Kathmandu, Mar. 23
With Nepal's rapid urbanisation and high seismic risks, the adoption of AAC bricks is seen as a key solution to enhancing earthquake resistance, said the experts and producing companies.
"AAC bricks also improve energy
efficiency, and reduce construction costs," they said at the first AAC
Conference held in Kathmandu on Friday. They maintained that eco-friendly and
durable nature of AAC has made it an ideal alternative to traditional bricks.
The conference was hosted by the AAC Bricks
Manufacturers Association (ABMA) and brought together industry leaders,
government officials, engineers, and construction professionals to discuss the
importance of Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (AAC) bricks in modern construction.
The Government of Nepal has introduced
quality norms and regulations for AAC bricks to standardise production and
ensure market availability.
Gopal Prasad Sigdel, Secretary of the Ministry
of Urban Development, said that standards for AAC brick production have been
approved, encouraging manufacturers to maintain quality and affordability.
The AAC sector in Nepal has already
received an investment of over Rs. 5 billion, creating more than 5,000 jobs.
This significant investment reflects the increasing adoption of AAC technology
in the country, said Nicholas Pandey, President of the ABMA.
Over the past decade, the production and
use of AAC bricks have grown rapidly, with factories across multiple regions
ensuring adequate supply. The industry aims to further expand its reach to meet
the rising demand for sustainable construction materials.
Indian AAC expert and technologist Mukunda
Joshi emphasised the earthquake-resistant properties of AAC, citing Turkey’s
post-earthquake reconstruction efforts as a model for Nepal. He highlighted
that AAC bricks reduce thermal and sound transmission, resulting in
energy-efficient buildings.
Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 24 March 2025.
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