A detailed experimental mechanical characterization of multi-perforated clay brick masonry

Abstract

Multi-Perforated Clay Bricks (MPCLBs) are widely used in the construction of modern masonry structures worldwide, including earthquake-prone areas. However, few experimental studies have been carried out aimed at performing a detailed mechanical characterization of their behavior under different loading conditions. In the present paper, tests on masonry constituent materials and assemblages (triplets, rectangular prisms, and panels) made of MPCLBs are carried out, and some relationships between masonry properties useful for design purposes or numerical simulations are derived, including compression strength, Young's modulus, shear strength, and shear modulus. From the results, it is observed that decreasing mortar compressive strength and increasing joints' height are detrimental to masonry properties. Furthermore, a masonry compressive strength equation is fitted to the test results representative of Chilean masonry construction, which significantly overperforms the current Chilean standard formula. Also, digital image correlation is used to confirm the effect of mortar entering bricks' perforations on the shear response of the mortar-brick interface.