From experiments to seismic design rules for structures built with reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete panels

Abstract

AbstractIn the last few decades, many destructive earthquakes have taken place all around the world, causing fatal injuries, loss of lives, and severe damages on structures. A number of innovative construction techniques have been developed over the past years to mitigate these casualties. Autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC) is a lightweight, energy efficient building material with satisfactory mechanical properties. Therefore, the use of reinforced AAC panels as load‐bearing structural elements in low‐rise buildings is a potentially viable alternative to traditional construction practices to build cost‐effective structures with adequate seismic performance. In this paper, preliminary results of a number of experimental tests which were executed through a project led by the Turkish Autoclaved Aerated Concrete Association are presented. The experiments include AAC material tests, AAC member tests, and a seismic test of a full‐scale building constructed with AAC panel walls and floors. Finally, design provisions included in the new version of the Turkish Seismic Design Code 2018, which were adopted based on these experimental findings, are outlined.