Tavio, B. Sabariman, S. Widodo
– This study investigates the failure mechanisms of Reinforced Concrete (RC) columns infilled with Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (AAC) under reverse cyclic loading, simulating seismic conditions. Given the growing use of AAC for its sustainability benefits and thermal insulation properties, its impact on the seismic behavior of RC columns requires thorough evaluation. The study explores the structural behavior of AAC-infilled RC columns, focusing on their load-bearing capacity, deformation, and failure modes during cyclic loading. Experimental testing was conducted on RC columns with varying AAC infill dimensions, subjected to reverse cyclic lateral loads to observe the effects of cyclic loading on their load-displacement behavior, energy dissipation, and failure modes. The results indicate that AAC infill enhances the lateral load resistance of RC columns, but also introduces specific failure modes related to the interaction between the AAC and the surrounding RC. They also demonstrated that while AAC infill can enhance the overall stiffness and strength of RC columns, it also influences failure modes, including concrete spalling, AAC crushing, and reinforcement failure. The failure mechanisms observed include cracking and crushing of AAC blocks at the column interface, shear failure, and debonding between the AAC and RC. Additionally, cyclic loading leads to progressive degradation of both AAC and RC materials, with a reduction in strength and stiffness after repeated loading cycles. The study also reveals that the low density and high porosity of AAC influence the energy dissipation capacity and damping characteristics of the infilled columns. The findings suggest that while AAC offers benefits such as reduced weight and improved insulation, it also presents vulnerabilities in terms of seismic performance, particularly at the AAC-RC interface. This study concludes with recommendations for design improvements and reinforcement strategies to enhance the seismic resilience of AAC-infilled RC columns. It also provides valuable insights for the design of AAC-infilled RC structures in seismic-prone areas. © 2025 Praise Worthy Prize S.r.l.-All rights reserved.
Department of Civil Engineering, Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember, Surabaya, Indonesia; Department of Civil Engineering, Universitas Negeri Surabaya, Surabaya, Indonesia; Department of Civil Engineering, Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
