Variability of Mechanical Properties of Cellular Lightweight Concrete Infill and Its Effect on Seismic Safety
Publication: Natural Hazards Review
Volume 22, Issue 4
Abstract
Cellular lightweight concrete (CLC) block masonry has gained popularity in the masonry market with the growing demand in the modern construction industry due to its various advantages, including a positive impact on the environment. Subsequently, the detailed characterization of its vital engineering properties should be studied for the development of the mathematical model, analysis, evaluation, and design of structures made of CLC block masonry. The present study investigates the variability in two important strength properties of CLC block masonry and proposes the most appropriate models for their statistical distribution to support probability-based structural analysis and design. This study shows that the assumption of a normal distribution in the absence of an appropriate uncertainty model can result in an inaccurate estimate of the seismic risk of an RC frame building infilled with CLC block masonry. The paper further assesses the seismic safety of a typical RC framed building infilled with CLC block masonry in relation to traditional brick masonry, considering the proposed uncertainty model. Although CLC block masonry results in a higher seismic risk compared with traditional brick masonry, it can be used as an infill material in high seismic areas because it results in a probability of failure within the acceptable limit.
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Data Availability Statement
Some data, models, or codes generated or used during the study are available from the corresponding author by request (OpenSEES modeling files and generated outputs).
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Published In
Natural Hazards Review
Volume 22 • Issue 4 • November 2021
Copyright
© 2021 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Aug 14, 2020
Accepted: Apr 20, 2021
Published online: Jul 19, 2021
Published in print: Nov 1, 2021
Discussion open until: Dec 19, 2021
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