An alternative sustainable walling material for building projects in construction industry
No Thumbnail Available
Date
2023
Authors
Oladiran O.J.
Anugwo I.C.
Simeon D.R.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
ASOCSA2023
Abstract
Purpose
Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (AAC) is an eco-friendly and sustainable material. This study evaluates the acceptability and key drivers as a walling material.
Design methodology
Seventeen online questionnaires were sent via email to South African construction practitioners in five provinces and 99 questionnaires self-administered to construction professionals in Lagos, Nigeria. The statistical techniques used for analyses were frequency distribution, percentages, ranking, mean score and percentage mean unit.
Findings
The top four AAC block types used in building projects in South Africa are those AAC made using Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) of grade 52.5, OPC of grade 42.5, Aluminum Powder (AP) or Rice Husk Ash (RHA), and Palm Oil Fuel Ash (POFA) or Pulverized Fuel Ash (PFA). The top factors influencing the use of AAC in Nigeria are its lightweight characteristics, ecological improvements, energy efficiency, adaptation to hot regions, excellent heat assimilation characteristics, good fire resistance, and adaptability to architectural flairs. Whereas, AAC is mostly used in South Africa due to its outstanding fire insulation properties, lightweight characteristics, energy efficiency, superior thermal absorption characteristics, adaptability to any type of architecture, eco-friendliness; and remarkable thermal conductivity.
Research implications
The research draws the conclusion that AAC block producers that manufacture AAC variations outside the four listed above would probably not grow in business since they would receive little support from construction practitioners.
Practical implications
Although lightweight characteristics is the most important driver for both nations, the relevance of drivers for the use of AAC blocks varies. This suggests that practitioners in both nations prioritize the block's lightweight properties, which could be preferred for tall projects due to lower costs for the foundation and other structural components.
Description
Proceedings: 17th Built Environment Conference, 9&10th October, CSIR Convention Centre, Pretoria, South Africa.
Keywords
Citation
Oladiran, O.J., Anugwo, I. C. & Simeon, D.R. (2023). An alternative sustainable walling material for building projects in construction industry. Proceedings: 17th Built Environment Conference, 9&10th October, CSIR Convention Centre, Pretoria, South Africa.