Diagonal Tensile Strength of AAC Blocks Masonry with Thin Joints Superficially Strengthened by Reinforced Using GFRP Net Plastering

Abstract

In recent years, the autoclaved aerated concrete has become as one of the most popular material used in erecting of small housings as well as multi-apartment residential buildings. Recommended construction technology involves the use of the ACC blocks arranged on thin bed joints, with the head joints left unfilled. Practice has shown that this type of construction is characterised by low crack resistance, which was also confirmed during experimental investigation [1]. One of the solutions to this problem, proposed by the staff of the Silesian University of Technology, was the superficial strengthening of such type of masonry walls. Strengthening materials tested so far (glass and carbon fibre mesh used in FRP system solutions) gave very promising results but a relatively high cost of the material itself constituted the main drawback. This prompted a further search for new and relatively inexpensive materials that would allow improving the use of the existing structures made of AAC blocks. The goal of the laboratory test results presented in this paper was to determine the influence of wall surface strengthening made of not expensive GRFP mesh (dedicated as reinforcement of thin external plastering in thermal insulation systems) on the behaviour and mechanical properties of masonry wallettes made of AAC blocks with thin joints. Three series of masonry specimens were tested: not strengthened wallettes (as reference members), walls with superficial strengthening only on one side and walls with both sides strengthened. A total of 18 specimens subjected to diagonally compressive loading were tested (6 in each series). The results turned out to be highly promising. Increasing of shear capacity of both types of superficially strengthened masonry in comparison with reference members was observed. The tests also allowed determining a positive effect of external reinforcement on the type of cracking and failure mode of such walls.

Tensile and Flexural Behaviors of Basalt Textile Reinforced Sprayed Glass Fiber Mortar Composites

“…For tensile performance, the stress–strain relationship of cement-based composite systems during load transfer is the most significant requirement [ 13 ]. It is known that fabric-reinforced systems are widely used in wall- and column-strengthening systems [ 14 ], columns that are subjected to vertical loading [ 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 ], in-plane behavior of walls under load [ 19 , 20 , 21 , 22 , 23 ], walls under out-of-plane loading [ 24 , 25 , 26 , 27 ], vaults, and arches [ 28 , 29 , 30 , 31 , 32 ]. In these systems, the bond problem arises between the matrix and the textile since it is not possible for the mortar with a certain grain size to penetrate well between the very thin filaments, which form the fiber bundle of the textile reinforcement.…”

Comprehensive studies of the influence of superficial strengthening with the FRCM system on the load‐bearing capacity and deformability of AAC walls

“…While applying superficial strengthening on the masonry wall, it can be strengthened due to its exposure to compression, bending, or shearing. The type and method of reinforcement application determine the effectiveness of strengthening [3][4][5].…”

Efficiency evaluation of a commercial superficial strengthening system applied to AAC-block walls under diagonal compression

“…Badania ścinanych ścian z bloczków ABK wzmocnionych zewnętrznie są nieliczne, jednak prezentowane w literaturze wyniki pokazują duże możliwości w zakresie poprawy ich nośności i odkształcalności. Jako wzmocnienie stosowane są tu maty szklane lub węglowe w układzie pasmowym (14)(15)(16), siatki kompozytowe -szklane (17)(18)(19), bazaltowe (20,21) i z włókien PBO (22) -oraz cienkie warstwy wysoko ciągliwego betonu zbrojonego włóknami (23,24). Tym samym istnieje szereg zagadnień wymagających uzupełnienia lub uściślenia stanu wiedzy.…”