BERTRAM, GABI1

1) Assistant Professor, Eindhoven University of Technology, Netherlands, Department of Masonry Structures, g.bertram@tue.nl

One aspect of our investigation into the spacing of movement joints involved the short and long term deformation of mortar embedded in masonry. In this research the influence of hardening conditions on the physical and mechanical properties of masonry cement mortar [M5] were studied.

Mortar prisms made in a mould of clay bricks, to evaluate the influence of water suction, have been investigated under different moisture conditions during hardening. During the test period the weight, deformation and strength of the specimens were determined. The results were also compared with similar tests on masonry cement mortar prisms made in steel moulds.

In the experimental research a significant influence of the hardening conditions on the final material characteristics of the cement mortar was found. The values of the strength and strain of mortar hardened in steel moulds do not give correct results for calculating the spacing of movement joints in fired clay brick masonry.

Keywords: Cement mortar, hardening conditions, movement joints, crack control