Comparative Study of Shear Interface Behavior in Calcium Silicate Bricks with Thick Mortar Joints and Blocks with Thin Mortar Joints
N. Vafa (TU Delft - Applied Mechanics)
Paul A. Korswagen (TU Delft - Applied Mechanics)
J.G. Rots (TU Delft - Applied Mechanics)
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Abstract
Terraced buildings with cavity walls are among the most common types of construction in the northern part of the Netherlands. Since 1980, the inner walls of these buildings have been constructed using either calcium silicate bricks (214 × 102 × 75 mm) with thick mortar joints (10 mm) or, more recently, calcium silicate blocks (437 × 198 × 100 mm) with thin mortar joints (3 mm). The shear properties of these units play a crucial role in the seismic response of buildings, particularly in regions like Groningen, which is prone to seismic activity due to artificial extraction. This study investigates the shear interface behavior of these two types of masonry units by testing multiple triplet samples under varying levels of normal stress at the interface. The results provide detailed insights into the shear properties of both brick and block masonry, offering valuable data for enhancing the accuracy of numerical simulations and predicting the structural capacity of these types of masonry buildings.