Choosing the right building material is crucial in the contemporary construction sector. AAC cement blocks have the potential to completely transform the building business in the current fast-paced construction sector. They are quickly replacing conventional blocks with modern building materials. Wood is combustible, decomposes, and can be damaged by termites when used as a building material.
Unlike wood, which can catch fire, rot, or get damaged by termites, AAC blocks are strong and long-lasting. They are commonly used in construction projects for homes and industries because they make the building process faster and easier. This has made them a popular choice over traditional blocks. This article will explain the importance of calculating the quantity of AAC blocks, the steps to calculate, and examples for the calculation of AAC cement blocks.
Overview of AAC Blocks
Lightweight construction materials made in a factory are called AAC (Autoclaved Aerated Concrete) cement blocks. They are created by combining fly ash, cement, lime, gypsum, and a special ingredient that facilitates their expansion. Because of this procedure, the blocks are sturdy and lightweight due to their numerous tiny internal holes. AAC blocks are suitable for a wide range of construction projects due to their characteristics.
Manufacturing Process of AAC Cement Block
An aeration agent, fly ash, cement, lime, and gypsum are the components of autoclaved aerated concrete, or AAC. Because the blocks are lightweight and porous, they need to be handled gently to avoid breaking and to keep out of the elements. Under ideal conditions, a dynamic AAC cement block rises gradually. The AAC cement block rises in a warm, steady environment, just like dough does. The mixture contains 80% air after the drying process is finished.
The mixture is then chopped into precise shapes and sizes after being moulded and autoclaved under extreme pressure. With the addition of the ideal expansion agent as an add-on, an environmentally friendly product is now prepared to build your building project. Comparatively speaking, it is three times lighter than conventional red bricks.
Why is Calculating AAC Block Quantity Important?
Estimating the cost and quantity of AAC blocks may be helpful in several ways, as follows:
- It helps in determining the precise quantity of blocks required to prevent shortages or overordering.
- Ensures efficient progress by keeping the necessary supplies on hand.
- Prevents construction delays brought on by a lack of materials.
- Reduces waste and avoids unnecessary expenses.
- Aids in budgeting for supplies like sand, cement, mortar, and blocks.
- Keeps the structure’s quality and consistency intact.
- Makes it easier to calculate the precise amount of cement and mortar needed.
- Avoids acquiring materials at the last minute, saving time.
- It prevents excessive use of resources and promotes sustainable practices.
Steps to Calculate AAC Block Quantity
Let’s consider an AAC block wall of dimensions 3m × 10m × 0.2m.
We will use AAC blocks of size 0.2m × 0.2m × 0.6m with a mortar thickness of 10mm (0.01m).
Given data:
Length of the block wall = 10 m.
Height of the block wall = 3 m.
The thickness of the block wall = 0.2 m.
AAC block size = 0.2 m × 0.2 m × 0.6 m.
Mortar thickness = 10 mm = 0.01 m.
Volume Calculations:
- The volume of the wall = [length × height × thickness] = 3 m × 10 m × 0.2 m
= 6m3 (6CUM)
- The volume of one AAC block without mortar = [length × height × thickness]
= [600 mm × 200 mm × 200 mm]
(By converting them into M.)
= [0.6 m × 0.2 m × 0.2 m].
= 0.024 m3 (CUM)
- The volume of one AAC block with mortar is [0.61 m × 0.21 m × 0.2 m].
= 0.02562 m3 (CUM).
Calculation of mortar to build this 6 CUM. of the AAC block wall.
- The number of AAC blocks required = [volume of the wall ÷ volume of the block with mortar] = [6 CUM. ÷ 0.02562 CUM].
= 234.2 nos.
- The volume of mortar required = volume of the block wall minus the volume of the total number of AAC blocks.
= [volume of the block wall – (no. of blocks × vol. of a single block.)].
= [6 CUM. – (234.2 nos. × 0.024 CUM.)]
= [6 CUM. – 5.62 CUM.]
= 0.38 CUM.
Let us prepare this 0.38 CUM. of mortar in a 1:6 ratio to build this 6 CUM. of the AAC block wall.
- Dry volume of the cement mortar
= 1.33× wet volume of the mortar.
= 1.33 × 0.38 CUM.
= 0.505 CUM.
- Volume of the sand = (6 ÷ (6 + 1)) × 0.505 CUM.
= 0.8571 × 0.505 CUM.
= 0.432 CUM.
- The volume of the cement = total dry mortar vol. – the volume of sand
= 0.505 CUM. – 0.432 CUM.
= 0.073 CUM.
= 2.578 cu ft.
As you know, one bag of cement = 1.226 cu ft.
Number of cement bags = [2.578 cu ft. ÷ 1.226 cu ft.]
= 2.103 bags.
Example Calculation
Let us now find out the materials required for 1 CUM. and 1 cu ft. of an AAC block wall.
- AAC blocks:
Blocks required for 1 CUM. of AAC block wall
For 6 CUM of block wall = 234.2 nos. of AAC block.
So, for 1 CUM of block wall = _ nos. of AAC block?
= [1 CUM × 234.2 nos. ÷ 6 CUM.]
= 39 nos.
Blocks required for 1 cu ft. of wall = 39 nos. ÷ 35.315 (as 1CUM = 35.315 cu ft.)
= 1.105 nos.
- Cement:
Cement required for 1 CUM. of AAC block wall = [1 CUM × 2.103 bags. ÷ 6 CUM.]
= 0.3505 bags
Cement required for 1 cu ft. of block wall = [0.3505 bags ÷ 35.315]
= 0.01 bags.
- Sand:
Sand required for 1 CUM. of AAC block wall = [1 CUM × 0.432 CUM ÷ 6 CUM].
= 0.072 CUM.
Sand required for 1 cu ft. of block wall = [0.072 CUM. ÷ 35.315]
= 0.002 cu. ft.
Conclusion
Calculating the number of AAC blocks needed for a wall is an important step in construction. It helps make the process more efficient and cost-effective. By knowing the size of the wall and the blocks, you can estimate the right number of blocks needed, as well as the amount of mortar and other materials. This helps avoid running out of materials, reduces waste, and makes budgeting and planning easier.
As AAC blocks become more popular for their eco-friendliness and insulation benefits, learning how to calculate the right amount will help builders make the most of these advantages. Using a clear method to calculate AAC block quantities improves project efficiency and ensures resources are used responsibly.