Seismic performance of AAC masonry infill: From traditional systems to innovative solutions

Abstract

AbstractAccording to many post‐seismic event surveys and research investigations, the seismic response of masonry infills can cause considerable economic and downtime losses and can represent a serious threat to human lives. Although many researchers have developed innovative infill systems and new design criteria, a widely scientifically and practical recognized solution which can be adopted for every masonry type has not been achieved yet. Moreover, the increased use of autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC) masonry infills thanks to its lightness, excellent thermal and acoustic insulation, and the fire resistance highlights the need of enhancing the knowledge about the seismic behavior of such infill material, and the possibility to develop improved systems that optimize the response of the AAC masonry in order to reduce detrimental issues of traditional infills. Within this paper, the experimental cyclic (in‐plane and out‐of‐plane) response of some traditional and enhanced infill solutions are presented together with a numerical simulation of the in‐plane tests on AAC unreinforced masonry infills. Furthermore, the main aspects affecting the seismic response, such as the in‐plane performance, the out‐of‐plane resistance, the local effects on adjacent reinforced concrete (RC) members, are discussed in order to indicate a possible path for future seismic resistant innovative solutions for AAC masonry infills.