Behavior of structural masonry with thin polymeric mortar joint

Abstract

This research aims to evaluate the behavior of the structural masonry of concrete blocks built with thin laying joints of polymeric mortars. The construction of structural masonry with thin joints has been used for some years in Europe, and some countries already have design standards considering its application. However, the mortar used in these countries is still cement-based, with some additions of polymers, but not with polymeric mortars. The few international studies developed to evaluate the behavior of these structural elements, are even more scarce, when involving the use of materials traditionally employed in structural masonry in Brazil and with the use of polymeric mortar (without the presence of cement). From what can be found in the existing literature, thin-jointed masonry tends to provide higher values of compressive strength when compared to traditional masonry, due to the increased effect of mortar's confinement in this type of structure. In addition, the use of polymeric mortars also seems to contribute significantly to increase the bond between mortar and units, causing significant increases in the masonry's capacity to support side loading. In view of the changes in the behavior presented by this type of masonry structure, an extensive experimental program was proposed, aimed at investigating the behavior presented by this type of masonry in the compression, bending and shear tests, considering the use of three types of concrete blocks, with different levels of compressive strength, as well as two formulations of polymeric mortars. With the results obtained in these tests it is intended to develop analytical models that allow to describe and analyze the behavior of these structural elements, opening the way for the development of norms for the design of this type of structure. Performance evaluations are also included in order to respond to the technical environment about the suitability of using this construction process in the Brazilian civil construction market. (AU)