Compressive Behavior of Fully Grouted Concrete Bond Beam Block Masonry Prisms

TL;DR

This study examines how fully grouted concrete masonry prisms behave under compression, finding that grouting significantly increases strength compared to hollow prisms.

Contribution

The paper introduces a new strength calculation method and stress–strain model for grouted masonry structures in China's design codes.

Findings

Grouted prisms showed 35.1% higher peak strength than hollow prisms.

Compressive strength was more influenced by grout than block strength.

Stress–strain curves aligned with prior studies and can be used in finite element analysis.

Abstract

This paper presents a study on the uniaxial compressive behavior of fully grouted concrete bond beam block masonry prisms. A total of 45 (i.e., 9 hollow and 36 fully grouted) specimens were tested, and the failure modes and initial crack were reported. The effects of block strength, grout strength, and loading scheme on the compressive strength of the fully grouted prism were discussed. The results show that the compressive strength of bond beam block prisms increased with an increase in grouting, while they were less affected by the block strength; the peak strength of the grouted block masonry was, on average, 35.1% higher than the hollow masonry prism. In addition, although the specimens’ strength was lower under cyclic compression than under monotonic compression loading, the difference in their specified compressive strength was statistically insignificant. The stress–strain curve of block masonry under uniaxial compression was also obtained. Through nonlinear fitting, the compressive stress–strain relationship of grouted masonry, considering masonry strength parameters, was established, which demonstrated alignment with prior experimental studies. This study not only provides a strength calculation method for grouted masonry structures using high-strength blocks in the code for the design of masonry structures in China but also offers a dedicated stress–strain curve for precise finite element analysis and the design of masonry structures.

Figures