What is AAC Blocks ?
Eko Blocs, also known as Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (AAC) Blocks, represent a revolutionary construction material. They are characterized by being lightweight, load-bearing, highly insulating, and exceptionally durable. Produced in various sizes and strengths, Eko Blocs offer versatility for a wide range of construction applications.
Eko Blocs stand out for their lightweight nature, and when compared to traditional red bricks, they are three times lighter. This quality not only contributes to ease of handling during construction but also enhances the overall efficiency and sustainability of building projects.”
The Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (AAC) material originated in 1924 in Sweden and has since evolved into one of the predominant building materials across Europe. Its popularity is rapidly expanding, making it a widely adopted choice in construction projects in various countries worldwide.
When EKO BLOC is mixed and cast into structures, a series of chemical reactions occur, imparting it with its lightweight characteristics (20% of the weight of traditional concrete) and thermal insulation properties. Aluminum powder reacts with calcium hydroxide and water, producing hydrogen gas. The hydrogen gas causes the mixture to expand, creating gas bubbles approximately 3mm (⅛ inch) in diameter. As the foaming process concludes, the hydrogen escapes into the air, subsequently replaced by air within the material. This unique process contributes to the distinctive qualities of EKO BLOC.
Once the forms are removed from the EKO BLOC material, it retains a solid yet pliable state. Subsequently, it is precision-cut into either blocks or panels before being transferred to an autoclave chamber for a duration of 12 hours. In the steam pressure hardening process, as the temperature climbs to 190°C (374°F) and the pressure reaches 8 to 12 bars, a chemical reaction occurs between quartz sand and calcium hydroxide, resulting in the formation of calcium silicate hydrate. This transformative reaction imparts EKO BLOC with its exceptional strength and distinctive properties.
Despite undergoing a steam pressure hardening process, EKO BLOC blocks are not classified as fired bricks but rather as lightweight concrete masonry units. Post-autoclaving, the material is immediately ready for use at the construction site. With its density determining up to 80% of the block’s volume as air, EKO BLOC’s low density contributes to its reduced structural compression strength. Nevertheless, it exhibits the capability to bear loads of up to 8 MPa (1,160 PSI), equivalent to approximately 50% of the compressive strength of regular concrete.
EKO BLOC provides remarkable opportunities to elevate building quality while simultaneously reducing construction costs.
EKO BLOC, an Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (AAC), is crafted from a blend of quartz sand and/or finely ground fly ash (PFA), lime, cement, gypsum, water, and aluminum. The material undergoes a steam-curing process in autoclaves for hardening. Renowned for its exceptional properties, EKO BLOC finds extensive applications in diverse construction projects, ranging from residential homes to commercial and industrial buildings, schools, hospitals, hotels, and more. EKO BLOC boasts an air content ranging from 60% to 85% by volume, contributing to its unique characteristics and versatility in various construction scenarios.