Influence of strain rate on the mechanical properties of autoclaved aerated concrete

The present work evaluates compressive strength and splitting tensile strength of Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (AAC) through systematic laboratory testing under varying strain rate conditions followed by a numerical calibration study. The result of this study shows that both the compressive and splitting tensile strength are significantly dependent on displacement rate. It was found that the compressive strength and the split tensile strength increase approximately 2.5 and 1.5 times respectively, while the elastic modulus increases approximately four times when the displacement rate increases from 0.1 mm/min at 10 mm/min. An empirical relationship is established using the experimental results to find the dynamic strength properties of AAC as a function of the static strength properties. The experimental outcomes of the present study are further calibrated using commercially available software called Abaqus, and numerical models are proposed to predict the expected strength of the AAC block at any level of strain rate.