Numerical Analysis of the Structural Resistance and Stability of Masonry Walls with an AAC Thermal Break Layer

Since energy efficiency has become the main priority in design of buildings, load-bearing walls modern masonry constructions nowadays include thermal break elements at floor–wall junction to mitigate bridges. The structural stability these bearing is consequently affected. In present paper, a numerical study resistance and such composite walls, including AAC layers, presented. A finite element mesoscopic model successfully calibrated with respect recent experimental results small medium scale, terms stiffness under vertical load or without eccentricity. then used extend models larger-scale made masonry, aim investigating consequences on global stability. confirm that governed by layer lowest value, except for very large slenderness loaded eccentrically: low limited eccentricities are failing due crushing layer, while characterized ratios eccentrically tend experience buckling failure clay layer.