Structural design in masonry requires clear understanding of the behavior of the
composite unit-mortar material under various loading conditions. The mechanical
characteristics of brick masonry are influenced by the individual properties of the
bricks and the mortar. The results of an experimental study focused on the
properties of brick masonry using different combinations of bricks and mortars are
presented in this paper. The strength and the elastic modulus of brick masonry under
uniform concentric vertical loads have been investigated for strong mortar (M:1:3
cement-sand) and weak mortar (M:1:6 cement-sand) arrangements. The failure
mechanisms of the infill walls with horizontal coring bricks have also been
examined.
Keywords
brick, brick masonry, mortar, masonry compressive strength,
modulus of elasticity