Author

J.J. BROOKS

Abstract

Previous research into creep of clay brickwork is reviewed and an experimental data base compiled. Current methods of estimating creep for design purposes are presented and a new prediction method is developed from previously developed theoretical composite modelling of the brick and mortar. The new method enables creep as well as modulus of elasticity of clay brickwork to be estimated from parameters known to the designer: strengths of brick and mortar, water absorption of brick, and storage environment; additionally, in the case of creep, geometry and time. Since the new method accounts for all the main factors in creep, it is shown to be more accurate than existing methods, typically yielding estimates of total load strain or creep function to within 21%.