Assessing & Integrating AAC Systems

A lightweight cellular concrete building material, made from sand, cement, lime, gypsum, water and expansion agent, autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC) is manufactured as either steel reinforced panels or unreinforced blocks.

Thanks to its many benefits – which include strength, excellent thermal and acoustic properties, fire resistance, recyclability, non-toxicity, low cost, workability, and ease of handling – AAC is suitable for a broad range of architectural applications. In residential applications it finds use as exterior cladding, flooring, and fencing.

In Multi residential developments, it is used on zero boundary, party walls, dual zero boundary walls, and more. Then in commercial applications, it finds use in walling, in fire tunnels, on façades, and elsewhere, while in civil projects it is often used in acoustic fire walls, sound barriers and so forth.

Given this versatility, the popularity of ACC is understandable. That said, considering the various regulations associated with the material, its specification should always involve attention to detail.

This CPD Live session is intended to help those looking to use it to do just that. Our speakers will identify and outline strategies to help specifiers accurately assess, and then integrate, AAC Systems into their projects.

Learning Outcomes

At the end of this presentation, you should be able to:

• Explain what autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC) is, how it is made and where it is used
• Recognise the three parts of Australian Standard AS5146, as they apply to AAC
• Outline the Fire-rating compliance, Acoustic compliance and Thermal performance requirements of AAC
• Outline the various considerations involved in selecting and specifying AAC systems

(PROJECT INITIATION AND CONCEPTUAL DESIGN PC28, DETAILED DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTATION  PC39, DETAILED DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTATION  PC46)

Speakers

Michael Beer, Specification Manager, CSR

Michael holds a Bachelor of Architecture degree and has worked as an architect as well as 15 plus years in the broader construction industry. He has experience both managing projects and selling products including acoustic ceilings and walls, decorative render finishes and rain screen faced systems. Michael also worked with international software companies promoting BIM and other design packages.  He is currently leading the specification team in NSW and focuses on architects, engineers and certifiers interested in AFS permanent formwork, Hebel and Cemintel. He has also worked in CSR’s brick division – PGH as BDM for InBrick facades.