Flexural tensile strength of alc blocks strengthened with glass fiber mesh

Autoclaved lightweight concrete (ALC) can improve the thermal insulation performance due to formation of macroscopic air bubbles, attaining lower density and thermal conductivity. However, since the compressive and tensile strengths of ALC are significantly lower than those of ordinary concrete, strengthening methods are additionally required when ALC blocks are used, particularly for lateral load resistance systems. In this study, the flexural tensile performance of ALC blocks and prisms strengthened with textile reinforced mortar (TRM) method was investigated. In this method, glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP) meshes were attached to ALC blocks by means of ALC mortar and staples. Flexural tests on ALC blocks and prisms were performed. The results showed that GFRP meshes improved the flexural tensile strength and deformation capacity of ALC blocks and prisms as the meshes resisted tensile force after flexural cracking. GFRP meshes between ALC blocks had no significant effect on the bond strength, while meshes on the face of ALC blocks increased the tensile strength.