The Aircrete Building System

A building crew of four people is building a single-family house in two days with Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (AAC) panels. This building, being constructed in the Netherlands, is in full compliance with the latest EU regulations. The AAC panels used are reinforced with steel and that gives the necessary strength and load-bearing capacities.
Please note that AAC can be produced in different densities and corresponding compressive strengths for each country. Besides, the method of designing and building AAC structures varies from country to country.
To find more about this great building material please visit: www.aircrete.com/about-aac/#a...
#AAC #AACProduction #AACPlant

[@balluumm1]

Well said Martin, I'm sure that they adhere to all relevant building codes in the countries they operate in. People should look further into the company and designs before making judgement.

[@AircreteEuropeOfficial]

Appreciate the wise insight, cannot agree more!

[@workinalday4351]

I think Foam Crete is a good material for using a buildings if used correctly. I don't like how they put this house together, there isn't anything holding the panels to one another, just some adhesive cement on the bottoms, then on the top! Normally whenever you build anything with concrete or foamcrete you use some type of rebar, there isn't any in this. They should at the very least have some type of steel pins going from one panel to another. This is crazy the way this thing is built, it looks like a house of cards to me!

[@utubeape]

no, the guy helping to attach the crane to the block is spreading mortar along one edge, this is holding the blocks together. My grip is that it is single skin, I don't know how long term it will stand up to damp penetration. I would prefer to see the blocks made of 2 skins sandwiched by cavity insulation foam

[@arkamali2621]

It is an engineering sense and practice what you have stated and wish to receive a professional reply from the company.

[@workinalday4351]

I've worked with all kinds of structural building materials, and I have used Fiber Crete in some insulation projects, People have claimed a lot that they can get good flexibility, tensile strength, and compression out of fiber crete, but I've only seen any type of structural integrity with some type of rebar included like you would do with any type of regular concrete. When ever I have done any type of wall or foundation with concrete the building code has required steel bar reinforcement. What they are doing here just doesn't seem correct to me from what I am observing from this video.

[@arkamali2621]

Workin Alday I can say it is similar to load bearing wall system where bricks or blocks units bonded together to form a stable wall and then tied on the top by concrete tie beam and then cast the concrete roof. This kind is widely used in some countries in Middle East in the last 60 years especially for small villas where no structural criteria but general practices developed throughout the years. But I'm still curious about the AAC panels and how is it feasible in low cost housing.

[@workinalday4351]

Yea from an insulation perspective I think the panels are great, I wouldn't consider them for anything structural without a steel reinforcement though. Maybe they actually have the steel in them. Foamcrete is normally really light weight, there shouldn't be any reason to lift these things with a crane! So maybe they already have the rebar in the panels.

[@nathanscott1764]

I'd like it better if the panels were interlocking or had metal rods connecting each panel. Maybe both. I'm sure how they built it is just fine but I'd like the security of having each panel fastened together with something other than concrete or mortar. Just my two cents worth.

[@AircreteEuropeOfficial]

Hi Nathan Scott, every country (sometimes state) has its onw regulations. This video, shot in the Netherlands, has every 2nd panels anchored to another with a steel plate. You can also do it for every panel but that is fully your prerogative and not required by code normally.

[@AMindInOverdrive]

I might be thinking of a different product, but isn't it supposed to be really light? If so why are they using a crane/hoist? Also why no locking system like tongue and groove or similar?

[@AircreteEuropeOfficial]

MJ D, thank you for the comment. AAC is indeed light (5 times lighter than traditional concrete) and with density of 600 kg/m3 (or 37 lb/ft3), the wall elements shown in the video weigh about 210 kg/piece (460 lbs/piece). For panel profiling, see comment below.

[@parrotraiser6541]

Is there some positive mechanical locking of the walls and floors? (Against pressure in both directions, high winds and domestic explosions.) We've seen what happens when gravity's the only thing holding structures together.

[@AircreteEuropeOfficial]

Dear Parrot Raiser, to answer short, yes there are steel anchors holding the panels together. Remember this video represents just one house design in the Netherlands, where there are no natural disasters prevalent. However, AAC is used arodun the world so depending where you are, sure your local AAC producer can inform you on how it can and cannot be used.

[@MrAllan9]

Nice video, shows the flaws , and some smart beople will bui,d on this structure.

[@mikeblack5301]

How are they held in place? Not just the mortar at the seams I hope.... No re bar? How is this possible. I'm new to this, but intrigued.

[@TXLorenzo]

I guess you missed the steel connecting pins connecting each of the blocks. Also, the blocks are single solid pieces in the vertical axis where most of the load stress occurs. In essence, they are monolithic structures standing side by side.

