Autoclaved Cellular Concrete
From Swikipedia
Introduction
A precast concrete made of lime, sand, cement and water, when put into molds and cured by steam pressure inside a kiln or an autoclaver (steam curing chamber), results in autoclaved cellular concrete (ACC). An aluminum powder is also added during the process which causes the mass to expand.
Brief Description
ACC, sometimes also known as autoclaved aerated concrete was developed in Sweden in 1920’s by Max Ginsberg. It is made with all fine material- nothing coarser than finely ground sand and contains millions of microscopic cells which differentiate it from other lightweight aggregate concrete. In addition, ACC is unlike many other concrete products because it may be drilled, sawed, chiseled, nailed, or screwed using conventional carpentry tools.
Benefits:
• ACC, which is a lightweight material (about one-fourth of the weight of conventional concrete), is available in blocks, wall and roof panels, lintels, and floor slabs and thus can be used for all types of structures ranging from single-family housing to large industrial complexes.
• ACC is an inert, nontoxic substance that has an energy-efficient and pollution-free manufacturing process.
• The most significant environmental benefit of using ACC is that fly ash can be used as the silica-rich component. The electric utility industry generates more than 50 million tons of fly ash each year—only a fraction of which can be recycled.
• ACC is reasonably frost and sulfate resistant, allowing it to be used around the world in all climatic zones and for a wide range of applications.
• When it is used on the exterior, ACC is normally protected by stucco or other protective coatings.
• ACC also is an inorganic material, making it 100 percent termite and vermin proof and resistant to rotting and mold.
References:
http://www.greenresourcecouncil.org/glossary.cfm
