An experimental study of AAC masonry prisms with chases under compression

Installing wiring or plumbing fixtures necessitates creating chases within masonry walls, which, while serving practical purposes, raises a crucial concern regarding the potential compromise of the masonry's structural integrity. Given these concerns, it becomes essential to thoroughly understand the impact of incorporating chases on masonry strength. In this study, 37 AAC masonry prisms (200x330x100 mm3) were cast and tested for compression. The prisms were equipped with chases of various depths -10 mm, 20 mm and 30 mm; and orientations (horizontal, inclined, and vertical), which were then filled with mortar using 1:2, 1:4, and 1:6 cement-to-sand ratios. The primary objectives were to assess the strength decrease in the prisms with different chase characteristics compared to a control specimen and to determine the percentage strength increase due to filling materials compared to unfilled chases. Key findings indicate that as chase depth increases, there is a substantial reduction in prism strength. However, the orientation of the chase does not significantly affect strength reduction. Importantly, filling the chases with mortar leads to a significant increase in prism strength. This study not only unveils the complex impact of chase characteristics on masonry strength but also emphasizes the crucial role of filling materials in strengthening these prisms.