Variability of Strength Properties of Lightweight Block Masonry and its Effect on Seismic Safety

Abstract

Lightweight concrete block masonry such as Autoclave Aerated Concrete (AAC) and Cellular Lightweight Concrete (CLC) is becoming more popular in earthquake-resistant infilled reinforced concrete (RC) frame buildings due to its several advantages. As a result, a proper understanding of the strength properties of AAC and CLC block masonry is required for a probabilistic seismic assessment of such structures. The best-fitted probability density functions are proposed after laboratory tests are conducted to analyze the uncertainties associated with the two most important parameters that affect the resistance capacity of infilled brickwork. Furthermore, using the specified probability density functions, the in-plane seismic performances of typical RC frame buildings infilled with AAC and CLC block masonry are analyzed in a probabilistic framework It is observed that the assumption of the normal distribution can lead to an inaccurate assessment of the seismic risk of an RC frame building infilled with AAC and CLC block masonry in the absence of an appropriate uncertainty model. Due to their lower strength properties, lightweight block masonry was found to slightly enhance the seismic risk of the building when compared to traditional brick masonry, despite its low density.