AAC Products
AAC Cored Blocks
AAC cored blocks are AAC masonry units with vertical cores that can support reinforced wall zones, bond-beam coordination, and project-specific structural detailing when the design requires it. MHE Group is a global AAC producer producing and delivering AAC building systems at its associated AERCON plant, backed by 40+ years of AAC engineering, factory development, installation, and project delivery expertise.
When to choose Cored Blocks
Choose cored blocks instead of standard blocks where the wall design calls for vertical reinforcement. The cores align course by course so reinforcing bars can be placed and grouted inside the wall, typically at wall ends, corners, openings, and in walls with higher wind or seismic demand. Standard blocks remain the default for the rest of the wall, so most projects combine both.
Applications
- Reinforced AAC wall sections
- Vertical reinforcement zones
- Openings, wall ends, and structural transitions
- Projects that require coordinated block-and-reinforcement detailing
Technical data (ICC-ES ESR-4740)
The AERCON plant in Haines City, Florida, which produces the AAC products MHE Group supplies in the United States, holds ICC-ES Evaluation Report ESR-4740 for AERCON AAC blocks and lintels (reissued May 2026, valid through May 2027). The values below are quoted from Table 2 of that report. They are material design values for strength categories AC-4 and AC-6, not whole-wall or whole-assembly ratings; the final design is confirmed by the project engineer.
| Property | AC-4 | AC-6 |
|---|---|---|
| Nominal dry density | 31 pcf (500 kg/m³) | 40 pcf (600 kg/m³) |
| Minimum compressive strength of masonry, f′m | 570 psi | 855 psi |
| Allowable compressive strength of masonry | 140 psi | 210 psi |
| Allowable flexural compressive strength | 190 psi | 285 psi |
| Allowable flexural tensile strength | 24 psi | 24 psi |
| Allowable shear strength | 15 psi | 22 psi |
| Modulus of elasticity, E | 260,000 psi | 360,000 psi |
| Thermal conductivity, k≈ 0.14 and 0.18 W/m·K | 0.97 Btu·in/(ft²·h·°F) | 1.25 Btu·in/(ft²·h·°F) |
| Thermal resistance per inch, R/in (computed as 1 ÷ k)Material value, not a whole-wall R-value. Example: an 8 in AC-4 wall ≈ R-8.2 | ≈ 1.03 | ≈ 0.80 |
| Design dead weight of masonry | 37 pcf | 47 pcf |
Fire resistance
- Standard Blocks at least 6 in (150 mm) thick: 4-hour fire-resistance rating for both bearing and nonbearing walls (ASTM E119), with block density between 25 and 43 pcf (400–650 kg/m³), laid in running bond with AERCON thin-bed mortar.
- For bearing walls the load is limited to 11,560 lbf/ft (168.7 kN/m) at a height of ten feet.
- The material is noncombustible per ASTM E136.
Further reading: AAC fire safety and what AAC is, and how AAC blocks compare with concrete blocks. For wider comparisons, see fire-resistant wall systems, building materials for hurricane-prone areas and lightweight vs traditional concrete construction.
Product sizes listed in ESR-4740
| Product | Length | Height | Thickness |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cored Standard Block | 24 in | 8 in | 8, 10, 12 in |
| Cored Value Block | 24 in | 24 in | 8, 10, 12 in |
- Dimensional tolerance 1/16 in (1.5 mm) for all dimensions.
Source: ICC-ES ESR-4740 (PDF), Tables 1 and 2, held by AERCON Florida, LLC, Haines City, Florida. Compliance basis: ASTM C1386, C1693 and C1694 (material and reinforcement), ASTM E119 (fire tests), ASTM E136 (noncombustibility), for the IBC and IRC. Report status can be checked at icc-es.org; values on this page are updated when the report is reissued.
Technical Considerations
- Core size, reinforcement, grout, and spacing must be confirmed by the project engineer.
- Cored block use should be coordinated with U-blocks, lintels, and wall-system detailing.
- Project documentation should define where reinforced zones begin and end before product ordering.
Design and Installation Notes
- Confirm local code requirements before publishing reinforcement schedules.
- Coordinate shop drawings, block coursing, and service penetrations early.
- Request product dimensions and compatible accessories before final procurement.
Completed projects
For completed load-bearing AAC block projects, see AAC blocks.
More projects are listed in the North American AAC project reference list.
Related AAC Product Paths
- AAC Standard Blocks
- AAC U-Blocks
- AAC Reinforced Lintels
- AAC blocks overview
- View the complete AAC product catalog
- Request global supply and export planning
Request a quote for Cored Blocks
Request a quote, product documentation, supply information and technical review support for aac cored blocks from MHE Group.
Request a QuoteFrequently Asked Questions
What are AAC cored blocks used for?
AAC cored blocks are used where wall systems require coordinated vertical reinforcement, grout, or structural detailing. Final use depends on the project engineer and local code requirements.
Are cored blocks a replacement for engineering design?
No. Cored blocks are a product option within an engineered AAC wall system. Reinforcement, spacing, and grout requirements must be confirmed for each project.
Can MHE support product selection?
Yes. MHE can help project teams review AAC product options, documentation needs, and supply planning from MHE manufacturing plants.
What is the difference between AAC cored blocks and standard blocks?
Cored blocks have vertical cores for reinforcement and grout, while standard blocks are solid. Cored blocks are placed where the engineer specifies vertical reinforcement, and standard blocks are used for the rest of the wall.