TENSILE STRENGTH OF BRICK MASONRY

A.R. Santhakumar^[1] , S.Ashok²

1. Dean,Anna University, Chennai – 600 025, INDIA. Email: santhaar@hotmail.com ²MS Research Scholar, Anna University, Chennai, INDIA. Email: ashok@internetdrive.com

ABSTRACT

Normally Tensile strength of brick masonry is neglected assuming that the strength is negligible. However in certain circumstances the tensile strength of brickwork is a necessity especially, if we have to avoid either an RC Band or reinforcements. This is required in corrosion prone zones, such as coastal areas, splash zones, etc.

In this paper an experimental method to ascertain the tensile strength of the brick masonry is suggested. The strength is a function of the stress variation across mortar joint varying from uniform compression to uniform tension.

The test series shows an interaction relationship between the tensile strength of brick work and maximum to minimum stress ratio across the wall.

The strength is also a function of strength of mortar .The series of tests shows the need for interlocking blocks to achieve desired tensile strength.

Key words: Brick work, Tensile strength, Bending strength interaction curve, Cantilever span

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