To what temperatures does Aircrete remain fireproof?
-
Doc 2 minutes ago
When considering building in heavily forested areas the statement that aircrete is "fireproof" begs the question: Aircrete is fireproof to what temperatures?
Looking up temperatures at which forest fires burn ( http://wildfiretoday.com/2011/02/26/at-what-temperature-does-a-forest-fire-burn/ ): "Under extreme conditions a fire can give off 10,000 kilowatts or more per metre of fire front. This would mean flame heights of 50 metres or more and flame temperatures exceeding 1200°C (2,192°F)". Is aircrete able to withstand SUSTAINED temperatures of 1200°C (2,192°F)?
Therefore, will an aircrete dome remain fireproof to these temperatures?
-
Perhaps the better question is how can you manage you land to plan for such an event.
It's Portland cement. 1500°F without undergoing severe strength loss and cracking. The air bubbles will protect inner layers more and you could paint it with silver paint to reflect more.
Either way, it going to withstand anfire better than a normal house.
-
@HandyDan Well said
-
Thank you @HandyDan. The 1500°F is the characteristic of Portland Cement I wanted to know. Certainly land management in planning for such an event is only right if building in a forested area. I know those with buildings in or near Yosemite and Glacier National Parks would appreciate knowing this information at this time.
A follow-up question would be then, is there a type of cement available which can withstand a higher temperature without getting real exorbitant in cost, but will still mix well using the Little Dragon?
-
@Doc Restating HandyDan, Aircrete is an application (not a type per se) of cement that can withstand higher temperatures than most other applications. @Talyn71 demonstrates the concept well in
where a propane torch is left in direct contact with a 1.5" x 6" x 6" slab for 15 minutes after which he easily picks it up and lays his hand on the back side. -
@Doc I would say no. I don't have experience with magnesium cement. Further, adding aggregate will collapse the mix. So I thinking refractory air cement is not possible unless you make it with lye and aluminum powder, but then it's not aircrete and doesn't require the little dragon.
However, after the structure is up you could paste on lava stone or actual refractory cement. If fire is the primary design consideration then perhaps an underground structure is the better option or tall earth berms. You could also engineer a battery, pump, water tank sized to burn times and BTU exposure and spray cool it.. Live in field..
I suspect that are aircrete would actually survive a fire but even if it didn't the whole point of all this is cheap housing right?
Now I'm rambling...
