A platform for research: civil engineering, architecture and urbanism
A platform for research: civil engineering, architecture and urbanism
Recent Advances in Determining the Compressive Strength of Existing Masonry
Since the 1980s, the load-bearing capacity of existing masonry is typically assessed on the basis of core drilled samples. Sample-based results are required for the redesign or repair of existing structures. With the increasing number of sustainable construction projects, the need for methods for reliably assessing the load-bearing capacity of existing masonry structures is currently increasing. The available number and size of core drilled samples is usually limited for monument preservation and economic reasons.
While the compressive strength of masonry can be described with sufficient accuracy if the mechanical properties of bricks and mortar are known, the assessment of the compressive strength of existing masonry with unknown properties is subject to greater uncertainty. This applies in particular if the number of samples is limited. The paper reports on latest research results based on test specimens made of calcium silicate masonry (CS). The focus of the investigations is on the assessment of the load-bearing capacity utilizing the Berger method. The result is compared with the results based on lateral loading following the UIC-procedure (International Union of Railways) Code 778-3 (IRS 70778-2).
A total of 51 test specimens made from CS masonry were recently examined for this purpose. CS was chosen to minimize the influence of variations in brick and joint geometry. The results according to the Berger and UIC/IRS methods are compared with complementary test results from 3-stone samples and test specimens according to EN 1052-1 (formerly RILEM 5-layer small wall). They are discussed in the context of previous research results with the aim of developing practical recommendations for assessing the load-bearing capacity of existing masonry.
Recent Advances in Determining the Compressive Strength of Existing Masonry
Since the 1980s, the load-bearing capacity of existing masonry is typically assessed on the basis of core drilled samples. Sample-based results are required for the redesign or repair of existing structures. With the increasing number of sustainable construction projects, the need for methods for reliably assessing the load-bearing capacity of existing masonry structures is currently increasing. The available number and size of core drilled samples is usually limited for monument preservation and economic reasons.
While the compressive strength of masonry can be described with sufficient accuracy if the mechanical properties of bricks and mortar are known, the assessment of the compressive strength of existing masonry with unknown properties is subject to greater uncertainty. This applies in particular if the number of samples is limited. The paper reports on latest research results based on test specimens made of calcium silicate masonry (CS). The focus of the investigations is on the assessment of the load-bearing capacity utilizing the Berger method. The result is compared with the results based on lateral loading following the UIC-procedure (International Union of Railways) Code 778-3 (IRS 70778-2).
A total of 51 test specimens made from CS masonry were recently examined for this purpose. CS was chosen to minimize the influence of variations in brick and joint geometry. The results according to the Berger and UIC/IRS methods are compared with complementary test results from 3-stone samples and test specimens according to EN 1052-1 (formerly RILEM 5-layer small wall). They are discussed in the context of previous research results with the aim of developing practical recommendations for assessing the load-bearing capacity of existing masonry.
Recent Advances in Determining the Compressive Strength of Existing Masonry
Lecture Notes in Civil Engineering
Milani, Gabriele (editor) / Ghiassi, Bahman (editor) / Gigla, Birger (author)
International Brick and Block Masonry Conference ; 2024 ; Birmingham, United Kingdom
2025-01-21
13 pages
Article/Chapter (Book)
Electronic Resource
English
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