S. No.

Basis of Difference

AAC Blocks

Red Bricks

1

Availability of sizes

AAC blocks are available in different sizes and they can also be customized for special requirements.

Red Bricks are mostly available in one or two standard sizes. Customization is not possible.

2

Composition

AAC blocks are precast, foam concrete, sustainable construction material made from aggregates of quartz sand, calcined gypsum, lime, portland cement, water, and, aluminum powder.

Conventional red bricks are made from a mixture of sand, clay (alumina), Lime, iron oxide, and Magnesia.

Natural soil is used to manufacture traditional Bricks.

3

Appearance

The color of AAC Blocks is grey and they are huge in size.

The color of clay brick is red and they are smaller in size.

4

Construction speed

AAC blocks are factory-made and possess dimensional accuracy. They got fewer joints and hence construction speed is high. They are easy to place and plumb.

Red bricks are locally made with less dimensional accuracy. They got a larger number of joints (4 times) in comparison with AAC blocks and hence construction speed is drastically reduced. Bricks are very difficult to level, place, and plumb.

5

The thickness of Mortar joints

AAC blocks mostly use block adhesive for bonding and are available in ready mix packs. The thickness of mortar joints ranges between 3-5 mm, which is very thin.

Brickwork is done by site mixed mortar and the thickness has to be a minimum of 10 mm. The thickness of mortar is high in the case of brickwork.

6

Green Product

AAC Blocks are made from a non-toxic material that is not harmful to the Natural Environment. We can recycle the waste product again and again during the manufacturing process of AAC Blocks. Hence It is considered a green product.

Red Bricks are made from Natural Clay which is a big loss to the Natural Environment and it also reduces the most fertile top layer soil which helps in the Cultivation of Crops. So it is an enemy of the Environment. Therefore, it is not a Green Product.

7

Seismic Resistant

AAC Blocks reduces the dead load of the building so it is more stable than Red Brick and increases the safety against earthquakes.

Red Brick, in comparison to AAC Blocks, increases the dead load of the structure. Hence these bricks are less stable compared to AAC Block during the Earthquake.

8

Fire Resistant

As per PCA – Portland Cement Association, Fire Resistance of a 200 mm thick wall is up to 4 hours. (Actual Experimental Rating is up to 8 hours)

Fire Resistance of a 200 mm thick red brick wall is up to 2 hours.

9

Moisture Resistant

Water absorption of AAC Block is less compared to Red Brick. It is approximately 10%. Apart from that, It consists of unconnected micropores within it which prevent the transport of moisture from one phase to another. So, AAC Blocks are more Moisture Resistant than red brick.

Red bricks have less Moisture Resistance when compared to AAC Block.

10

Thermal Conductivity

Transfer of heat through AAC Block is less, So the Thermal Conductivity Rate is low in AAC Block.

Thermal Conductivity is high hence heat transfer from brick is more than from the AAC Block.

11

Sound Absorption

AAC Block provides sound insulation properties. It acts as a Soundproof barrier.

Clay bricks do not possess Sound Insulation properties.

12

Efflorescence rate

The efflorescence rate is low compared to Red Brick.

The efflorescence rate is high.

13

Water Absorption

It varies between 5 to 10 percent, but it should not be more than 10%.

It varies between 10 to 20 percent, but it should not be more than 20 %.

14

Dry Density

It varies between 451 – 1000 kg/m3

It varies between 1600 – 1920 kg/m3

15

Compressive Strength

It varies between 30 – 35 kg/cm2

It varies between 30 – 35 N/mm2

16

Weight

AAC Blocks are lighter in weight due to their dry density ratio which reduces the dead load on the structure.

Red Bricks are heavier than AAC Blocks in weight with greater dry density.

17

Labour Output

Due to its big size, the speed of the work is fast. Hence Labour Output in AAC Blocks is High when compared to Red brick.

Red bricks are smaller in size when compared to AAC Blocks. Hence, Labour Output in traditional red bricks is low compared to AAC Blocks.

18

Termite Resistant

AAC Block is non-toxic in nature and also possesses pest control qualities. It does not allow the spreading of pests and termites and hence increases the life of the wall.

Red bricks do not have any non-toxic or pest control features.

19

Curing Period

Less water is required for curing compared to AAC Block.

More water is required for curing hence high electricity bills and labor costs are required.

20

Wastage

Wastage is very less compared to Red Brick (Almost negligible). Here, 100% utilization is possible.

Average 10 to 15 % breakage happens at the construction site so 100% utilization is not possible. Sometimes wastage goes up to 30% for the poor quality of bricks.

21

Savings

The use of AAC Block at the construction site is cheaper as compared to Red Bricks.

The use of AAC Block at the construction site is costlier as compared to Red Bricks.