Basic comparison of Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (AAC) Blocks

with Cellular Lightweight Concrete (CLC)

Shrinkage:-

At 25 Deg.C and 45% RH, the shrinkage in CLC is 5 times more than AAC and if this large shrinkage is
restricted and restrained, then cracking occurs.

Density and Strength:-

If CLC is used as walling element (load bearing as well as non-load bearing) it requires a minimum of 1200
Kg/Cu.M. density for load bearing application and 1000 Kg/Cu.M. for non - load bearing applications. For
AAC sufficient density are 550 Kg /Cu.M. to 650 Kg/Cu.M. (oven dry) as strength of AAC is uniform.

More so, the density of CLC cannot be controlled properly and as such the compressive strength varies. This
is because CLC is air cured and it actually takes about 90 -100 days for complete curing to achieve the
compressive strength of 35 to 40 Kg /Cm2.

Whereas, in AAC the curing is complete after autoclaving for 15 – 16 hours in conditioned conditions to
achieve a stable strength. CLC in contrast are unstable if not fully cured.

The fact that the density is uncontrollable in CLC is because during the casting heavier ingredients settle
down at the bottom of the mould due to gravity, thus giving the bottom layer a higher density than the
topside.

Stability:-

The CLC products are not uniform throughout their matrix hence are unstable, whereas AAC is a fully
uniform matrix.

Supply:-

AAC products are ready to be used for masonry in 24 hours time after casting whereas CLC takes at least
2-1/2 months to get cured and necessitate multiple inventory handing problems at site and require a
dedicated space.

The curing in CLC is dependent on the extraneous environment and is retardates by moist / humid
conditions. AAC is all weather, all the year round, factory made material.

CLC carries the following disadvantages vis-a-vis AAC:

1) Less Productivity and supply :– Due to seasonal variations

2) Inconsistent material matrix :– Because of cast –in –situ hence difficult to ensure consistent quality
3) More Weight: - Because of more density hence the advantage of structural saving can’t be achieved.