BC 2014: Construction Principles I

Aerated Concrete Masonry Unit Failure Modes and Effects Analysis

 

 

 FUNCTIONS

 ELEMENTS MODES
CAUSES
EFFECTS
Structural/Mechanical Performance

Tensile Strength 

ACMU Strong wind force against wall or up against roof
Not adhering to ASTM E 72
Sideways deflection of wall
Compressive Strength ACMU Excessive force applied against wall
Not adhering to ASTM E 447 Hole in portion of the wall
Torsion Strength ACMU Wall cracking or collapsing Strong wind load
Excessive shaking of building

Thermal Performance 

Thermal Resistance
ACMU

Mortar joints being weak

Installation in bad weather conditions (below 20o F or above 100o
F)
Walls more likely to break apart at mortar joints
Permeability Performance (Air/Water)
Infiltration Rate ACMU Excessive rain/flooding
Not adhering to ASTM E 514
Water leakage through the wall
Durability Performance
Service Life
ACMU Decay  Decline in strength of concrete over time Concrete crumbles, cracks, breaks apart

Fire Performance

Failure Temperature
ACMU Fire Temp. of 2900o
or more
Other portions of the building catching on fire for extended period of time
ACMU melts

 


 

There are many ways in which a building can fail structurally.  Aerated concrete masonry units do a good job of resisting these failure modes.  The structural performance of aerated concrete masonry units is measured in pounds per square inch.  ASTM E-447 examines the compressive strength of aerated concrete.  It says that the minimum compressive strength of masonry is 348 psi for AC2, 580 psi for AC4 and 870 psi for AC6.  For permeability failure analysis, aerated concrete must live up to ASTM E-514.  This test includes exposing the concrete to the equivalent of 62 mph wind force and 5 ½ inches of rain per hour.  For a wall system to pass this there should be no water that passes through the system. 

http://www.safecrete.com/astmreports.htm


There are certain conditions that have to be followed in order for a building to achieve functional thermal performance.  The main purpose of this is to ensure that the mortar joints of the aerated concrete masonry units do not crack and weaken the system.  More information about the specific conditions to be followed for thermal performance can be found at:

http://www.imperiabros.com/AACSECTION_03440.htm

 

 BC 2014 aerated concrete house fire.jpg
http://www.aacstructures.com/fire.html 

Fire resistance for aerated concrete masonry units far exceeds the set ASTM E-119 fire rating.  They can last up to 2900º F before they begin to melt, which is more than twice the typical temperature in a building fire of1200º F.

 

Back to Technological Performance
Back to Aerated Concrete Masonry Units
Back to Systems Page 

http://www.aacpa.org/aboutaac/index.htm

http://www.imperiabros.com/AAC.htm

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Last Modified 2008-03-23