February 11 - 18, 2000
Concrete as a Building Solution
A construction material being studied at UAB could cut home air-conditioning bills in half. Autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC) is a lightweight, porous concrete material that's been used successfully in Europe for years and is now being studied for use in the United States. According to Fouad Fouad, Ph.D., chair of the UAB department of civil and environmental engineering, "The porous properties, or air bubbles in the material, act as insulation. Because of these insulating properties, and the air-tightness achievable during construction, supplementary insulation can be avoided." AAC is fire-resistant, lightweight, weather-resistant and cuts material, construction and other labor costs, as well as energy costs.
Call Nick Patterson, Media Relations, 205-975-8858, or e-mail [email protected].
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