Structural and environmental effects of the application of Autoclaved Aerated Concrete blocks in the Intel-Deck roof system

Nasri, Sanaan; Mollaei, Somayeh; Jahani, Davoud; Samereh, Mohammad Javad

doi:10.22034/a-see.2026.2077488.1018

Structural and environmental effects of the application of Autoclaved Aerated Concrete blocks in the Intel-Deck roof system

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Sanaan Nasri ¹

Somayeh Mollaei ¹

Davoud Jahani ²

Mohammad Javad Samereh ¹

¹ Department of Civil Engineering, University of Bonab, Bonab, East Azerbaijan, Iran

² Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Bonab, Bonab, East Azerbaijan, Iran

10.22034/a-see.2026.2077488.1018

Abstract

This study investigates the feasibility of replacing conventional upper and lower clay blocks in the Intel-Deck roof system with autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC) units, evaluating both structural performance under lateral loading and environmental sustainability indicators. Construction waste management and building energy performance scenarios for AAC and traditional clay bricks were modeled using DesignBuilder through energy simulation and waste-related output assessment. The resulting life cycle inventory data were analyzed in openLCA using a life cycle assessment (LCA) framework based on the TRACI impact assessment methodology to quantify environmental burdens. From a structural perspective, reinforced concrete frames incorporating AAC-based Intel-Deck slabs were modeled in ETABS using linear static analysis to evaluate story drifts, internal forces, and reinforcement demand. Furthermore, three-dimensional finite element modeling was carried out in ABAQUS under quasi-static lateral loading conditions using nonlinear analysis to determine the equivalent slab thickness of the AAC-integrated roof system. The results indicate that clay brick construction exhibits higher global warming potential, ozone depletion, and fossil fuel consumption compared to AAC, while nonlinear finite element analysis yields an equivalent slab thickness of approximately 15 cm for structural equivalency.

Graphical Abstract