Question

Topic: Construction

Let us assume that there is a large high school to be built on the East Coast of Florida near the beach. What type of block would be recommended i.e., compressive, fire rating, architecturally pleasing to the public eye? Remember to factor in cost, permanence, maintenance and safety.

Answer 1

My recommend for built a large school in East Coast of Florida near the beach is AAC blocks. Aerated Autoclaved concrete blocks are lighter and bigger version of bricks version of bricks. Mostly made with same ingredients as of bricks but with a different composition which made the material a vessel for cost-cutting. There are some following advantages of AAC blocks are:

1) Light Weight : - Light weight ACC blocks are 1/3^rd of weight of conventional clay bricks. It reduces excess dead loads on the foundation and the supporting structure of our house construction. Light weight buildings are safer in earthquake.

2) Sound Insulation: - Buildings constructed with AAC blocks do not require separate insulation products. The lightweight material offers excellent sound insulation, reducing noise pollution.

3) Easy Usability : - The blocks can be cut, drawn, drilled, chiseled, nailed and shaped in an accurate proportion wit ease. AAC can be easily cut to any required shape.

4) Thermal conductivity : - AAC blocks provide thermal conductivity by giving our house a comfortable interior with improved energy efficiency.

5) Easy Transport : - It can be easily handle and easily transported,. Being aerated it is half the weight of clay bricks and also very quick and easy to install on site.

6) Fire Resistant : -  The melting point of AAC blocks are over 1600^o C.

7) Ventilation Bricks : - AAC blocks are non toxic in nature. They do not emit any type of fumes nor irritants during manufacturing, installation. It does not absorb moisture hence is microbe free ultimately giving you a better air quality.

8) Energy Saving : - AAC block walls give approximately 30% of heating and cooling characteristics or significance to your house conserving energy because of low thermal conductivity value.

9) Durability/ Eco-Friendly : - AAC block is capable of withstanding harsh climatic conditions and remains unaffected normal atmospheric conditions for several years. Also AAC blocks are reusable, renewable and recyclable.

10) Cost Effective : - With all the above advantages AAC blocks are very much cost effective as compared to the clay bricks.

Few important Notes about AAC Blocks are: -

• Typical thermal conductivity : 0.09 - 0.20 W/mK
• Moderate thermal mass
• Uses industrial waste as a prime constituent
• Very good insulating properties
• Based on volume, AAC blocks contain around 25% less embodied energy than other concrete blocks
• Good workability
• Lighter weight saves energy in transportation
• Reasonable sound absorption properties
• Reusable if dismantled carefully, particularly if lime mortar has been used
• Effective in cost.