Humidity Intrusion Effects on Properties of Autoclaved Aerated Concrete

Abstract

Autoclaved Aerated concrete (AAC) has many benefits for structures such as heat insulation, sound insulation, fire and mold resistance, reduced dead weight and many more. AAC products include blocks, wall panels, floor and roof panels, and lintels. Besides insulating capability, one of AAC's advantages in construction is its quick and easy installation since the material can be routed, sanded and cut to size on site using standard carbon steel band saws, hand saws and drills. Although ACC is being produced for many years, there are still some points that need to be clarified. One of these points is humidity intrusion effects on AAC members in areas with high relative humidity levels of Mediterranean climates which are important in durability and insulation properties of AAC. Therefore some tests on mechanical and physical properties of ACC concrete was carried out. These were planned to be compressive strength and flexural strength tests. Apart from these tests thermal and sound insulation values under different level of humidity were measured for different combinations of ACC blocks. These combinations were based on varying thickness and plasters on the surfaces. From the findings of this study, physical and mechanical autoclaved aerated concrete were evaluated in three different humidity levels to compare the effects of humidity on properties of AAC.