Fessibility

Preamble
AC plants primarily produce AAC blocks in the density range of 600-800 kg/m3 with 28-day
compressive strength in the range of 3.5 to 4.0 N/mm2. Therefore, such blocks are best suited
for non-load-bearing wall masonry in high rise buildings, where these cut down the dead
weight of the walls. However the high project site delivered cost of AAC blocks being in the
range of Rs. 2,500/m3 to Rs. 3,000/m3, renders these uncompetitive as compared to
conventional burnt clay brickwork. There is another aspect of high water absorption of
around 45% by volume (or over 60% by weight), compared to 15% - 20 % for the clay
bricks, which needs to be taken care of. Most of these plants are providing special surface
coatings to the blocks to delay this water absorption.
The Cellular Lightweight Concrete (CLC) Blocks, on the other hand are even simpler to
produce than ordinary concrete. These do not require autoclaving and can even be produced
at project sites under ambient conditions using un-skilled labour. The investment required is
also very low - being in the range of 1% of the investment needed for an AAC plant. More
over the CLC blocks can be produced in a much wider range of densities from 400 kg/m3 to
1,800kg/m3, with 28 compressive strength varying from 0.5 N/mm2 to 25 N/mm2. The water
absorption of these CLC blocks is even lower than that of clay bricks, making these equally
suited for exterior or interior walls.
CLC blocks are superior to bricks in respect of lower density, larger size substituting nearly
14 bricks, superior thermal insulation, lower water absorption, ease of chase/size cutting and
driving of nails. Substitution of bricks with CLC blocks for walling saves nearly 75%
masonry mortar, 50% labour, ensures faster pace of work and results in substantial savings in
steel and cement used in foundations and structural framework of buildings.
This report profile has been prepared for a daily output of 50 m3 of CLC blocks of
500x250x200/100 mm of density 800 kg/m3 (1000 kg/m3) in a single shift working.
Production can be doubled using same set-up by working two shifts.The parameters for
production of any other density blocks would get slightly modified. A year is presumed to
ensure 300 working days.
The blocks for masonry work would conform to the stipulations of IS: 2185 (Part-4) : 2008
and those for thermal insulation would satisfy the requirements of IS: 6598 (Part-4) : 2008 .