Author(s)

C. G. Yuen & S. L. Lissel

Abstract

The intent of a new parametric study at the University of Calgary is to investigate the influence of several factors on the flexural bond strength of clay brick masonry. These factors include the absorption characteristics of the brick units, and varying construction and curing methods. A preliminary study was performed with a series of clay brick prisms built from different types of brick with various absorption characteristics, and cured at different conditions. The bond wrench test was used to determine the flexural bond strength between the mortar and brick. The results showed high variation, but did provide some indication of which factors may be contributing to the highly variable findings. The objectives of this continuing study are to eliminate the possible parameters that were causing the highly variable results, and to determine correlations between brick properties and bond strength. The results are presented in this paper. Further research will be ongoing to establish a more definite relationship between the various parameters and bond strength and to investigate effects of mortar, and curing conditions. Keywords: masonry, clay brick, flexural bond strength, bond wrench, initial rate of absorption, sorptivity, absorption, construction method. 1 Introduction Masonry is a composite material of clay or concrete units held together by mortar. An ineffective bond between the unit and mortar will cause cracking when subjected to lateral loading. Cracks increase susceptibility to moisture ingress, which leads to freeze-thaw damage, and corrosion of metal connectors. Therefore, the bond strength between the brick and mortar acts as an indicator of the overall quality of the masonry structure [1]. For many years, researchers have been interested in determining the factors that affect the bond at the interface of the two materials. These parameters

Keywords

masonry, clay brick, flexural bond strength, bond wrench, initial rate of absorption, sorptivity, absorption, construction method.