Author

J.J. BROOKS and B.H. ABU BAKER
University of Leeds
Abstract

The factors influencing the moduli of elasticity of mortar, bricks and masonry are reviewed in the light of recent research findings and, after establishing modulus/strength relationships for mortar and units, a new practical method of estimating the modulus of elasticity of clay and calcium silicate brickwork is presented. The method is based on a composite model, adapted to express the modulus of masonry in terms of properties that are generally known to the designer, namely, the strength of the unit, the strength of the mortar and the water absorption of the unit. Using previously published and new test data, the new method is shown to be more accurate than current methods of prediction including BS 5628 and Eurocode 6.