th

15 International Brick and Block

Masonry Conference

Florianópolis ± Brazil ± 2012

ST U D Y O F T H E I N F L U E N C E O F C O M PR ESSI V E ST R E N G T H A N D
T H I C K N ESS O F   C A PPI N G-M O R T A R O N C O M PR ESSI V E
ST R E N G T H O F PR ISM S O F ST R U C T U R A L C L A Y B L O C K S
L ima, F lávio Ba rbosa 1 ; L ima, A lexandre Nascimento 2 ; Assis, W ayne Santos3
1
PhD, Professor, Federal University of Alagoas, Technology Center, fblima@lccv.ufal.br
2
MsC, Professor, Federal University of Alagoas, Sertão Campus, alexnlima@gmail.com
3
PhD, Professor, Federal University of Alagoas, Technology Center, wayne@lccv.ufal.br

Currently, structural masonry is one of the most commonly used structural systems in some
countries, like Brazil. Among its components, the capping-mortar is seen as the weakest. This
paper presents the results of a study that analyses the influence of the compressive strength
and thickness of the bedding mortar on the mechanical performance of ungrouted prisms built
with clay blocks, using a 3k factorial design and others statistical techniques, including the
construction of response surface. Blocks of the same compressive strength were used. Tests
were performed on prisms consisting of two blocks with three different thicknesses and three
different compressive strengths of the bedding mortar. From the found results, the influence
of these parameters was quantitatively verified and statistical models representing the
individual and joint effects of variables were built.
Keywords: structural masonry, clay block, mortar

Theme: Research and testing

IN TR O DU C TIO N
The construction industry in Brazil has an urgent need to produce housing, since the housing
deficit reaches 5.57 million households (Ministério das Cidades, 2010).

Considering the serious shortage of housing, it is necessary to build faster and with lower
cost, since the mostly of housing demand refers to less economically privileged classes.
Obviously, adequate levels of quality, durability and safety must be preserved.

Due to its characteristics, structural masonry construction system is a potential alternative to

solve this problem. The masonry structure is the construction process that uses the walls as
the main structural component of the building, being designed through rational calculation.
The masonry structure is composed by the union of blocks (made of concrete, clay or
calcium-silicate) with bedding mortar in horizontal and vertical joints.

For its execution characteristics and suitability to the processes of rationalization and
industrialization of construction, structural masonry presents a strong potential for growth in
the Northeast of Brazil (especially in the state of Alagoas), where there is significant
empiricism in the execution of structural masonry buildings.
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15 International Brick and Block
Masonry Conference

Florianópolis ± Brazil ± 2012

LITERATUE RE VIEW
Studies analyzing the compressive strength of masonry (or prisms), relating it to their
constituents, were found in the literature.

Among the influencing factors the compressive strength, composition and geometry of the
blocks influence the final strength of the set. Some studies highlight the great influence of the
thickness of webs and outer shells (Santos et al., 2007) and the large influence of EORFN¶V
height (Carvalho, 2003).

Studies have also concluded that the prisms built with more resistant to compression mortar
showed higher strength than those with less resistant to compression mortar (Carvalho, 2003),
and was evidenced the tendency of decrease in resistance with the increase in the thickness of
the joint. (Leão & Perdigão, 2004). It has also demonstrated that the initial rate absorption of
the block can interfere with the characteristics of prisms and walls (Beall, 2004).

In the context of the construction of prisms and walls, was found great influence of the quality
of the workmanship in the final results (Prudêncio Jr, 1986). Another influential factor is the
bond between the mortar and the unit, which can be determined by the shear strength between
them. This factor was found by Sarangapani et al (2005).

E X PE R I M E N T A L D ESI G N
Through the experimental design, it is possible to determine the variables that have greatest
influence on process performance, reducing operational costs and improving the process time.
The experimental design also affords an appropriate mathematical model to describe a
phenomenon. Montgomery (2001) considers the factorial design is the most efficient
experimental strategies.

Was chosen to employ a factorial design 32, where the basis (3) represents the number of
levels for each one of the factors in the exponent (2). The compressive mechanical behavior
of structural masonry prisms (compressive strength and its mode of rupture) was adopted as
the response variable (dependent).

The factors selected were the compressive strength and thickness of the bedding mortar. Once
in this plan each factor has 3 levels of variation, was chosen by the variation of the
compressive strength of mortar as 50%, 100% and 150% of the strength of the block,
considering the gross area. For the variation of the thickness of bedding mortar, it was decided
by the thickness of 10 mm, 15 mm and 20 mm, small variations, to avoid significant changes
in the slenderness ratio of the prisms.

All other factors that could influence the mechanical behavior of the prisms were guaranteed
uniform. After the evaluation of various proportions of mortars, were defined the three ones
used in the prisms for the tests, depending on the compressive strength of the blocks.

Five prisms were made for each combination strength/thickness of the mortar. This amount
was enough to perform a statistical analysis. All tests were performed twice, providing a
replica to allow the determination of experimental errors and obtain more accurate average
effect.
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15 International Brick and Block
Masonry Conference

Florianópolis ± Brazil ± 2012

M A T E R I A LS
The block chosen for the study was a clay structural block, hollow, usually sold in the city of
Maceió, with nominal dimensions 14 cm wide, 19 cm high and 29 cm length (Figure 1).

