AAC-block walls with surface application of non-structural plastering materials as newly configured and improved structures subjected to diagonal compression

This research evaluates the use of non-structural materials, in the form of plastering grids and adhesive mortars, to create a newly configured structure with better shear properties than the original one, i.e. AAC blocks walls. Four types of glass fibre grid and two adhesive mortars were used. The results of 35 tested models subjected to diagonal compression show significantly improved performance by avoiding brittle failure, providing a significant increase in strength and ensuring relatively safe working conditions at large deformations. The best improvement in shear properties provided a relatively ‘weak’ grid with small openings and a highly deformable mortar.