FONSECA, FERNANDO S. 1, ROMAN, HUMBERTO R. 2, MOHAMAD, GIHAD3, MENDES, RICARDO J. K.4, ROMAGNA, ROMSON H.5

1) Associate Professor, Brigham Young University, Civil & Environmental Department, ffonseca@et.byu.edu

2) Associate Professor, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Civil Engineering Department, humberto.roman@ufsc.br

3) Assistant Professor, Federal University of Santa Maria, Civil Engineering Department, gihad.civil@gmail.com

4) Former Graduate Student, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Civil Engineering Department

5) Professor MSc., Southern University of Santa Catarina, Civil Engineering Department

The purpose of the overall study was to investigate the capacity and behaviour of both grouted and ungrouted masonry prisms under axial compression. Both concrete and ceramic units were used in the construction of the prisms. The influence of mortar mixes and grout strengths on the capacity and behaviour of the prisms were evaluated. For example, grouted prism compressive strength was approximately 16 MPa when constructed with concrete blocks having a net compressive strength of approximately 29 MPa, mortar strength of approximately 4 MPa and grout strength of approximately 13 MPa. When constructed with ceramic blocks having a net compressive strength of approximately 44 MPa, mortar strength of approximately 6 MPa and grout strength of approximately 14 MPa, the grouted prism compressive strength was approximately 18 MPa. Although the mortar and grout strengths were different, they were made using the same proportions; the only difference was the batching day. Ignoring the difference in mortar and grout strengths, the 50% increase in ceramic block strength translated in approximately 12.5% increase in prism compressive strength.

Keywords: Compressive strength, prisms, grout, mortar, concrete blocks, ceramic blocks, masonry units