Author

DAVID GAIRNS
University of Melbourne
COLIN ANDERSON and ANTON FRIED South Bank Polytechnic, London

Abstract

In the U.K. the characteristic flexural strength of masonry may be determined either by reference to tables in BS 5628 or by test. In Australia similar provisions exist in the draft SAA Masonry Code, although the details of both format and design procedures are distinctly different from the U.K. document. The test procedures of both codes significantly influence the results obtained from the flexural strength tests. This paper discusses two aspects of the lest procedures. The first concerns the preparation of the materials before specimen construction commences, with particular reference to the March 1985 amendment to BS 5628 regarding concrete block conditioning. Tests are described which compare conditioned and non-conditioned blockwork. The second aspect concerns the influence of code curing provisions on flexural strength results. The literature on laboratory and site curing is briefly reviewed. It is found that the effect of close covering is inconsistent. Measures involving the site testing of masonry prepared and cured in a similar way lo the as-built masonry are recommended.