Title: Mechanical Properties of Plain AAC Material

Author(s): F. H. Fouad and J. Dembowski

Publication: Symposium Paper

Volume: 226

Issue:

Appears on pages(s): 1-16

Keywords: autoclaved aerated concrete; material properties; specifications; test methods

DOI: 10.14359/14388

Date: 3/1/2005

Abstract:
Autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC) is a lightweight uniform cellular material, first developed in Sweden in 1929. Since that time, AAC building components have been widely used in Europe and other parts of the world. Until recently, however, AAC was relatively unknown to the United States precast construction market. Today, AAC is gaining rapid acceptance in the United States due primarily to increasing energy cost and environmental concerns. Although AAC is a well-recognized building material in Europe, very little research work has been done on American-produced AAC components. The goal of the testing program was to further develop the database of the material properties and structural behavior of American-made AAC by testing plain AAC elements from three different manufacturers. Manufacturers and designers will be provided with information that will help to promote AAC as a reliable engineered construction material in the U.S. Tests performed on the plain AAC consisted of compressive strength, flexural tensile strength, shear strength, and modulus of elasticity.