Strength of volumetric-block multi-storey buildings under horizontal loads

Abstract

Introduction. The development of large cities in the Republic of Kazakhstan is accompanied by the construction of multi-storey buildings from bulk blocks, in which the main construction processes are carried out in factory conditions, which ensures automation of production, improves its quality, reduces the timing and seasonality of work, provides the possibility of using effective building materials, reduces the cost of construction. A volumetric block housing construction plant has been built in Astana, producing volumetric blocks of the “recumbent glass” type, that checks the main types of volumetric blocks for various structural solutions of buildings.

Aim. Checking the main types of volumetric blocks for vertical and horizontal loads.

Materials and methods. The volumetric blocks were tested on a test bench, which is a rigid rod system of adjustable vertical and horizontal frames. The volumetric blocks were loaded using hydraulic jacks with a capacity of 200 tons each through a reinforced concrete distribution plate. During the tests, compressive deformations of concrete were measured using vertical strain gauges with a base of 50 mm, horizontal and vertical movements of walls and floors using digital deflection meters PA0–6, as well as crack opening width using an MPB-3 microscope.

Results. The article presents the results of experimental studies of the stress-strain state of full-scale volumetric blocks of the “recumbent glass” type under the combined action of vertical and horizontal loads, describes the sequence of formation and opening of cracks, the distribution of longitudinal deformations and stresses of concrete along the perimeter of walls, diagrams of horizontal movements of walls from the plane, the nature of destruction, and recommendations for limiting the number of buildings floors.