Title: Concrete Masonry Under Combined Shear and Compression Along the Mortar Joints

Author(s): Ahmad A. Hamid and Robert G. Drysdale

Publication: Journal Proceedings

Volume: 77

Issue: 5

Appears on pages(s): 314-320

Keywords: axial loads; combined stress; compression; concrete blocks; failure; failure mechanisms; grouting; joints (junctions); masonry; masonry mortars;prisms;shear properties;stresses;tests.

DOI: 10.14359/7008

Date: 9/1/1980

Abstract:
The results of 33 tests of concrete block masonry prisms are reported. These prisms were tested under axial compression for different orientations of the bed joint from the applied axial load. For different orientations of the bed joint, the resulting corn bina tion of compressive stresses normal to the bed and head joints and shear stresses along these joints resulted in different modes of failure and varying capacities. This was particularly evident for ungrouted prisms, whereas grouting had some tendency to decrease the influence of the orientation. The results show that for grouted masonry, the head joint represents a weak plane along which failure may be initiated under combined loading. In general it is concluded that it is inaccurate to use failure theories which disregard the influence of the orientation of the stresses with respect to the mortar joints.