AAC Block Masonry with Ready Mix Mortar—An Experimental and Numerical Analysis

The evolution of masonry form of construction predates history. Although it is used from prehistoric times, it continues to be used widely currently. Bricks consume huge amount of energy during the firing stage of its manufacturing process thus leading to emission of greenhouse gases. Alternatively, there has been a development of concrete blocks and light weight concrete blocks. Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (AAC) blocks are one such light weight concrete blocks. These AAC blocks are being used with another alternative material apart from conventional mortar called Ready Mix Mortar (RMM). The present study aims to explore the suitability of AAC block masonry with ready mix mortar in load bearing masonry construction with experimental and numerical investigation using NISA. Also a comparison is attempted with masonry made with conventional blocks (Hollow concrete blocks) and conventional mortar of mix proportion 1:6.