Shear capacity of traditional joints between walls made of AAC masonry units

The article presents the synthesis of the results of tests performed on unreinforced joints of walls made of autoclaved aerated concrete. The shape of the research element and the testing set up were innovatively designed based on the own research, literature review and numerical analyses. The article discusses the morphology of cracks and the mechanism of failure as well as the load–deflection relationship of the unreinforced joints made with traditional masonry bond. The individual work phases of the joints were specified and the rigidity of the joint was calculated. Using standardized procedures, parameters for the design of the joints were given. The obtained results encourage further analyses on the detailing of the joints and applications of new methods in the construction of the joints.