With modern design practices and environmental concerns, construction Industry is focusing towards finding out new time saving alternatives for Red bricks in construction practices. Well reserchers has already developed many other alternative which are popularly in use for modern construction. As requirements for load bearing character is fading away due to framed structures which mainly supported through Beam & Columns, dependency on red bricks taken an edge off.
Today we will explore why modern alternatives of red bricks getting popular, and how construction industry is adapting this change. Due to environmental concerns government is also promoting use of greener materials in construction industry. As construction is a backbone of developing economy we should also adopt to more greener materials to reduce the bad effects to environment.
1. Fly Ash Bricks
As the name suggests Fly ash bricks are made of Fly ash as primary material. Fly ash produced from coal fired thermal power plants is extensively used in brick industry to null off negative impacts of Fly ash in environment if left unused. Government policies are also regulating mandatory use of fly ash in brick construction. About 50-70% of fly ash is mixed with Lime, Gypsum and Sand to prepare a thick paste which then placed in moulds for drying to obtain fly ash bricks. Fly ash brick is a popular choice for construction as they are cheaper and has better insulation properties also mandatory utilization of 100% fly ash produced from thermal power plants within 2-3 years is prime advantage behind cheap availability of raw material.
- Primary Constitutes: Fly Ash, Lime, Sand, Cement
- Compressive Strength: 75-100 kg/cm2
- Weight of Bricks: 2.75-3.25 kg/brick
- Standard Size: 230mmX110mmX75mm
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Disadvantage
2. AAC Blocks
Autoclave Aerated Concrete (AAC) blocks are new construction material developed by Swedish engineers. These blocks are larger size and low weight that makes construction process fast and also reduce joints in construction. They have better insulation that helps maintain cooler temperature inside buildings. These blocks are primarily used in heavy multistory construction. AAC blocks are produced from natural, Non toxic recyclable materials.
- Raw Materials: Cement, Lime, Sand, Gypsum, Expansion agent
- Weight: 6-24 Kg/Block
- Compressive Strength: 3-4 N/mm2
- Density: 550-850 kg/m3
- Size: 600mm X 200mm
Advantages
Disadvantages
3. Solid Concrete Block
Concrete blocks are composed entirely of concrete which added with agents to form a standard shape. These blocks can be hollow or solid that effects their weight and can be used as lintel blocks, Stretcher block, Corner block, Pillar block etc.
- Raw Materials: Portland cement, Water, Sand, Gravel
- Nominal Size: (HxL) 200mmX400mm (Comes in width of 4,6,8 inch)
- Density: 1800 kg/m3
- Compressive strength: 4-5 N/m2
Advantages
Disadvantages
4. CLC Blocks
Cellular lightweight concrete (CLC Blocks) are made of foam concrete. Cement slurry is injected with preformed foam to form foam concrete which is lightweight. These blocks are similar to concrete blocks but are having very low dead weight that helps in better load distribution and reduced load on foundation of building.
- Raw Materials: Foaming agent, Fly ash, Cement
- Standard sizes: (600mm x 200mm x 100mm) (600mm x 200mm x 150mm) (600mm x 200mm x 200mm)
- Density: 600-800 Kg/m3
- Compressive strength: 1.06 N/mm3
Advantages
Disadvantages
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