Behavior of Autoclaved Aerated concrete Shear Walls with Low-Strength AAC

Three isolated full-scale shear walls of low-strength autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC) were tested at the Structural Engineering Ferguson Laboratory of the University of Texas at Austin. One specimen was constructed with vertical panels, and the other two, with partially grouted reinforced masonry units. The main objective of this study is to validate previously proposed design provisions for low-strength AAC material. The variables considered in these shear wall specimens were the compressive strength of the material, the flexural reinforcement, and the geometry. Test results indicate good agreement between observed and predicted behavior, and validate the previously proposed design provisions. The results support the extension of those design provisions to lowstrength AAC shear-wall structures located in seismic zones.