Strength and Related Properties of Brick Masonry

Sixteen important controllable variables in the strength of conventional brick masonry are related in 10 equations for strength in compression, flexure, and shear. Axial compressive strength of standard brick masonry prisms is a function of the compressive strengths of brick and mortar and quality of workmanship. The compressive strength of brick is a function of unit size and shape, raw material, manufacturing process and degree of burning. Compressive strength of mortar is a function of cement, lime, water and air content, curing condition and batch life. Flexural strength of brick masonry is a function of brick-mortar bond, joint thickness, and mortar cement content. Bond strength of brick to mortar is a function of mortar flow, air content, and exposure time, and brick suction and surface condition. Shear strength of brick masonry is a function of brick-mortar bond strength, compressive stress and coefficient of internal friction.