Author
G BERTRAM, D R W MARTENS and H L M WIJEN
Department of Architecture, Building and Planning, Eindhoven University of Technology

Abstract
The causes of crack formation in masonry veneer walls are not yet well understood. Investigation into the phenomena that cause cracks is not easy. One of the most difficult aspects in such research is the simulation of the real, time dependent environmental loading in combination with shrinkage and creep of masonry.
In order to overcome this problem, a research program was conducted on-site by measuring the variations of temperature and (differential) deformation in the several veneer walls of a small house. At the same time the climatic conditions were monitored.
Measurements on the veneer walls and inner walls were made over a two year period. The results of these measurements were evaluated and compared to the recommendations that are given in the Dutch CUR-publication ‘Aanbeveling 82’ [1], concerning crack control in masonry structures.
It can be concluded that there is no significant difference in the behaviour of veneer walls with filled perpend joints compared to those with unfilled perpend joints and that the design rules given in the CUR-publication [1] are quite reliable.