Stress strain characteristics of reinforced hollow concrete block masonry melded with mesh reinforcement

Abstract

Plain Masonry similar to unreinforced concrete, is resilient in compression and weak in tension. Masonry gains strength with age similar to concrete. Inspite of these resemblances, there exist numerous differences between masonry and concrete. The major difference is the regular pattern of horizontal joints(known as bed joints) at specific intervals along the height of walls introduce due to the method of construction of masonry. These bed joints make masonry a direction dependent material possessing orthotropic properties, unlike concrete which is usually regarded as isotropic atleast in the elastic range. Mechanical properties such as compressive strength, tensile strength, flexural strength are a pre-requisite as part of the design of masonry walls. The present study deals with the experimental study to evaluate the mechanical properties of hollow concrete block masonry specimens for varying cement mortar proportions melded with mesh reinforcement at bed joints. Parameters such as compressive strength, modulus of elasticity, failure pattern have been studied and compared for reinforced and unreinforced hollow concrete block prisms. The study showed higher compressive strength and improved elastic modulus for specimens with higher grade of mortar