Experimental approach to investigate concrete-masonry interface

Abstract

A masonry infill wall is a common cell in a concrete framed building. More importantly the bond between concrete and masonry has considerable effect to the performance of infill masonry walls and hence to the frame structure itself. Therefore, understanding of the element interaction between concrete and masonry become very important and has become a topic of considerable researchinterest in the past few decades. Many researchers have tried to represent this interaction numerically. However, reliable numerical analysis can be achieved only with the correct mechanical properties which are obtained experimentally. This paper presents the results of a series of experimental studies carried out to determine the tensile and shear behaviour of concrete masonry interface relevant to the Sri Lankan brick masonry. Tests were carried out in accordance with ASTM standards. In this study, the effect of the mortar designation and the joint thickness on the bond was also investigated. From the results, it can be concluded that properties of the bond is significantly affected by the roughness of the brick used and workmanship apart from the mortar designation and joint thickness. Also it can be recommended to use 10 mm mortar joints in construction, since both shear and tensile strength of the joints get reducedwhen the joints become thicker, irrespective of the mortar designation.