The selection of suitable building materials is an important factor in achieving economical, energy-efficient, and sustainable construction. Conventional materials such as red bricks are widely used in residential and public buildings because of their availability and established construction practices. However, their use can contribute to environmental impacts and may provide limited thermal insulation compared with modern walling materials. The increasing demand for energy-efficient buildings has therefore encouraged the use of alternative materials such as Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (AAC) blocks.

This study evaluates the cost effectiveness and environmental performance of AAC blocks in comparison with conventional red brick masonry. The research considers important parameters such as material cost, labour requirements, construction time, energy consumption, thermal performance, and environmental impact. The performance of the two wall systems is assessed for residential and public/commercial buildings to determine their suitability as sustainable construction alternatives.

AAC blocks are lightweight and possess better thermal insulation properties, which can reduce heat transfer through the building envelope. Improved thermal performance can consequently decrease the energy required for heating and cooling, resulting in lower operational costs over the service life of a building. In addition, the reduced weight of AAC masonry may contribute to savings in structural components, transportation, and handling.

The study indicates that the adoption of AAC block wall systems can provide significant economic and energy-related benefits. The analysis suggests that initial construction costs can potentially be reduced by approximately 14.3% for residential buildings and 9.4% for commercial/public buildings. Similarly, energy consumption and associated operational costs may be reduced by approximately 23.6% and 24.6%, respectively. These findings demonstrate that AAC blocks can be a viable alternative to conventional red bricks for modern building construction.

Therefore, the use of AAC blocks can contribute to the development of more economical, energy-efficient, and environmentally responsible buildings. The study highlights the importance of selecting construction materials based not only on their initial cost and availability but also on their long-term energy performance, environmental impact, and overall life-cycle benefits.

 

 

Keywords: AAC Blocks, Red Bricks, Cost Effectiveness, Energy Efficiency, Thermal Performance, Sustainable Construction, Building Materials, Building Envelope.