[@eddieyang4923]

yakyakyak69 mm

[@AircreteEuropeOfficial]

Dear Mike, thank you for the question. AAC panels have steel reinforcement mesh/cage embedded in them during production and in that way they can be used as structural elements (conforming to EN and ASTM norms).

[@stevedarnell8444]

yakyakyak69 n

[@fisharmor]

LOL ok, when I read "fixing the panel position with connection plates" I thought it meant the position was being corrected (fixed) with a short wedge... I think I read "correction plate" the first time. So this is probably a thin plate that is the length of the entire wall height.

[@tripods66]

Try a plunge router for the wire channels

[@artofchickens]

Super cool

[@Rameus]

Why did they not use inter-locking panels. Just make the forms different. I think the dome homes I seen built out of this stuff is far better than just stacked panels beside and on top of each other. I pray they didn't pay any "engineer" a bunch of money for this design. I'm with everyone else HOUSE OF CARDS

[@AircreteEuropeOfficial]

Dear Rameus, the design of the house determines its ability to withstand natural disasters. This video showcases a house in the Netherlands and of course it would be built (read: designed first) differently elsewhere. However, the fact that AAC is used for decades in walling and flooring from Japan to Mexico shows nothing simply falls to pieces. Dome houses you are referring to are made of simple foamed concrete, which is not steam cured (ie. autoclaved). That material has many disadvantages, starting with shrinking to begin with. Hence, I urge you to understand what is Autoclaved Aerated Concrete in detail and you will discover that it has its merits everywhere in the world as it has been used like that since the 1940's.

[@mikedunn7795]

How does this construction material compare with sip construction? The latter is much lighter,and has excellent insulation properties,and goes up fast as well. There have been sip homes that have survived tornadoes/hurricanes while the neighbouring stick built homes have been destroyed.

[@AircreteEuropeOfficial]

There are many ways to look at it, but in short the pros are: AAC is fully prefabricated at a factory, costs typically less per ft2, has better acoustical properties (AAC is UL listed UL #924), has much better fire rating than anything else (4hrs on 8in), pest resistance is very high, it can be shaped and sculpted, same low waste on site due to complete prefabrication, highly environmentally friendly due to 1m3 of raw mats used to produce 4m3 of final product. However both systems have right to exist, or better put to co-exist as SIP has similar merits too.

[@bernardmacarius2635]

Introduction of graphene to the mix is an ideal option for additional tensile strength.

[@utubeape]

bit expensive, lots of cheaper fibres already used

[@AircreteEuropeOfficial]

Dear Bernard Macarius, sure, however, AAC is in no need really to have more tensile strength. For its application it is used for many years, it perfectly suits as is. Moreover, it is normally a premiumly priced product, compares to its other cement-like alternatives, so adding extra costs will inevitably result in higher sales price for offtakers which is not desirable to say the least.

[@debankurbaruah1532]

If stress reversals occur, how will these stacks stick together? This is indeed a House of Cards

[@ScottHz]

You might find this article of interest AAC has been around for almost a century, and has been part of US building code for 15 years: www.structuremag.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/C-Building-Blocks1.pdf

[@palipali4264]

@@ScottHz Thank you! Can you help me understand how lateral for and twisting is prevented from pulling these blocks apart. I was surprised they did not have any means of physically tying the blocks together except a bit of mortar. Seems perilous.

[@tinkmarshino]

hell in my day me and two other carpenters could fame and dry in a house this size in 4 days... three guys, no crane fast and easy..with electric and plumbing done too..and if we where in a hurry we could have the roof guys in while we made sure all the little things were done like sheet rock backing and other things.. sheetrock guys after that usually two days then painting and finish work, cabinets and move in.. I don't know I am an old carpenter and contractor.. and it is hard for us to accept new things without some time to see how it works.. does the house breath right? is there going to be a mold problem? will the sun damage the exterior of the house in time? What will happen if there is an earthquake? Well the future is yours..keep watch, be diligent, and love like there is not tomorrow..

[@AircreteEuropeOfficial]

Dear tinkmarshino, thank you for the valuable comments. To answer short, the AAC material breathes yes, provided you apply a breathable stucco/paint. Mold is not an issue as it is completely inorganic material. On the sun damage, again the material itself wont be affected by the exterior finish for sure with time will (AAC should not be left unfisinhed, just like any other material).

[@Giggidygiggidy12]

This may have been answered already but what are advantages and disadvantages of Aircrete vs ICF???

[@nightwaves3203]

Having air in the concrete insulates and uses less concrete. But I'm sure for the amount of concrete unless making your own the company will charge even more for the amount of concrete. If a real building with by code affixed panels were built it might still save on construction labor time.

