Author

S.I. KOLTSIDA(1), A.K. TOMOR(2) and C.A. BOOTH(3)

(1) Doctoral researcher, Construction and Property Research Centre,

University of the West of England, Bristol, BS16 1QY, Iris.Koltsida@uwe.ac.uk

(2) Senior Lecturer, Construction and Property Research Centre,

University of the West of England, Bristol, BS16 1QY, Adrienn.Tomor@uwe.ac.uk

(3) Associate Professor, Construction and Property Research Centre,

University of the West of England, Bristol, BS16 1QY, Colin.Booth@uwe.ac.uk

Abstract

Prediction of the load carrying capacity of masonry under combined axial load and flexure is a key priority for the assessment of masonry arches, pillars, vaults and walls. Despite the wealth of experimental data on the behaviour of masonry structures under eccentric loading and the attempts to relate the eccentric capacity of masonry specimens to the concentric value, there are still uncertainties regarding the prediction of the capacity of masonry under eccentric loading and its dependency on the properties of the constituent materials. This study provides a critical review on the behaviour of masonry under eccentric loading. Current state of the knowledge is presented and the different models that have been proposed in the past for prediction of the capacity of unreinforced masonry specimens under combined axial and flexural loading are evaluated and compared against each other and against available experimental data. The model best matching the experimental data is identified and coupled with upper and lower limits which enclose the majority of the data. Finally, the needs for further research in this specific field are indicated.

Key words

masonry, eccentric loading, compressive strength, strain gradient, prisms