Autoclaved aerated concrete
Subtitle: shaping the evolution of residential construction in the United States
Publisher: Available from National Technical Information Service
Published: 1998
Place of publication: Springfield, Va
Language: eng
Subjects: CONCRETE; CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS
Description: Precast Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (AAC) is a proven construction material used in Europe for over 70      years. Introduced to the United States in 1990, construction thus far is limited to commercial and custom      borne applications. Premium benefits include energy efficiency and resistance to natural disaster and pests.      Despite being the leading residential construction material in Europe and Japan, lumber is the leading material      of choice in the United States. AAC is clearly a superior residential construction product in its current form,      but the economic position of lumber and industry change hesitation demand a different marketing approach      than is used elsewhere in the world. Using an internet-based survey, home buyers provide data surrounding      three core issues: the important characteristics of a house, how much are they willing to pay for superior      benefits, and the expected payback period. Adapting current product form and installation methods can make      AAC cost competitive with traditional residential framing systems. Consumer education is essential in this      evolution to understand the connection between building products and their benefits. As an option to lumber      construction, consumers will benefit from its low utility and life cycle costs. The environment will benefit from      its energy efficiency and natural resource conservation.
Notes: AD-A355 199.

Thesis (M.S. in Construction Engineering and Management) Georgia Institute of Technology, Aug. 1998.

Includes bibliographical references (leaves 26-27)

dk/dk cc:9116. 10/16/98.