Title:
Compressive Strength of Concrete Masonry Beams
Author(s):
Thomas Ring, Sreekanta Das, and David Stubbs
Publication:
Structural Journal
Volume:
109
Issue:
3
Appears on pages(s):
369-376
Keywords:
beam; compressive strength; concrete masonry unit; loading direction; web interruption
DOI:
10.14359/51683750
Date:
5/1/2012
Abstract:
Concrete masonry construction comprises concrete block units and mortar joints in horizontal and vertical directions, known as bed joints and head joints, respectively. The compressive force in beams acts in the direction parallel to the bed joint. It is assumed that masonry is weaker when compression load is applied in the direction parallel to the bed joint, although the existing research data provide no unique answer. Moreover, there exists a perception that the interruption by block webs in grout continuity has a severe detrimental effect on the compressive strength, although no research validates this. Therefore, this study was undertaken to determine the compressive strength of concrete masonry parallel to the bed joint and how the presence of webs in the grout influences this strength. It was found that the concrete masonry could be stronger when compression load is applied normal to the bed joint and the effect of interruption in grout continuity is insignificant.