The Impact of Mortar Properties on the Compressive Strength of a Masonry Prism

Document Type : Regular Paper

Authors

1 Lecturer, Department of Civil Engineering, Ahsanullah University of Science And Technology, Bangladesh

2 Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, Ahsanullah University of Science And Technology, Bangladesh

3 Student, Department of Civil Engineering, Ahsanullah University of Science And Technology, Bangladesh

Abstract

\Masonry buildings remain popular worldwide due to their readily available materials, high compressive strength, ease of construction, and affordability. Therefore, understanding the impact of mortar on the compressive strength of masonry is essential. This study aimed to determine the compressive strength and failure patterns of masonry, focusing particularly on mortar. An experimental program was conducted, involving a total of 54 specimens: 27 cubes, 27 cylinders, and 9 masonry prisms. The cement-to-sand ratio (c/s) varied at ratios of 1:3, 1:4, and 1:5, while the water-to-cement ratio (w/c) remained fixed at 0.45. Each prism consisted of 5 bricks separated by a 10 mm mortar layer. Compressive strength data for cubes and cylinders were collected at 3, 7, and 28 days, while data for prisms were collected only at 28 days. The best results have been obtained at a c/s ratio of 1:3, with compressive strengths of 3555.5 psi for cubes, 3282.98 psi for cylinders, and a compressive force value of 129.33 kN for prisms at 28 days. The compressive strength of cubes and cylinders increases by approximately 68.19% and 64.61%, respectively, and the compressive force of masonry prisms increases by approximately 76.48% at 28 days when the cement-to-sand ratio is changed from 1:5 to 1:3. Stresses, graphs, and failure patterns have been analyzed and compared with the Bangladesh National Building Code (BNBC) 2020 and available literature, revealing a strong correlation.

Graphical Abstract

The Impact of Mortar Properties on the Compressive Strength of a Masonry Prism

Highlights

  • The research investigated the impact of mortar on the compressive strength of masonry, conducting extensive tests on 54 specimens (27 cubes and 27 cylinders) with varying cement-to-sand ratios (c/s) 1:3, 1:4, and 1:5 over 3, 7, and 28 days.
  • Additionally, a focused prism test involving 9 specimens, each containing 5 bricks with a 10mm mortar layer, demonstrated strong correlation and performance at a c/s ratio of 1:3, further reinforcing the significance of this ratio in enhancing the compressive strength of masonry.
  • Notably, the study revealed that a c/s ratio of 1:3 consistently produced the best results among the tested combinations, as determined through stress analysis, graph comparisons, and identification of failure patterns in line with standard values and literature findings.

Keywords

Main Subjects

References

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History

  • Receive Date: 05 January 2024
  • Revise Date: 15 June 2024
  • Accept Date: 01 August 2024

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