M.R.S. Corrêa¹ , E.M.S. Moreira² and M.A. Ramalho³

1. Associate Professor, Engineering School of São Carlos, University of São Paulo, mcorrea @sc.usp.br
2. Civil Engineer, MSc, University of São Paulo, elian.moreira@yahoo.com.br
3. Associate Professor, Engineering School of São Carlos, University of São Paulo, ramalho@sc.usp.br

ABSTRACT

This work presents a comparative analysis of three types of connections between H-shaped structural clay block walls under vertical loads. The first type is a set of running bond interconnected masonry walls. The second connection is obtained by means of steel trusses and the third one, also stack bond, is tied by steel U-staples anchored in grouted holes. The study is based on an experimental program carried out in the Laboratory of Structures of the University of Sao Paulo at Sao Carlos. The test specimens are H-shaped third scale walls, with five courses, as proposed by Capuzzo Neto [1]. The experimental analysis allows for the evaluation of the shear strength of the vertical interface between the central wall and the flanges. The study shows that the running bond specimens provide the largest shear strength and a brittle failure type. Both the stack bond specimens present shear strength of roughly 60% of the running bond type, with a tendency for ductile failure, especially for the stapled connection.

KEYWORDS: structural masonry, clay blocks, connections, steel meshes, interaction, small scale models.

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