Research on the full range stress-strain curve of autoclaved aerated concrete block masonry

In order to find out the deformability and properties of autoclaved aerated concrete block masonry and establish its full range stress-strain curve, an experimental research was carried out on 9-groups, 27 masonry specimens in all, of short columns under axial compression. This experiment is based on the standard test method, and use the additional jack to make up the insufficient rigidity of the compression-testing machine. The crack and failure mode, deformation behavior and the full range stress-strain curves were obtained. The research results showed that the failure process and behavior of the autoclaved aerated concrete block masonry were similar to other brick masonry, but the developing mode of fracture was different. The elastic modulus of the autoclaved aerated concrete masonry is larger than the value suggested in the Chinese technical code CECS289-2011 and the ACI530-13. According to the experimental results, a theoretical full range stress-strain curve was obtained by fitting method. The full range stress-strain curve is represented by 3-segments, the rising section is composed of a straight line and a curve, and the descending section is a single curve. This theoretic curve is closer to the measured curve.