[@AircreteEuropeOfficial]

There are many ways to look at it, but in short the pros are: AAC is fully prefabricated at a factory, requires less final finishing, has better fire rating than anything else, pest resistance is very high, it can be shaped and sculpted, super low labor waste due to complete prefabrication, highly environmentally friendly due to 1m3 of raw mats used to produce 4m3 of final product. Finally, an important factor is also system completeness, that is using AAC external, internal walls and floor/roof structures can be built as well as stairs which ICF pretty much walls. One stop shop concept is very appealing in the case of AAC.

[@victorialaw421]

How easy is it to to drill and saw. Would it be secure enough not to be broken(sawn) into?

[@AircreteEuropeOfficial]

Dear Victoria, it is very easy to drill and saw in it. However, one of course has to understand what thicknesses of walls are. Workability of AAC is one of it's great advantages.

[@shawnr771]

The material seems interesting. Building codes in Europe are supposedly higher than in USA. Where are the specifications, engineering reports. I can not believe that some glue is going to hold those panels together in an earthquake, hurricane or tornado. Due to ground shifting, swelling from moisture and shrinking from excessive dryness many homes develop cracks, walls shift. This could be a major problem. There appear to be no penetrations for plumbing, elwctrical, or HVAC. Drilling holes would weaken this material possibly introduce cracking. Daytime heating will cause that material on the outside of the building to expand ( even slightly ) at a different rate than the interior. This will cause shearing. There appear to be no expansion joints.

[@ScottHz]

AAC has been in use since 1924: www.structuremag.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/C-Building-Blocks1.pdf

[@shawnr771]

Scott Hertzog thank you I see now that this material is subjected to a high pressure steam to cure it. The DIYers are not doing that. That would make a big difference in its structural characteristics.

[@tonym1279]

I guess you, like many others, failed to see that the panels are in fact pinned together at the top as well as joined with mortar. Making this a sound structure.

[@shawnr771]

I found this material from a DIYer video where they were making it with a foam machine. It was not steam treated. Mis thinking that this material was made the same way. I have seen concrete that was not well done deteriorate over time. Small pores in concrete or masonry materials allow water to collect. In semi cold climates where freeze/thaw cycles happen several times in one season. Water gets in the pores freezes expands melts. After several years this results in spalling. Then it just keeps getting worse. Reading that the material was steam autoclaved for curing makes this a much better product. The glued joints seem to hold although I live in an area where the soil dries and soaks in different times of the year causing significant structural movement. Foundation repair is a big business in North Texas. I will be doing more research. This is an interesting product.

[@BuilderBUBBA]

Scott Hertzog ...Any specs here in the United States that are published?

[@williamvolkmann8658]

i would still want some glue in the joints

[@avianmotors]

Interesting! Might I suggest adding audio?

[@paulj541]

I wonder how much the crane costs?

[@thesicilian4992]

more than the house

[@woxineaucrows7355]

BTW you can not stand on the TOP rung of any ladder as per our laws =( Love the design and expertise here tho =)

[@jameslogan2003]

Inclusion of glass fiber in the mix would raise its shear and tensile strength.

[@srspammenot]

James Logan SO WOULD PAPER FIBER LOL

[@jcwoods2311]

@@srspammenot No spam, no it wouldn't. Glass wouldn't deteriorate, cellulose fibers would eventually.

[@tspriggsabq]

It's like a log cabin, except easier.

[@michaelmansfield1289]

I love the concept of AirCrete. However, you have to be joking the way they put the panels together. They wouldn't withstand a hurricane or tornado of any seriousness, and an earthquake would likely be a disaster. You might as well super glue them together. Good luck living in that place.

[@tonym1279]

I guess you, like many others, failed to see that the panels are in fact pinned together at the top as well as joined with mortar. Making this a sound structure.

[@theAppleWizz]

haha mortar does noting with lateral forces

[@AircreteEuropeOfficial]

Dear Michael, the design of the house determines its ability to withstand natural disasters. This video showcases a house in the Netherlands and of course it would be built (read: designed first) differently elsewhere. However, the fact that AAC is used for decades in walling and flooring from Japan to Mexico shows nothing simply falls to pieces.

[@DivineMisterAdVentures]

Is THAT the way you build in the UK?

[@AircreteEuropeOfficial]

Dear Ion-Christopher DiMeglio, this building was constructed in the Netherlands. It is in full compliance with the latest EU regulations.

[@kenienspann8203]

Does this work for USA code?

[@BuilderBUBBA]

I’m trying to get ASTM info on it again today...will post results..have you found anything as to specs?

[@AircreteEuropeOfficial]

Dear Kenien Spann, in short, yes but not all. USA has one AAC manufacturer in Florida, called AERCON AAC. Please check their website for detailed information.

[@AircreteEuropeOfficial]

Dear builder bubba, see our response below.

