Experimental and analytical studies of the structural performance of innovative structural grid walls

Experimental and analytical studies were conducted to examine the structural performance of an innovative building system. It utilizes low-density concrete, stay-in-place forms to create an interior reinforced concrete structural grid. The low-density forming material is a mixture of Portland cement, admixtures, with chopped E&barbelow;xpanded P&barbelow;olyS&barbelow;tyrene (EPS) as the aggregate. The resulting grouted wall is approximately 40% the weight of an equivalently sized solid concrete wall. This reduced mass combined with a fire-resistive surface is of interest, particularly in California, where the dual dangers of earthquakes and fires pose grave risks to structures.