Author:

Nascimento Marcio Rogério (1), Leite. Francisco Cláudio Morato (2), Gómez. Luis Alberto (3)and Roman. Humberto Ramos (4)

(1) MSc, Doctoral student, Federal University of Santa Catarina State, Civil Engineering Department, marcioprojetos@hotmail.com

(2) MSc, Doctoral student, Federal University of Santa Catarina State, Civil Engineering Department, morato@uel.br

(3) PhD, Professor, Federal University of Santa Catarina State, Civil Engineering Department, luis.gomez@ufsc.br

(4) PhD, Professor, Federal University of Santa Catarina State, Civil Engineering Department, humberto.roman@ufsc.br

Abstract:

In structural masonry construction systems walls function simultaneously as enclosures and as elements which resist vertical and horizontal loads. In some design situations an increase in the strength of the walls over and above that provided by just the masonry is required, which can be achieved by filling masonry blocks with grout or an equivalent. A new Brazilian technical standard for clay masonry blocks, ABNT NBR 15812-2 (2010), aims to achieve this process efficiently, allowing the use of bedding mortar instead of grout. This requires research regarding the behavior of the masonry when filled with the same mortar used for its construction. In this context, the objective of this study was to evaluate the mechanical behavior of prisms when filled with mortar. Three classes of mortar and three types of clay blocks with distinct strength and geometries were studied. The results for the compressive strength of the prisms indicate the viability of applying bedding mortar with the same structural function as grout.

In structural masonry construction systems walls function simultaneously as enclosures and as elements which resist vertical and horizontal loads. In some design situations an increase in the strength of the walls over and above that provided by just the masonry is required, which can be achieved by filling masonry blocks with grout or an equivalent. A new Brazilian technical standard for clay masonry blocks, ABNT NBR 15812-2 (2010), aims to achieve this process efficiently, allowing the use of bedding mortar instead of grout. This requires research regarding the behavior of the masonry when filled with the same mortar used for its construction. In this context, the objective of this study was to evaluate the mechanical behavior of prisms when filled with mortar. Three classes of mortar and three types of clay blocks with distinct strength and geometries were studied. The results for the compressive strength of the prisms indicate the viability of applying bedding mortar with the same structural function as grout.
Key words: structural masonry, clay blocks, grouting, bedding mortar, prism