ISSN: 1945-7553
Page Count: 10

An Indirect Tensile Test for Masonry Units

Borchelt, JG
Executive directorMember of ASTM, Masonry Institute of Houston-Galveston, Houston,Tex.

Brown, RH
Associate professorMember of ASTM, Clemson University, Clemson,S.C.

Abstract

The failure of masonry in laboratory testing of walls and prisms and certain aspects of grouted construction is often the result of tensile splitting. These tensile stresses arise from differences in modulus of elasticity and Poisson's ratio between the masonry unit and mortar or grout. Since tensile splitting is so prevalent in masonry construction, a better means of evaluating the tensile strength of masonry units is needed. A splitting tensile test is proposed as a means of measuring tensile strength of masonry units. Splitting strength is compared to standard strength tests for 14 clay units and 14 concrete block units. Uniform failure modes and strengths support the adoption of a splitting test as a standard of masonry unit strength.

Keywords:
masonry, bricks, concrete products, test method, tensile splitting, compressive strength, modulus of rupture

Paper ID: JTE10932J
DOI: 10.1520/JTE10932J
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