N. Mojsilović1, S. Notz2, B. Wäfler2 and J. Yu2
- Senior Scientist, Institute of Structural Engineering, ETH Zurich, CH-8093 Zurich, Switzerland, mojsilovic@ibk.baug.ethz.ch
- Graduate students, Institute of Structural Engineering, ETH Zurich, CH-8093 Zurich, Switzerland
ABSTRACT
A research project on the structural behaviour of unreinforced masonry elements with chases subjected to compression is underway at the Institute of Structural Engineering. The main goal of the research project is to investigate the influence of cutting out chases for electrical wiring in masonry walls on masonry compressive strength.
Load tests on the first two series of masonry elements with chases have been completed. Each series consisted of seven clay block masonry elements with dimensions of 1200×1200 mm. The thickness of the elements was 150 mm and 175 mm. A standard cement mortar was used to produce 10 mm thick bed and head joints. Twenty-eight days after preparation 50 mm deep and 35 mm wide chases were cut in six elements of each series while the seventh one was left intact and served as a control specimen. Three different types of chases (horizontal, vertical and inclined), two each per series, were cut only on one side of the masonry elements. After placing the installation ducts, the chases were filled with gypsum or cement mortar. The compressive load was applied in a deformation-controlled manner up to the failure of the specimen. A considerable reduction in the masonry compressive strength was observed.
This paper presents the results of the load tests and discusses the structural behaviour of masonry elements with chases. A number of conclusions as well as recommendations for future research are given.
KEYWORDS: chases, clay blocks, load test, masonry compressive strength, unreinforced masonry.
A3-4
