Author

F. M. KHALAF
Napier Polytechnic of Edinburgh
PROFESSOR A. W. HENDRY and D. R. FAIRBAIRN
University of Edinburgh
Abstract

An experimental investigation was conducted to study the effect of methods of construction on the compressive strength of unfilled and filled two-block masonry prisms compressed parallel to the bed face. The prisms were either constructed horizontally by laying one block beside the other with a vertical mortar joint between or vertically by laying one block on top of the other with a horizontal mortar joint between. Unfilled and filled single-block specimens were also tested for comparison. The paper presents the effect of the two methods of construction on the prisms behaviour and strength and summarizes the results of an investigation of the effect of using different types of mortar and concrete infills on the ultimate compressive strength of blockwork masonry.