An Experimental Study of Multi-Grid Composite Walls

摘要

Through reinforcing autoclaved aerated concrete block wall by reinforced concrete members, a new force-resisting structural component, namely multi-grid composite wall, is proposed in this paper. The composite wall is made up of RC edge frame, RC grids and autoclaved aerated concrete in-filled blocks. The purpose of this research is to investigate the behavior of multi-grid composite walls under cyclic lateral loading simulating seismic action. 1/2 scale six multi-grid composite wall specimens were tested. Experimental parameters that were studied for the six specimens were numbers of RC grid beams and columns and aspect ratio (ratio of wall height to width). A description of observed behavior of the specimens during the tests was offered. Strains of longitudinal bars, load carrying capacity, stiffness and ductility of the specimens were investigated. Results indicated the presence of RC grid columns and beams restricted propagation of the cracks in the autoclaved aerated concrete in-filled blocks, and then the mechanical characteristics of the infilled blocks were improved significantly. The load carrying capacity, stiffness and ductility of the typical multi-grid composite wall specimen were much larger than those of the reference specimen that was considered as the commonly used member in the confined masonry structure. Multi-grid composite walls possess good seismic performance and offer a new way for the application of autoclaved aerated concrete block walls as force-resisting structural components in practice, especially in Chinese towns and villages.