Experimental Study on the Out-of-Plane Loading of an Embedded Connection AAC Building Exterior Wall Panel

In response to engineering issues such as cracking and waterproofing failure caused by lateral displacement of the main structural layers when autoclaved-aerated-concrete (AAC) exterior wall panels are applied in the typhoon-prone areas of Southeastern Zhejiang, a form of embedded connection structure is proposed. This structure combines anchoring reliability with deformation adaptability. Based on the typhoon wind load in the Kanmen area of Yuhuan County, Taizhou City, Zhejiang Province, as the design basis, AAC exterior wall panel frame test specimens are designed and fabricated. Out-of-plane wind resistance static load tests are conducted. The deflection and strain patterns of the test specimens are analyzed to verify the wind-resistance bearing capacity and deformation coordination ability of this connection form. The test results indicate that under the standard value of typhoon wind load of 5.47 kN/m2, the maximum deflection of the test specimen is 2.155 mm, with a deflection ratio of 7.98 × 10−4, which is far below the specification limit. The measured maximum tensile and compressive strains does not reach the cracking strain of AAC material, and the component does not exhibit cracking or sudden stiffness changes. Both the out-of-plane wind resistance and deformation coordination capabilities meet the requirements for use in typhoon areas. This study provides solid theoretical support and engineering reference for the application of AAC exterior wall panels in prefabricated buildings in high-wind-pressure areas.