Problems of, and Solutions for, Acoustic Testing of Masonry

Author EDOUARD G. NESVIJSKI and ODILON P. CAVALHEIRO Federal University of Santa Maria, Brazil Abstract The present paper is devoted to analysis of problems and possibilities of application of some acoustic (sonic and ultrasonic) methods for nondestructive testing of...

Effects of a High-Rise Fire on a Masonry Curtain Wall

Author JAMES C. MYERS Simpson Gumpertz & Heger Inc., Arlington, MA Abstract An 18h fire severely damaged the structure and masonry facade of a Philadelphia, PA high rise. The facade included solid granite components and granite veneer on precast concrete spandrel...

A Building Brick With Interlocking Formations

Author R.P. MURPHY Abstract The paper describes a new system of building in which rectanular bricks in 3 sizes 4/16m, 3116m and 2116m all by l/16m thick and certain shapes are held in place by a 9mm interengagement of pattern depth and a special thin joint adhesive....

OMNIBLOCK. Technology for Progressive Housing

Author MERCEDES MARRERO Central University of Venezuela Abstract The technology of the structural concrete block system OMNIBLOCK is described and its comparative advantages against conventional construction with respect to production and assembly. The system relies...

Erosion Testing of Compressed Earth Blocks

Author PETER WALKER University of Bath Abstract Erosion from wind-driven rain is often a major concern for unbaked earthen wall construction. As a result a variety of accelerated tests have been developed to assess material performance. These include subjecting...

Rain Penetration Tests – Wide Cavity Walls

Author F. PEAKE, W.A. DUROSE and G.J. EDGELL CERAM Building Technology Abstract A number of test walls have been constructed using two types of facing brick with 75mm cavities formed by an inner leaf of lightweight concrete blocks. The cavities were filled with...

Drying of Masonry with Exterior Insulation

Author HARTWIG M. KUNZEL Fraunhofer-Institute for Building Physics, Holzkirchen Abstract Exterior thermal insulation composite systems (ETICS), in the US called exterior insulation finish systems (EIFS), provide heat insulation and moisture protection of building...

Energy Efficient Brick Houses in the Australian Climate

Author TOM MCNEILLY Consultant Architect Abstract The Victorian government has regulated that new houses have an energy efficiency rating determined by computer simulation. Alternatively, ceiling, wall and floor elements must achieve R Values that require the...

The Behaviour of Masonry Jack Arches

Author C. MELBOURNE* and L. WEEKES** * University of Salford ** NNC Ltd Abstract The paper describes a series of large scale laboratory tests on three span brickwork jack arches. This form of construction was very popular in the 19th Century and in the early part of...

The Fire Performance of Insulated Cavity Walls

Author R.C.DE VEKEY Building Research Establishment Abstract There is a dearth of data on the performance of contemporary masonry wall forms in fire, in an earlier BRE project the known database was reviewed, many of the newer watt materials and arrangements were...

Recycled Aggregate Blocks in Beam and Block Flooring

Author R.J. COLLINS* DJ. HARRIS** and W. SPARKES** * BRE **Kingsway Technology Ltd Abstract Suspended floor systems constructed from inverted precast concrete T-beams with precast concrete block infill elements are a newly expanding market. Infill blocks offer a low...

Collapse Load Response of a Barrel Masonry Vault Model

Author ROBERTO CAPOZUCCA University of Ancona Abstract In this paper the collapse load response of a brickwork barrel vault model is analysed. The model reproduces a real historical polycentric brickwork vault. The numerical method of analysis by F.E.M. may be adapted...