TECHNICAL SPECS FOR AAC BLOCK WORK

1-Objective:
This technical specification defines the key requirements to be followed for execution of
Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (AAC) block works.

2- Block laying:
The first course of the block will be laid in a full bed of ordinary mortar. This will be inspected for
internal dimensions, door sizes, distances …
 The block mason will complete the wall on the approved first course.
 The first course of blocks are always laid in thick bed mortar mix made of 1:4 (by volume)
cement: sand added to it a bonding agent @ 10% of water. This serves as a leveling pad for
the first course of blocks. Care must be taken at this stage to ensure the blocks are plumb
and level so further construction up to ceiling height will be fast and accurate. Thereafter
use thin bed mortar for doing the other courses.
 Partitions beneath structural members: where a partition is designed not to carry any vertical
load from the structure it should be separated by a gap or by a layer of resilient material to
accommodate the deflection of structural above it, consideration should be given to the need
for lateral restraint”, therefore, joints between non-load bearing walls (top surface of the
panel) and soffit of beam or slab subject to large deflection, should be filled with typical
compressible material.

 The maximum height to be built in one day is 1.6 m (8 courses).For the walls not have
opening for doors and windows the heights more than 3 ma concrete tie beam 200 mm depth
will be poured for stiffness purposes.
 For the walls have opening for doors and/or windows the overhead lintels should be
continue along the wall and in this case no need for concrete tie beams.
 In-situ reinforced concrete lintels and beams should be 4T10 and T8/30 cm stirrups.
 Cast-in-situ reinforced concrete window sills with 200 mm depth, 4T10 and T8/30cm
stirrups.
 Keep AAC unit work free of mortar droppings as work progresses and, at completion of
work, rub AAC unit to remove excess mortar.
 The block walls will be finally inspected by Engineer for verticality, alignment.
3- Connections
 Wall to Wall connections: In case of L connection interlocking bond will be used, and the
galvanized steel ties will be used every three courses in case of T connection.
 Wall to column Connection: Mason's mortar should be used at all wall to column Interface
joints, columns should be brushed dust-free, and if necessary roughened by basting to ensure
good bond. Walls should be mechanically tied to columns
with30 cm steel anchor rods 2T10 mm every two courses.
 In case of Wall to beam Connections and wall to floor
soffit connections: ordinary mason's mortar should be
used.

4 -Provision of Mullions and Bond Beams in AAC

 On longer walls more than 4.5m, vertical mullion to be provided to break the span.
 To minimise the effects of shrinkage , tensile & diagonal cracking and to enhance stability,
it is recommended to provide bed joint reinforcement or nominal bond beams. Provide bond
beam at every 1200mm.
 Provide bed joint reinforcement or RCC Bond beam of thickness 80 mm with two no’s of 8
mm dia rods and 6 mm stirrups at 200 mm c/c these are recommendations of IS 6041 and
IS 1905 -1987. Ensure that reinforcement rods to be inserted into surrounding columns for
load transmission as shown in below fig.1 for Bond beams
 Fig.1

5-Wire Mesh Reinforcement for 100 mm Partition Wall

For 4inch (100mm) walls expanded galvanized or stainless steel mesh can be used primarily as an
anti-cracking reinforcement in the construction of brick and block masonry.
Expanded metal reinforcement is easy to handle, and when laid embedded in the mortar joining
between brickwork or brickwork courses, forms an integral structure of great tensile strength which
assists in the resistance, vibrations and thermal changes. The range of reinforcement coils call also
be used for all wall most wall thickness, laid on the mortar bed with 5 mm clearance to the outside
face of the wall and lapped at least 75mm, if joining lengths. The reinforcement is then embedded
completely and for most applications, every third course is sufficient. Refer Fig 2.

Fig 2

6-Joinery & Fixings

 Doors and window frames can be fixed to a block wall using wall pIugs and wood screws.
The screws are to be penetrated into the block to a minimum depth of 50 mm.
  As a general rule, fixings should not be closer to the free edge of block than the depth of
embedment.

 The diameter of the hole drilled should be one size smaller than the screw to ensure that the
plug fits in tightly before the screw is driven.
 All nails and screws are to be inserted into the blocks and not along the joints.
 Conventional method like providing Holdfast 3 nos embedded in concrete on each side for
door and window frames can be provided as shown in fig.3 & fig 4.

Fig 3

Fig 4

Below the openings provide bond beam with reinforcement to avoid diagonal tension cracks. The
bond beam to be extended up to 300 mm from window corners both the sides.
7- Tolerances:

Maximum variation from plumb: 0.6mm in 3 m, not exceeding 0.9mm in 6m.

8- Reinforcing Mesh for Plastering

Fully meshing using chicken mesh is recommended to assist in maintaining render integrity and
minimizing consequential cracking.
The minimum requirement is to mesh AAC wall-Column, other wall material or corners of wall
openings (doors and windows) to minimize corner cracking etc.

9- IS CODES

Relevant IS Standards to be followed are as follows:

 IS: 2185 (Part 3) -1984 (reaffirmed 2005): Specification for concrete masonry units
(Autoclaved Aerated Concrete)
 IS: 6041 -1984 (reaffirmed 2005): - Best Practices for Construction of Autoclaved Aerated
Concrete Block Masonry
 IS: 1661 - Best Practices for Application of Cement and Cement-Lime Plaster.
 IS: 1905 - Best Practices for structural design aspect of unreinforced load bearing and non-
load bearing walls.
 IS: 2250 - Best Practices for preparation and use of masonry mortar.
 IS-6441 Part-1(1972) (reaffirmed 2005): Methods of test for AAC products, determination
of unit weight for bulk density and moisture content
 IS-6441 Part-2(1972) (reaffirmed 2005): Methods of test for AAC products, determination
of drying shrinkage
 & IS-6441-Part-5: Methods of test for autoclaved cellular concrete products, Density &
Compressive Strength.