AAC wall panels, a structurally and commercially viable alternative to traditional bricks

This interaction explores how AAC wall panels, a fusion of technology and expertise, emerge as a structurally and commercially viable alternative to traditional bricks.

Can you give an overview of your company and the products you deal with?
Our company, Zmartbuild Wall by Nxtbloc, is a joint venture between SCG International and Bigbloc Construction Ltd., combining the proud legacies of our parent companies to introduce a new era of world-class walling solutions. SCG Group, based in Thailand, brings over 110 years of expertise in providing end-to-end cement and construction solutions worldwide, while Bigbloc has been manufacturing AAC blocks for the last 15 years in India, leading the industry by providing superior building materials that blend strength with lightweight properties. Our AAC wall panels are manufactured in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, exemplifying a classic combination of advanced technology and expertise.

How are your wall panels different from traditional bricks? What advantages do they offer compared to bricks?
Traditional red bricks, long used in construction, are dense and highly water-absorbent. Brick walls also consume a lot of water during plastering. In contrast, AAC wall panels can be thinner than traditional walls. These ready-made walls are lightweight and reinforced with steel, equipped with a tongue-and-groove system for easy installation, suitable for both internal and external non-load-bearing walls.

With a density of around 600 kg/cm², a three- to four-member team can construct approximately 500 to 550 square feet of wall with AAC wall panels, compared to around 100 to 120 square feet with bricks. Our wall panels are produced in some of the world’s best autoclaves, based on technology developed by Siam Cement. These panels can be used to construct any type of structure, including high-rises. Being non-load-bearing, they are ideal wherever a wall is required. Since they are prefabricated and reinforced, they are quick and easy to install. 

How do you assess the durability or strength of these panels compared to traditional bricks?
AAC panels can be manufactured in units up to 6 meters in height, eliminating the need for mid-wall coping. As factory-finished products, they offer assured quality. They can withstand a point load of up to 50 kg and have a high thermal coefficient, enhancing their sustainability quotient. They also possess excellent acoustic properties, significantly reducing noise transmission.

How resistant are these panels to earthquakes and fires?
These panels are available in varied thicknesses, such as 75, 100, 150, and 200 mm. A 75-mm panel can withstand fire for up to 2 hours, while thicker panels can resist fire for up to 4 hours. Our installation technique has been tested to provide sufficient protection for structures in seismic zones. Additionally, these panels can withstand wind loads of up to 180 km/h.

How suitable are these panels for high-rise buildings?
Typically, the dead load increases with the number of floors in high-rise buildings. Since AAC wall panels are lighter than bricks, they require less steel during construction, directly reducing costs. These panels also offer advantages in terms of reduced labour requirements and faster project completion—both of which benefit high-rise projects. Because these panels do not need much water for soaking, water costs are reduced, making them an ideal, sustainable option.

Can you describe the application areas for these AAC wall panels?
AAC wall panels are an upgraded version of AAC blocks. The challenge lies in penetrating the right market. We anticipate high demand for this product in the high-rise construction sector, as well as in remote areas where labour is scarce. With faster construction times, this product has significant commercial value and is well-suited for projects with stringent timelines, such as commercial complexes, warehouses, and industrial facilities. Additionally, the product is compatible with PEB technology.

For more details, visit: https://www.zmartbuild.com/in/

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