When it comes to construction of a building or a house, there is always a confusion in mind to choose the best building block that suits your requirements especially in terms of strength and durability. While there are variety of blocks used for different purposes, ranging from structural support to aesthetic enhancements, the most popular among them are AAC and RCC blocks. Both of them are used very frequently in all kind of constructions. But the real question is which one you should choose? AAC (Autoclaved Aerated Concrete) blocks and RCC (Reinforced Cement Concrete) blocks are two different types of building materials used in construction, each with its unique properties, manufacturing processes, and applications.

 

Which block is better to use in Construction - AAC or RCC ?

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In most house constructions, a combination of both materials is used to leverage the strengths of each. RCC is used for the structural framework due to its strength and durability, while AAC blocks are used for walls and partitions to take advantage of their lightweight, insulative properties. Below you can check the overview of both AAC and RCC block and then decide which one suits your requirements best.

 

AAC Blocks (Autoclaved Aerated Concrete)

• Composition: AAC blocks are made from a mixture of cement, lime, sand, water, and an expansion agent that causes the fresh mixture to rise like bread dough. This results in a lightweight, cellular structure.
• Manufacturing Process: The mixture is molded and then autoclaved under heat and pressure to create a solid block. This process gives AAC blocks their distinct porous structure and lightness.
• Weight: AAC blocks are significantly lighter than traditional concrete blocks due to their aerated structure, which can reduce the dead load on structures.
• Thermal Insulation: The air pockets within AAC blocks provide excellent thermal insulation, making buildings more energy-efficient.
• Sound Insulation: The porous nature of AAC blocks also offers good sound insulation properties.
• Workability: AAC blocks are easy to cut, drill, nail, and shape, which can lead to faster construction times and lower labor costs.
• Fire Resistance: AAC blocks are fire-resistant and can withstand high temperatures for a few hours.
• Applications: Used for both non-load bearing and load-bearing walls, but more commonly used in non-load bearing partitions due to their lightweight and insulative properties.

 

 

RCC Blocks (Reinforced Cement Concrete)

• Composition: RCC blocks are made from a mixture of cement, fine aggregates (sand), coarse aggregates (gravel or crushed stone), and water, with steel reinforcement bars or meshes embedded to enhance strength.
• Manufacturing Process: The concrete mixture is poured into molds and cured (typically not autoclaved). Steel reinforcements are placed in the mold before pouring the concrete to provide tensile strength.
• Weight: RCC blocks are heavier than AAC blocks due to the density of the concrete and the presence of steel reinforcements.
• Thermal Insulation: RCC blocks have lower thermal insulation properties compared to AAC blocks due to the solid concrete structure.
• Sound Insulation: Sound insulation of RCC blocks is generally lower than that of AAC blocks.
• Workability: RCC blocks are harder to modify and shape on site compared to AAC blocks, requiring more specialized tools and equipment.
• Fire Resistance: While concrete itself is fire-resistant, the steel reinforcement within RCC can lose strength in high temperatures.
• Applications: Primarily used in load-bearing structures, foundations, beams, columns, and slabs due to their high strength and durability.

 

Conclusion

The choice between AAC and RCC blocks depends on the specific requirements of the construction project, including structural load-bearing needs, thermal and sound insulation requirements, weight considerations, and cost. AAC blocks are preferred for their lightweight, insulative properties, and ease of use, particularly in non-load bearing applications, while RCC blocks are chosen for their strength and durability in structural applications.