Disadvantages in AAC Blocks:

 The production cost per unit for AAC Block is higher.

 Plaster sometimes does not stick properly because of its smooth
surface.
 Needs care during production itself, so that surface is not very smooth.
 Efflorescence occurs through mortar and water.
 Their water absorption is high. It is evident from the several million
pores. The pores facilitate their expansion in water, which can bring
cracks in the structure. This includes air gaps. Therefore, in long
exposure to moisture, the material begins to disintegrate. The strength
in AAC Blocks is reduced when it becomes wet. The AAC blocks cannot
be stored in open area as they will absorb water during rainy season.
You also have to consider the environmental conditions before using
AAC Blocks in building construction.
 Wastage: There is a constraint on the size of ACC blocks due to which
wastage while installation of ACC blocks is more as compared to bricks.
Also they are brittle in nature as compared to bricks so handling them
carefully is important.
 Need of Expert Labour: Lying of AAC blocks needs highly trained and
skilled labourers.
 Instruments: For AAC blocks lying special instrument are required (for
cutting and lying mortar).
 AAC blocks need special adhesive chemicals for joints.
 Cracks: AAC blocks develop cracks over a period of time and this is the
main reason not to use them. During AAC block manufacturing process
fly ash, lime powder, opc cement, gypsum and aluminium powder are
mixed in a tank. Aluminium powder reacts with calcium hydroxide (lime)
and water to form hydrogen gas. Millions of hydrogen bubbles are
released due to this reaction. This lead to formation of tiny unconnected
cell causing slurry mix to expand 2-3 times and we get a new composite
material which has no reinforcement. AAC blocks also develop cracks
 because of thermal expansion. Care needs to be taken and also
environmental conditions have to be taken into account before using
AAC blocks. To prevent cracks from developing either thin wire mesh
has to be used or the blocks have to be reinforced with iron bars.
Ultimately resulting in increase in cost. In India, some of the major
construction giants have stopped using AAC blocks because of cracks
that develop over a period of time.
 Compressive Strength: AAC blocks have very less compressive strength
when compared to fly ash bricks. Indeed reminded that AAC strength is
influenced by several parameters, which are not only related to
specimen size and shape, but also to method of pore formation,
direction of loading, age, moisture content, characteristics of ingredients
adopted in the mix, method of curing . While manufacturing AAC
blocks, the slurry is poured in a tank to settle. AAC are blocks are 80%
air and rest 20% is solid material. Therefore, the block when produced is
denser at the bottom when compared to the top region and stronger. As
a consequence, one edge of each block is less resistant than the other
resulting in load failure. Hence these blocks can never be used in load
bearing structures.
 AAC blocks also lead to fixing problems of wall hung seats and other
materials. AAC blocks are very light material and have less
compressive strength due to which it becomes difficult to install wall
hung seats, wash basins etc. Special types of materials are to be used
while fixing wall hung seats, wash basins and other fixtures.
 Because of the brittle nature of AAC blocks it is very difficult to put a nail
in them. The ends cripple.
 Also, for installing PVC pipes for electricity and water, special wire mesh
is required with AAC blocks. Otherwise, cracks develop over a period of
time.
Reviews: 1) Worst building material in construction industry. Please don't even think of using
them. You will get crack s everywhere in the wall constructed with AAC block. Cracks are
uncountable. You don't want to shift to a new house that is full of cracks. You will start noticing
cracks after 2 to 3 months after plaster is applied to wall. Cracks will increase day by day. Cracks
are clearly visible after wall putty is applied.

Amit Tambe, Post graduation Advanced Construction Management, National Institute of

Construction Management and Research

Answered May 30, 2017

Shear failure and less compressive strength as we know that the weight of the AAC block is less as
compare to conventional red brick or fly-ash brick but we have to compromise with the strength
parameter. So whenever the load increases the permissible limit it cracks.

Anurag Sharma, B.E. Bachelor of Engineering Degrees, Rajiv Gandhi Proudyogiki Vishwavidyalaya,
Bhopal (2011)

Answered Jun 8, 2017

As per my understanding of the AAC blocks, following could be reasons for Cracks in AAC blocks.

 Thermal Expansion of the products

 If Mortar Strength > Strength of block then mortar will shrink which increases surface tension
on block & may leads to crack.
 Improper installation of AAC block (Use Coping Beam) and Non Uniform Jointing mortar
used.

Vivek Taneja, B.E. plus MBA from Univerity of Pune

Answered Dec 17, 2017 · Author has 130 answers and 71.5k answer views

AAC blocks are entrapped air hence do not have the strength and cannot take load. Also if u use
hammer to put nails in walls if AAC they crime le easily. The process and the material mix also plays a.
vital role as does the autoclaving process. A good quality AAC may not crack easy but quality checks in
unorganized Sector are negligible. The builder buys the cheapest material as it gets covered by plaster
anyways.