Influence of material properties on the modulus of elasticity of AAC masonry

Aim

The goal of the presented study is to evaluate the influence of material properties on the modulus of elasticity of autoclaved aerated concrete masonry. In addition, it was assessed the reliability of the K_E value included in the Eurocode 6 to calculate the modulus of elasticity of AAC masonry in relation to its characteristic compressive strength.

Method

An experimental campaign for the determination of modulus of elasticity of AAC masonry with a characteristic compressive strength in the range of 1.3‐2.0 MPa, was carried out. AAC units from different plants in Europe have been tested as well as the thin layer mortar used for the samples. The values of bulk density range between 270 and 350 kg/m³. Moreover, the testing comprised the determination of compressive strength as well as modulus of elasticity of masonry erected by using these blocks. Basis for testing of the compressive strength and modulus of elasticity was EN 1052‐1.

Results

The experimental results were compared with the values of modulus of elasticity E calculated according to EN 1996‐1‐1. The comparison shows how the current range of values of K_E reported by the German annex DIN EN 1996‐1‐1/NA fits well to the experimental results obtained.