AAC Technology

An Introduction to Autoclaved Aerated Concrete

Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (AAC) is ultra lightweight concrete with a unique cellular structure that provides superior energy efficiency, fire resistance and acoustical properties. AAC was developed by architect Dr. Johan Eriksson in 1923 at the Royal Technical Institute in Stockholm, Sweden. In 1945, Josef Hebel invented a method to produce reinforced AAC, by incorporating steel into the production process.

Manufacturing Process of AAC

The HEBEL AAC plant located in Adel, Georgia, is currently the largest industrial autoclave plant in North America. We have an annual production capacity of 250,000 cubic meters of AAC. Our manufacturing process produces no polluting waste, and uses natural raw materials. The basic ingredients of AAC are Portland cement, lime, water, sand, and aluminum paste. All ingredients are found in adequate supply throughout the world.

To manufacture AAC, the sand is first ground in a ball mill to a powder-like consistency and mixed to form a thin mixture of liquid, or slurry. The slurry is then poured into molds where a chemical reaction occurs, forming countless individually contained air bubbles. This reaction causes the slurry to rise in the mold, much like a cake rises in an oven. After curing for 45 minutes, the product is then cut into specified sizes by wires, similar to piano wires. The units then are steam cured under intense pressure in autoclaves for 10 to 12 hours, which transforms the material into a hard calcium silicate. This technology allows us to manufacture a natural mineral that can be found in limestone deposits called Tobermorite.

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