Analysis of uniaxial compression behavior of hollow concrete block masonry: experimental and analytical approaches

This article focuses on the uniaxial compression behavior of concrete hollow brick masonry assembly. This study was performed both by experimental and analytical approaches. In the first experimental part, the compression tests were done according to the European standard EN1052-1. It is highlighted from the tests that this concrete hollow brick masonry is a very high dispersive material and that the compression behavior of this masonry is similar and depends principally on that of bricks. In addition, the vertical splitting failure modes reflect the effect of "expanding/restraining" for this type of masonry and the elastic properties determined from these tests are comparable with the values found in the literature. Then, in the analytical approach, the simple calculations were done by different existed models to predict the compressive strength of masonry prism. A comparison of the results obtained by using these models with those of experimentation shows that only the model which takes into account the effect of vertical joints is mostly adapted for the safe design of this masonry prism under uniaxial compression load.

Analysis of uniaxial compression behavior of hollow concrete block masonry: experimental and analytical approaches

This article focuses on the uniaxial compression behavior of concrete hollow brick masonry assembly. This study was performed both by experimental and analytical approaches. In the first experimental part, the compression tests were done according to the European standard EN1052-1. It is highlighted from the tests that this concrete hollow brick masonry is a very high dispersive material and that the compression behavior of this masonry is similar and depends principally on that of bricks. In addition, the vertical splitting failure modes reflect the effect of "expanding/restraining" for this type of masonry and the elastic properties determined from these tests are comparable with the values found in the literature. Then, in the analytical approach, the simple calculations were done by different existed models to predict the compressive strength of masonry prism. A comparison of the results obtained by using these models with those of experimentation shows that only the model which takes into account the effect of vertical joints is mostly adapted for the safe design of this masonry prism under uniaxial compression load.

Experimental Investigation Into Banana Fibre Reinforced Lightweight Concrete Masonry Prism Sandwiched with GFRP Sheet

This paper presents the stress-strain behaviour of Natural Banana microfibre reinforced Lightweight Concrete (LWC) prisms under axial compression. The compressive strength of masonry is obtained by testing stack bonded prisms under compression normal to its bed joint. LWC blocks of cross-sectional dimensions 200 mm x 150 mm were used to construct the prism with an overall height of 630 mm. Three series of specimens were cast; (a) prism without Banana fibre (control), (b) prism with Banana microfibres, (c) prism with Banana microfibres sandwiched with Glass Fibre Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) sheets. Natural Banana fibres were used as structural fibre reinforcement at different volume fractions (VF). The results indicate that the presence of fibres helps to improve the strength, stiffness, and ductility of LWC stack bonded prisms under compression. The test results also indicate that banana fibre reinforcement provides an improved crack bridging mechanism at both micro and macro levels. The GFRP sandwiched prism specimens exhibited excellent ductility and load-carrying capacity resulting from improved plastic deformation tolerance under compression and bonding between the LWC block and GFRP sheet.

Development and mechanical evaluation of a new interlocking earth masonry block

An innovative interlocking compressed earth block, called interlocking compressed earth block developed at Shanghai Jiao Tong University, was developed for structural masonry. The locking mechanism of the interlocking compressed earth block developed at Shanghai Jiao Tong University completely depends on the grout in the vertical holes. Therefore, there is no gap between the interlocking key and the blocks, which increases the wall stability and reduces the block manufacturing costs. Experimental studies on the mechanical behavior of the unit (the block) and the masonry (prism constructed with a dry interface) were performed in accordance with the related standards. Soil samples from the northern Gansu Province of China were collected and studied. Small cylindrical samples were tested to determine the compressive and splitting tensile strength. Subsequently, the compressive strength of the prisms with three dry-stack blocks and the shear behavior of the masonry through the triplet test were investigated. The results show that the compressive and shear strengths meet the related standards. This work may provide a valuable structural system for low-cost, eco-friendly dwelling in developing countries.

Behavior of Clay Masonry Prism under Vertical Load Using Detailed Micro Modeling Approach

The aim of this research is to assess the validity of Detailed Micro-Modeling (DMM) as a numerical model for masonry analysis. To achieve this aim, a set of load-displacement curves obtained based on both numerical simulation and experimental results of clay masonry prisms loaded by a vertical load. The finite element method was implemented in DMM for analysis of the experimental clay masonry prism. The finite element software ABAQUS with implicit solver was used to model and analyze the clay masonry prism subjected to a vertical load. The load-displacement relationship of numerical model was found in good agreement with those drawn from experimental results. Evidence shows that load-displacement curvefound from the finite element model has almost the same shape and pattern of the experimental one. The curves in both situations become more and more resembling as the load increasing till they reach failure.

Analysis of the Effect of Adding Sandy Clay into Cement Mortar on the Bending Strength of Built-Up Masonry Prisms

Mortar is a workable paste essential in civil and building construction. Mortar works as binding material extensively use for masonry unit in construction. The global consumption of natural sand is very high, due to the extensive use of concrete or mortar. Natural sand deposits are being depleted and causing a serious threat to the environment as well as the society. Sandy clay has been widely use in preparing the mortar for masonry work. The aim of this research was to study the bending strength of built-up masonry prism using sandy clay mortar. There were two series of mortar containing 0% and 100% of sandy clay had been prepared. The sandy clay was used to replace natural fine aggregate. Mortar with 0% sandy clay was the control mix containing 100% natural fine aggregate. Three types of masonry unit consist of clay brick, cement brick and lightweight brick were used in this study. The masonry units were combined together using the mortar joints to form the masonry prisms. 100% natural fine sand and 100% sandy clay mortar were prepared and used for the joints. Built-up masonry prisms with single and double joints of mortar. Also, the masonry prisms contained from a length ranging from 390 mm to 610 mm were prepared using the mortar joints. The thickness of the mortar joint which was used in this study was 10 mm, 20 mm and 30 mm. the prisms had been tested for the determination of bending strength at 28 days. The experimental results were analyzed to investigate the effect of sandy clay and thickness of mortar on the bending strength of built-up masonry prism. Results had shown that masonry prism built with sandy clay mortar has higher bending strength compare to the fine sand mortar. Clay brick exhibited highest bending strength with sandy clay mortar which was 38.28 N/mm2and cement brick had the lowest bending strength which was 18.8 N/mm2, while cement brick achieved optimum bending strength. In addition, the highest collapse and deflection achieved by clay brick and cement brick whereas the lowest value of collapse and deflection was by lightweight brick. The highest percentage of increment in terms of collapse load was determined to be 13.73% for sandy clay mortar prism. Hence, 100% sandy clay mortar is suitable to be used in masonry works.