ABSTRACT
Water absorption and initial rate of suction tests for each type of unit were carried out and several tests were conducted with 5-stack units: clay, calcium silicate bricks and concrete block, to study the effect of unit water absorption. The 5-stack units were built in the controlled environment room and cured under polythene sheet for 14 days before loading. Creep and shrinkage were measured for 100 days after loading. It was found that the unit water absorption causes a reduction of the water/cement which lead to poor quality of mortar thus effecting deformation of masonry. In addition, the amount of water present in the mortar joint at the time of loading is an important influence on the creep potential in the masonry as well as the degree of hydration
BMOIST05
