Bigbloc Construction Limited

When construction material costs jumped sharply between 2020-2021, many builders started looking for better alternatives to traditional bricks. AAC blocks became their answer – lighter, faster to install, and more cost-effective overall. If you’re planning any construction project, these blocks could change the way you build.

In this blog, we’ll explore what these blocks are, how they’re made by AAC block manufacturers in India, their costs, installation requirements, and why they outperform traditional building materials.

What Are AAC Blocks and Why Are They Used in Construction?

Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (AAC) blocks are transforming construction with their lightweight yet strong properties. These blocks contain almost 80% air, making them significantly lighter than traditional bricks while maintaining excellent structural integrity.

How Are AAC Blocks Made?

  • Raw Materials: Portland cement, lime, sand, fly ash, gypsum, water, aluminium powder, and water
  • Process: AAC blocks are made by combining all the ingredients to create a slurry. Chemical reactions create tiny air pockets, making the blocks lightweight. High-temperature autoclave curing strengthens and improves their overall durability.

Where are AAC Blocks Commonly Used?

  • Residential Construction: Houses and apartments, interior partitions
  • Commercial and Industrial Construction: Office buildings and commercial spaces, industrial facilities, and warehouses
  • Other Applications: High-rise buildings, sound studios, hospitals, and hotels, firewalls and fire barriers, and sustainable construction

The Indian real estate sector is increasingly adopting AAC blocks as they reduce structural loads and have excellent fire resistance and sound insulation properties.

Why Are Autoclaved Aerated Concrete Blocks Better Than Traditional Bricks?

When you’re planning your construction project, choosing the right building material can make or break your budget and timeline. Red bricks have been around forever, but modern construction demands better solutions. AAC blocks have completely changed the scenario.

Here’s how AAC blocks stack up against traditional red bricks:

Aspect Red Bricks AAC Blocks
Weight Heavy and bulky 3-4 times lighter
Thermal Insulation Poor heat resistance Excellent – keeps buildings 5°C cooler
Sound Transmission Rating More than 32dB for a 100mm wall 42-43dB for a 100mm wall
Construction Speed Slow, labour-intensive 50% faster building
Fire Resistance 4-6 hours of protection 2 hours maximum

The AAC block vs red bricks analysis consistently favours these green construction materials in today’s times.

What Are the Standard AAC Block Size and Weight?

NXTBLOC by BigBloc Construction offers AAC blocks in sizes like 600x200x100mm, 600x200x150mm, 600x200x200mm, 625x240x150mm, and 650x240x200mm. This variety in size and weight offers flexible construction solutions for different AAC block uses.

Thickness ranges from 50mm to 300mm across three standard lengths: 600mm, 625mm, and 650mm.

With a density between 550-650 kg/m³, individual blocks weigh approximately 8-25kg, depending on dimensions.

Thinner blocks (50-125mm) suit partition walls, while thicker variants (200-300mm) work for load-bearing structures, offering flexible construction solutions.

Which AAC Block Types Should You Choose?

When you’re choosing AAC blocks for your startup’s construction project, you’ll come across two main types: fly ash-based and sand-based blocks. Both offer excellent building solutions, but understanding their differences helps you select the best AAC blocks for construction for your specific needs.

Aspect Sand-Based AAC Fly Ash-Based AAC
Compressive Strength 3.6-5.0N/mm² 3.56-5.0 N/mm²
Accuracy Dimensional accuracy is marginally higher, and the look is flatter overall. Exhibits great dimensional correctness and a flat look.
Moisture Resistance Moderate High
Thermal Conductivity 0.13W/m2.K 0.16 W/m2.K
Sound Insulation 43-46 dB (200 mm thickness wall) 45-48 dB (200 mm thickness wall)

Choose sand blocks when your building needs to be extra strong, like tall buildings or structures that carry heavy weight. Use fly ash blocks for normal construction when you want to save on budget and keep buildings warmer or cooler.

Fly ash blocks cost less and help the environment by using waste materials. Sand blocks are stronger but cost a little more. But at the end, your “How to choose AAC blocks?” concern depends on what your project needs most – strength or savings.

What Are the Advantages and Disadvantages of AAC Blocks?

Here’s a balanced view of AAC blocks compared to traditional red bricks. While there are several advantages of AAC blocks, there are also some genuine disadvantages you should consider before making the switch.

Aspect Advantages Disadvantages
Weight About 50% lighter than red bricks – faster construction, reduced structural load Requires careful handling during transport to prevent breakage
Energy Efficiency 25-30% reduction in cooling costs due to excellent thermal insulation Exhibits great dimensional correctness and a flat look.
Construction Speed Large size means faster installation and fewer joints needed Requires skilled labour for proper installation
Moisture Management Natural moisture absorption helps reduce indoor humidity High water absorption can cause dampness without proper waterproofing
Environmental Impact About 50% less greenhouse gas emissions, uses recycled materials Needs specialised thin-bed mortar, which may increase costs

Consider these blocks for projects where the AAC block benefits align with your requirements and you have experienced contractors. Avoid them if you’re working with untrained labour or in high-moisture environments without adequate waterproofing measures.

Do You Need Special Skills or Tools to Build With AAC Blocks?

You don’t need specialised masons for AAC block construction – your regular team can handle it with slight training. However, you’ll need specific tools and materials for proper installation:

Essential Tools:

  • AAC block cutter for precise cutting
  • 3mm notched trowel for adhesive application
  • Rubber hammer for positioning
  • Spirit level and measuring tape

Key Requirement: Use approved thin-bed adhesive mortar instead of traditional cement mortar for optimal bonding and strength.

How Much Do AAC Blocks Cost in India?

Understanding how much does AAC block price affects your construction budget is very important. AAC blocks usually cost between ₹2,000 and ₹4,000 per cubic meter. AAC block cost per piece varies based on several factors, including size, block density, regional availability, and order quantity.

While AAC blocks may cost more upfront than red bricks, they offer better ROI through faster construction, reduced labour costs, steel and concrete savings, and long-term energy savings from superior thermal insulation properties.

Where Can You Buy the Best AAC Blocks for Construction?

When considering where to buy AAC blocks, it’s best to source these blocks from trusted AAC block manufacturers in India. BigBloc Construction stands out as a leading manufacturer and supplier in Gujarat. We offer premium NXTBLOC brand blocks with proven quality standards.

You can also consider other companies like Magicrete Building Solutions, Ultratech Cement, and Biltech Building Elements.

But when looking for the best AAC block suppliers in Gujarat or India, choose the one with:

  • IS 2185-Part III certification
  • Consistent quality standards
  • Strong distribution network
  • Technical support and timely delivery

Start Building Smarter with AAC Blocks

AAC blocks are a smart choice over traditional bricks. These cost-effective building materials provide better heat protection and build 50% faster than traditional options. Available in standard sizes, they cost ₹2,000-4,000 per cubic meter.

They’re perfect for residential, commercial, and industrial projects. While they need proper installation and waterproofing, they save energy and reduce structural loads long-term.

When considering the best AAC blocks for construction, choose reputable AAC block manufacturers in India with proven track records, as their materials offer superior performance across multiple parameters. And when you think about how much does AAC block price impacts your budget, consider the total project cost rather than just material expenses.

If you’re planning your next construction project, contact BigBloc Construction for certified AAC blocks with technical support.