Mechanics of Masonry in Compression

TLDR

The interaction between clay units and mortar in masonry was examined using an existing theoretical framework. The study investigated the strength and deformation of clay‑unit masonry under uniaxial concentric compression. Biaxial tension‑compression tests on bricks and triaxial compression tests on mortar established constitutive relations, while varying mortar strengths and brick types, and a numerical model based on the theory computed the force‑deformation response of a stack‑bond prism whose predictions were compared with measured strengths and deformations. The results showed that a relatively simple model could accurately represent the compression mechanics of clay‑unit masonry, with the dilatant behavior of mortar being the most significant parameter.

Abstract

Strength and deformation of clay‐unit masonry under uniaxial concentric compressive force were investigated. Biaxial tension‐compression tests of bricks and triaxial compression tests of mortar were done to establish constitutive relations for each material. Mortar strengths and brick types were varied. Interaction effects of these two materials were examined using a theory proposed by others. A numerical model based on this theory was used to compute the force‐deformation relationship for a stack‐bond prism. Results of the analysis were compared with measured strengths and deformations of test prisms. Results of the study indicated that mechanics of clay‐unit masonry in compression could be well represented with a relatively simple model, and the most significant parameter to consider was the dilatant behavior of the mortar.