Aerated concrete house construction
Aerated concrete is lightweight, easy to cut and has better thermal resistance than dense masonry of the same thickness. These advantages make it suitable for private houses, but the material must be treated as part of a complete structural and moisture-control system.
The blocks have relatively low tensile strength and are sensitive to concentrated loads and uneven foundation movement. Accurate setting-out, thin-joint masonry, reinforced zones, properly designed lintels and ring beams are therefore essential.
Critical details
- foundation geometry and differential settlement control;
- the correct block density and strength for the structural role;
- thin, continuous bed joints and controlled vertical-joint detailing;
- reinforcement and movement control at stress concentrations;
- thermal bridges at slabs, lintels, columns, balconies and roof junctions;
- protection from rain during construction and a compatible external finish;
- fixings selected for aerated concrete rather than ordinary plastic plugs.
A wall should not be selected by block thickness alone. The thermal calculation must include mortar or adhesive, reinforced concrete elements, facade layers, workmanship and junctions. Vapour movement, rain exposure and drying potential are also important when choosing insulation and render.
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