In-Plane Behavior of Non-Structural Autoclaved Aerated Concrete Masonry Walls with Flexible Joints

Nowadays there is still a lack of requirements for the design of non-structural masonry walls. For the case of non-structural autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC) walls with perimeter flexible joints, experimental studies are scarce, and there are no explicit requirements specified in current design codes. In this study, reinforced concrete (RC) frames and RC frame–AAC wall systems were tested under in-plane lateral loads. Systems consisted of an RC frame and a non-structural AAC masonry wall with four perimeter polyurethane joints. The objective of the study was to evaluate the in-plane behavior of non-structural AAC walls. The variables studied were the aspect ratio and the number of intermediate vertical joints of non-structural AAC walls. Lateral load–drift ratio curves of frames and systems were determined. Cracking patterns of frames and systems are presented. Design equations were proposed to determine the lateral load contribution of non-structural AAC walls associated with the first maximum and minimum loads. Design equations were also proposed to determine corresponding drift ratios. It was concluded that experimental lateral load contributions together with corresponding drift ratios were well predicted with the design equations proposed in this study.