Strength evaluation of dry-stack masonry
Date
2008-09-25T12:47:21Z
Authors
Pave, Rogério Francisco
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Abstract
Accelerated dry-stack masonry construction is seen all over the world in the last two decades.
Intense investigation on structural behaviour of dry-stack masonry is also seen worldwide.
This research work, presents an investigation of the structural behaviour of Hydraform drystack
masonry developed in South Africa. Unit compressive strength, masonry wall
compressive strength and flexural resistance of dry-stack masonry/reinforced concrete beams
were investigated.
Due to the interlocking mechanism nature of Hydraform dry-stack blocks, three different unit
compressive testing methods were investigated. The methods are described as:
- Shoulder test;
- Centre test;
- Cube test.
Tests were carried out under different humidity conditions:
- Dry;
- Wet;
- Normal.
Influence of different cement contents within the block units and moisture contents were
investigated. The study made proposal of Hydraform block unit grads to be used for design.
Compressive strength of dry-stack masonry walls was experimentally investigated. Dry-stack
masonry wall specimens made by different block grades were subjected to in-plane vertical
uniformly distributed load. Test results were used to establish dry-stack masonry
characteristic compressive strength for several block grades.
Flexural strength of dry-stack masonry/reinforced concrete composite beams was
investigated. Series of beams were tested for flexural resistance. Applicability of conventional
reinforced masonry flexural analysis philosophy was established.
Description
Keywords
dry-stack masonry, Hydraform dry-stack blocks