[@anativeirishman686]

cutting into the walls for electrical and plumbing is so mickey mouse. best would be to have all channels included in panels by plan design. also I agree with others here, both horizontal and vertical joints need attachment, whether by pins or tongue and groove or at least H shaped inserts. I doubt if a single story home built like this would be safe to live in, let alone a 2 story house. As far as I can see in this video, only the weight and shape of the roof is holding this structure together. I doubt if any USA city or town would permit this house .

[@AircreteEuropeOfficial]

Dear @A native Irishman, lightweight precast panels (AAC panels) have embedded steel reinforcement for additional structural strength. AAC panel building complies with existing US building regulations and is currently successfully used across the US (see www.aerconaac.com).

[@jayblasi2454]

None of this would be acceptAble under current building code in the USA. No attaching clips no rebar between panels. Take it from a Florida building contractor. Needs major revisions and no one has the special lifting equipment.

[@EdMoneySign]

Jay Blasi would building small sheds like maybe a small tool shed out of this be a good idea

[@jayblasi2454]

Edgar Barragan = it depends on the coat of the finished panel but I would still embed hurricane straps in each panel. Top and bottom. This system is fine if panels can be strapped to the floor and roof to the wals.

[@DJJonPattrsn22]

Thank you for your thoughtful & useful input! You clearly have 1st hand experience with the topic! The material seems promising, but this particular application scares me a bit...

[@woxineaucrows7355]

SO change the system is whats on the table here..old system must go~

[@ScottHz]

www.structuremag.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/C-Building-Blocks1.pdf

[@sageonet]

Blow this stuff into a shell with a hopper and you would have something. As is,,,it's just another square, boxy, inefficient kit house. arghhh!

[@AircreteEuropeOfficial]

Dear sageonet, this is just one of the applications of AAC products used in the Netherlands. See different industrial, commercial and residential applications here aircrete-europe.com/en/gallery.html

[@SynergyCeleste]

Is this legal in California? I can't find any info about it. Thanks

[@michaelsims3296]

sag eonet

[@Beachnative42]

in an earthquake that shit would fall into pieces. there is no steel tying it together

[@AircreteEuropeOfficial]

Dear Beachnative42, In the Netherlands, where this video is shot, there are no earthquake risks nor requirements. Therefore the structure might look light to some viewers. The method of designing and building AAC structures changes for each country.Actually, AAC is a very popular building material in Japan which is known for its earthquakes. Actually, low weight of the panels and therefore the buildings is a positive factor in earthquake-proof design. Please feel free to contact us for more questions.

[@ak161254]

The disregard for the health and safety of the operatives is beyond belief. The lack of any form of keying/connection between the panels - other than a dab of adhesive mortar - is let's say - worrying...

[@AircreteEuropeOfficial]

Dear Alan, H&S is really something that every country imposes and its enforcement is another issue, every contractor is different. As to the lack of connection between panels, there are steel sheets and anchors between panels and more can be introduced depending on the design. The house design did pass all regulatory approvals and Netherlands is pretty strict on these things. We invite you to come and visit and see for yourself that the houses are as safe as they can be!

[@petersrightbut8297]

If it is used in the u.s. ,I haven't seen it.

[@AircreteEuropeOfficial]

Dear Peters Right but, AAC is not very popular in the US as yet, mainly due to scarce availability. There is 1 factory in Florida (www.aerconaac.com) that is producing it since late 90's and has supplied many projects, primarily in the south east of course.

[@outdooreng4973]

i do not feel comfortable with multiple story building out of these panels.... we could feel ok with single story...

[@AircreteEuropeOfficial]

Dear Outdoor Eng, of course if AAC is a new material to you, it would be uncomfortable. But, be rest assured, with available supply and architects/specifyers understanding the material, there will be no doubts. Every material has it given physical properties that we all rely on and AAC has hers which are long defined, easily allowing to build multiple story housing.

[@incognito6469]

This material is not water proof. It takes on water like a sponge. Which is the main reason I'd never use it.

[@roymadison5686]

Just put a good sealer on it.

[@AircreteEuropeOfficial]

Dear In Cognito, if left unfisnihed, of course it will take in water. Wouldnt any other material do that? AAC requires adequate finishing just like any interior/exterior flooring/walling solution to avoid moisture penetration.

[@patrickeh696]

Talk about crappy construction. An Earthquake, hurricane or tornado and these houses would fall to pieces.

[@franklee6800]

eps dome house can be best choice. think about it

[@AircreteEuropeOfficial]

Dear Patrick, the design of the house determines its ability to withstand natural disasters. This video showcases a house in the Netherlands and of course it would be built (read: designed first) differently elsewhere. However, the fact that AAC is used for decades in walling and flooring from Japan to Mexico shows nothing simply falls to pieces.