EXPERIMENTAL COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH AND MODULUS OF ELASTICITY OF MASONRY

Abstract

Compressive strength and Modulus of elasticity of masonry are significant
parameters when considering structural masonry design. This paper presents those
masonry properties which were determined experimentally. Three types specimens
made of clay brick masonry and concrete block masonry were built. They were tested
in compression until failure and conducted in accordance with the BS EN 1052-
1:1999. Properties of structural units and the mortar were also determined. Results
show that the mean compressive strength of the mortar, clay brick units and concrete
block units are 4.2 N/mm2, 63.0 N/mm2 and 12.8 N/mm2 respectively. The
characteristic compressive strength of masonry made of clay brick is 11.2 N/mm2 and
that made of concrete block is 7.2 N/mm2. The failure of the masonry tested in
compression was due to development of tensile cracks parallel to the axis of the
loading. Modulus of elasticity of masonry was close to 1000 fk which is a formula
given in Eurocode 6.