Numerical simulations for autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC) masonry modules reinforced with columns of disperse reinforced concrete

This research aims at finding some alternative solutions to the conventional reinforcement of the masonry in areas with low seismic levels, namely the confination with concrete piles and belts, as provided in the Romanian norms in force, replacing the concrete columns with vertical voids in AAC masonry with metal fibre disperse reinforced concrete.For the masonry modules that were initially tested experimentally, numerical tests were performed using the finite element method with the Abaqus program.The experimental results, the theoretical ones and the structural analysis confirm the possibility of using autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC) confined with disperse reinforced concrete in masonry buildings erected in low seismicity areas (C) 2019 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.