Thermal Performance of Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (AAC) and (CMU) Beams Strengthened with Inorg anic Basalt Composites

In this investigation, four series of autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC), and concrete masonry units (CMU) were tested in flexure at elevated temperatures. Sustainability of AAC is demonstrated in its thermal insulation and energy conservation, low energy consumption in production, transportation, construction, and recycling due to its light weight. For each type of material, plain beams and beams strengthened with basalt fibers were tested in bending at different temperatures. The basalt fibers were bonded to the beams in the tension zone using an inorganic matrix to improve the bending strength. The inorganic matrix was used because of its good workability and fire resistance. The AAC beams were tested up to 300 degrees C, and the CMU beams were tested up to 1,000 degrees C. Test results showed that the strengthened beams had less strength degradation at high temperatures compared to plain beams up to 600 degrees C. The inorganic matrix successfully maintained the required bond strength between the basalt fibers and the beams at temperatures up to 1,000 degrees C.