Prediction of compressive strength of stabilized earth block masonry

Abstract

The present study investigates the compressive strength of cement-stabilized earth block masonry prisms with a number of masonry units and joint layer mortar combinations. The compressive strength of masonry was determined to be performed by uniaxial tests on 144 masonry prisms. The simple relationship has been identified for obtaining the compressive strength of stabilized earth block masonry from their corresponding block and mortar compressive strength. The predicted compressive strength of masonry prisms using the proposed expression is compared with 14 empirical equations and experimental data of past research available in the published literature. The compressive strength predicted by the expression proposed in the present study was found to be in good agreement with corresponding experimental data compared with other empirical equations available in the published literature.