Author

RUVALCABA, F.; BAILEY, C. G.; BELL, A. J.
The University of Manchester, School of Mechanical and Civil Engineering, United Kingdom

Abstract

Tests have been carried out to investigate the variation in compressive strength of concrete block masonry at elevated temperatures and to provide correlation for finite element techniques which are being developed to model masonry structures under compressive loads in fire. Eighteen wallettes, made with lightweight solid concrete blocks and general purpose mortar, have been tested at temperatures ranging between ambient and 800oC. The wallettes, with average dimensions of 670 x 685 x 100 mm, were each heated and tested to failure in an electric furnace using a uniform compressive load applied to the top of the wallette. Results from the tests are presented in the paper showing modes of failure and the variation of compressive strength with temperature. The variation ofother elastic properties of the masonry with temperature is also presented together with their relevance for finite element analysis.

Key words
Compressive strength, concrete blocks, elevated temperatures, fire, masonry wallettes, mortar