Strengthening of existing RC buildings by using autoclaved aerated concrete infill wall

Abstract

ABSTRACT The objective of this study is to use autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC) for infill walls in existing buildings that are unsafe for earthquakes to increase their stiffness. The study included two topics; the first topic introduced six models using AAC in buildings resistance to earthquakes and the effect of self-weight of the buildings comparing bare frame clay partition masonry model (1), bare frame AAC partition masonry model (2), reinforced concrete frames clay infill wall model (3), reinforcement concrete frames AAC infill wall model (4), reinforcement concrete frames AAC infill wall core model (5), reinforcement concrete frames AAC infill wall first and second floors model (6). ETABS software was used to investigate all frame models. Results of the study revealed that AAC infill wall decreases base moment, base shear and displacement. On the other hand, second topic presented five models of single reinforcement concrete frame under lateral loading, considering effect of anchored and unanchored AAC infill wall and clay infill wall. These models are bare frame model (a), RC frame with clay infill wall unanchored model (b), RC frame with AAC infill wall unanchored model (c), RC frame with clay infill wall with anchors model (d), RC frame with AAC infill wall with anchors model (e). Using finite element software (ANSYS WORKBENCH 18.2) failure load, displacement and ductility were presented for all five frames. The results showed that the ‘RC frame with AAC infill wall with anchors’ model gives the biggest failure load whereas displacement and ductility are the lowest.