EXPERIMENTAL INVESTIGATION OF MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF SOLID CONCRETE BLOCK MASONRY EMPLOYING DIFFERENT MORTAR RATIOS

Abstract

This research work aims to investigate experimentally the mechanical properties of solid concrete blocks as an individual unit and assembly (block masonry) employing different mortar mix ratios. The material properties of the concrete block unit, such as compressive strength and unit weight were explored by taking three samples from the four local factories. The block masonry assemblages were subjected to various load patterns for the evaluation of compressive strength, diagonal tensile strength and shear strength. For the bond, four types of mortars i.e., cement – sand (1:4), cement – sand (1:8), cement – sand – khaka (1:2:2) and cement – sand – khaka (1:4:4) were used in the joints of concrete block masonry assemblages. (Khaka is a by-product formed in the stone crushing process). For each type of mortar, three samples of block masonry were fabricated for compressive strength, shear strength and diagonal tensile strength, and tested in the laboratory. It is observed that the replacement of sand by khaka enhanced the mechanical properties of masonry.