Towards Sustainable Construction: A Comparative Study of AAC Blocks and Clay Bricks

The extensive utilization of traditional clay bricks in the construction sector presents notable environmental disadvantages, such as the exhaustion of fertile topsoil and the release of toxic gases in the manufacturing process. Given the escalating expenses linked to construction materials, there exists an imperative requirement for more environmentally friendly alternatives that not only mitigate environmental repercussions but also lead to cost-effectiveness. Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (AAC) blocks emerge as a promising remedy as a lightweight, sustainable construction material. This research furnishes a thorough comparison between AAC blocks and conventional clay bricks, concentrating on their ecological advantages, financial benefits, and structural efficacy. The integration of AAC blocks contributes to the establishment of sustainable urban areas and societies by endorsing more sustainable construction methodologies and diminishing the carbon footprint of building endeavours. A series of experiments were carried out on AAC blocks and standard clay bricks to assess their density and compressive potency. Three prototypes were devised to extensively investigate strength attributes: a standard AAC block, an AAC block enveloped in wire mesh and coated with cement mortar, and an AAC block coated with ready-mix mortar. These prototypes were tested for compressive strength and then compared to a traditional clay brick. The results illustrate that AAC blocks are not solely more environmentally sustainable but also exhibit superior performance in terms of strength, positioning them as a feasible substitute for clay bricks.