AAC Blocks

[danovi]

Hello Friends,

Rencently I came across AAC builinding blocks (bricks) from UltraTech cement. These are very light weight. I saw the sample block.

What is your opinion aboute these blocks? UltraTech (Birla) also has something called Fixoblock premix of cememnt. If I use xtralite and fixoblock in combination, I do not need CURING AT ALL. Cost of these blocks may be on higher side but since they are lightweight, the structural cost of the building (dead weight?), should come down drastically.I will be going for G+3 construction.I will be going for RCC frame structures instead of loadbearing structure.

When I searched our forums, I did not get any message.

Any inputs on these blocks from ultratech/others, will be of great help.

Best Regards
danovi

[subramanyacr]

Hi,

Even I saw the AAC blocks from ultratech. I read in the web that AAC are cheaper than CLC blocks (light weight and slightly different process and content in manufacturing). In Bangalore CLC blocks by DuroVert are cheaper than Ultratech AAC blocks.

I am planning to construct a G+3 house. I contacted few contractors but they are not familiar with AAC/CLC blocks. If the structural cost are not saved then these blocks will be expensive (to my knowledge). Have you find any engineer who tried these blocks?

Thanks,
Subramanya C R

[saisuraksha]

Hi,

I think most of the engineers are unaware about this.This may take another 1 to 2 years to become common usage. But my thinking is Just to save the steel i don't prefer to use this materials. Steel shouldn't be comprised for any thing and my recommdation is to go for Earthquake proof structure (without any floating columns). For external wall go with Corcrate blocks and for internal walls u can try this AAC/CLC blocks.

Saisuraksha

[danovi]

Hi,

First of all thanks.

I contacted a structural engieers who is planning, I mean has designed structure for G+4 house with these blocks. But I am not getting confidence. Once I get confidence, I can/will share the numbers for those who are in need.

@Saisuraksha,
Strength of these blocks is much better than atleast according to me normal cement blcoks. And to my knowldege even redbricks. yes red ricks. Since these blocks are much wider/lengthier in shape, they can be "brittle" (I am not getting correct word). But redbricks are small / much smaller in shape, it will be difficult to break. I even put that sample piece on the ground and and asked mason to Hit Hammer, it did not break. So.. if these is the case, why not go for it?

@Others,

any comments will be good.

I am also looking out for very good structural engineer. Can anyone point please?

-- danovi

[ardesarchitects]

Hi guys
AAC blocks are not new concept they are being produced by HIL industries for the last 10 years if i am not wrong.The AAC blocks were used largely in application where you need to reduce the live load for reducing steel.But by using this for complete structure your steel will not come down the minimum standard.
There blocks are used in cases like to build a external wall at the end of a huge cantilevered slab , external wall to be constructed with out a beam below ,light structures .
I feel for now using these blocks for complete building is not required ,when you compare the cost of AAC blocks vs steel you save doesn't match .

HIL industries are producing various products with green concepts, they are one who replaced all the asbestos sheets with green products .

Regards
Ar.Praveen.N
Ardes Architects and Interior designers
www.ardesarchtiects.com
ardesarchitects@gmail.com

[aries31]

I had seen these blocks and the Birla products and was very keen. The products indeed look attractive (G+3 in 3months?)

However, not many locally know these products. My builder claims that the after-sales support is poor (told to him by his friends in the builder community).

I tried calling up the mobile# listed on the brochure. "Invalid Number". Sent an email. No reply. Probably they are not keen on small projects but are more interested in the 10's of crores business.

So bye-bye Ultratech XtraLite

[danovi]

call Mr. Sangappa from Ultratech: 8722805027 for xtralite

also... nobody says no to business now a days.

let me check. my civil engineer says 'yes' let me get the structureal plan. please wait for some days.

regards
vinod

[ramki067]

Are there any Engineers and masons who build with AAC Blocks known to anybody here?
I'm need to construct a room on the 2nd Floor and have decided to build with AAC Blocks.

Thanks,
Ramki

[sriram]

Has someone already constructed using AAC blocks. Not much discussion on the forum regarding these blocks. any input would be helpful

[shriram]

Hello all, I am planning to start construction of my house in Horamavu. I am going for material contract and my contractor is okay with using AAC blocks. I am still analyzing the pros and cons of AAC blocks. The only cons i am able to find in internet is if the wall is not built using proper technique, cracks can appear. Does any one have any experience with AAC or CLC walls?