Title: Study of the compressive response of masonry using non-conventional joint materials

Authors: Ernest Bernat-Maso; Christian Escrig; Lluis Gil

Addresses: Department of Strength of Materials and Engineering Structures, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, Colom 11, TR45 D137, Terrassa 08222, Spain ' Department of Strength of Materials and Engineering Structures, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, Colom 11, TR45 D137, Terrassa 08222, Spain ' Department of Strength of Materials and Engineering Structures, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, Colom 11, TR45 D137, Terrassa 08222, Spain

Abstract: The compressive response of masonry is influenced by geometric, material and execution variables. In addition, the nature of bricks and mortar typically introduces uncertainty to the experimental results. In order to reduce this uncertainty, an experimental campaign has been carried out to analyse the influence of the properties of the joints. Four non-conventional masonry typologies including resin, EPS and rubber joints have been considered for this purpose. In all, 60 compressive tests and 50 deformability tests on five stacked bricks prisms were performed. Obtained data are compared with data from the literature. A comparison with the current European standard is also carried out. The obtained results point out that the modulus of linear deformation of the joint is the most influent variable on the compressive response of masonry. Finally, it seems that current formulation (Eurocode-6) tends to overestimate the modulus of linear deformation of masonry.

Keywords: compressive strength; epoxy resin joints; Eurocode 6; joint thickness; masonry; modulus of linear deformation; mortar; compressive response; non-conventional joint materials; EPS joints; rubber joints; deformability; stacked bricks; EPS foam; expanded polystyrene.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMRI.2017.082399

International Journal of Masonry Research and Innovation, 2017 Vol.2 No.1, pp.83 - 103

Received: 09 Sep 2016
Accepted: 29 Nov 2016
Published online: 22 Feb 2017 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article