aluminium powder, and water, which undergo a process known as maintenance over time.
autoclaving to create lightweight and highly insulating construction
Apart from other properties AAC blocks are earthquake resistant
units. This manufacturing process reduces the consumption of raw
because they are light in weight. As the impact of an earthquake is
materials and energy compared to traditional concrete blocks,
directly proportional to a building's weight and due to light weight of
making it a more sustainable choice.

CONSTRUCTION VISION 53 DECEMBER-JANUARY 2024