F igure 1 ± C lay structural block used in this wor k.

For the characterization of the blocks were used the standard procedures of NBR 15270-3
(ABNT, 2005), allowing the determination of the dimensions, gross and net areas, water
absorption (Table 1) and compressive strength of blocks (Table 2).

T able 1 - A verage results of tests of clay structural blocks.

W idth H eight G ross A rea Net A rea A bsorption
L ength (mm)
(mm) (mm) (mm2) (mm2) (%)
293.0 140.5 190.0 41166 15418 9.4

T able 2 ± Results of compressive strength of clay structural blocks.

G ross A rea Net A rea
Feature Strength Strength
(M Pa) (M Pa)
A verage Strength (M Pa) 10.2 27.2
Standard Deviation (M Pa) 1.52 4.07
Coefficient of variation ± C V (% ) 15.0 15.0
O utliers No

In all tests, was attempted to identify anomalous values, which are individual values that
cannot be considered as coming from the same probability distribution associated to the other
values, being removed from the statistical analysis. To determine by Grubbs test (equation 1)

xa x
G (1)
s

Where G is the value Grubbs test, x a is the suspect value, x is the average of the sample and
s is the standard deviation of sample.
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15 International Brick and Block
Masonry Conference

Florianópolis ± Brazil ± 2012

The value is considered abnormal when it exceeds the tabulated value of G for a given
confidence level (was adopted a confidence level of 95%).
MORTAR
Taking into account the test results of compressive strength of the blocks, was obtained the
desirable values (reference only) of the compressive strength of mortar: 5.1 MPa (50%)
10.2 MPa (100%) and 15.3 MPa (150%).

In the experiment, was used mixed mortar (cement and lime). The type of cement used was
the Portland with filler compound (CP-II-F-32, in Brazil) and hydrated lime type CH-I.
According to the recommendations in the literature, were avoided sands with high percentage
of large grains and very fine sands, which are unfavorable for adherence (Beall, 2004; Hendry
et al. 2004). Sahlin (1971) recommends that the fineness modulus of sand should be between
1.6 and 2.5 and the maximum diameter should not exceed 1/3 or 1/2 the thickness of the joint.
The chosen sand is commonly found in the city of Maceió. It was passed through the sieve
4.75 mm and had a maximum diameter of 2.36 mm and fineness modulus of 2.36.

As highlighted by Steil (2003), the specification of structural masonry mortars should not be
based solely on their compressive strength. Special attention should be given to the properties
such as adhesion to the block and water retention.

For each chosen mixing mortar proportion, was determined the amount of water to reach a
consistency standard of 260 ± 5 mm, according to NBR 13276 (ABNT, 2005). The
determination of the water retention of mortars was also executed, with the objective to use
mortars with similar retention. The laboratorial procedures adopted are recommended by
NBR 13277 (ABNT, 2005), being adopted the minimum value of 75%, according to NBR
8798 (ABNT, 1985).

Finally, the compressive strength of the chosen mortars proportions was determined. The tests
were performed following the procedures of NBR 13279 (ABNT, 2005), that determines the
use of prismatic specimens with dimensions 4 cm x 4 cm x 16 cm.

The three proportions chosen (by volume), taking into account the consistency, water
retention and compressive strength, were: 1:0.5:4:1.1 (50%), 1:0.4:3.2:0.9 (100%) and
1:0.5:2:0.7 (150%). The test results of standard consistency, water retention and compressive
strength are shown in Table 3.

T able 3 - W ater retention of morta rs chosen.

Proportion
Standard Consistency Retention of Compressive
(cem:lime:sand) in
(mm) water (% ) strength (M Pa)
volume
1:0.5:4:1.1 261 96.8 3.1
1:0.4:3.2:0.9 255 96.6 7.9
1:0.5:2:0.7 262 96.3 12.7

The proportions used were chosen with their strength a little lower than desired, since was
expected that the changing of the mixing equipment used would produce an increased
resistance.
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15 International Brick and Block
Masonry Conference

Florianópolis ± Brazil ± 2012

PR ISMS

The prisms were made following the recommendations of NBR 15812-2 (ABNT, 2010), with
two upright blocks with a single horizontal joint, see Figure 2.

F igure 2 ± Prism specimen built, the blocks were wetted before.

Following the recommendations of Beall (2004), Carvalho (2003) and Santos et al. (2007),
the blocks had been wet before the building of the prisms, to prevent excessive absorption of
water from the fresh mortar.

To ensure the thickness of the bedding mortar, were used fixtures and a metal graduated scale.
For all prisms, was allowed a variation of ± 3 mm in thickness of the bedding mortar, due to
the imperfections of the blocks, ensuring the level of the prisms.

The prisms received an identification number. For example, 100.15.1, means strength of
mortar with 100%, thickness of 15 mm and first determination, 150.20.2, means strength
mortar with 150%, thickness of 20 mm and the second determination (replica).

The prisms remained in situation of dry curing until the day of the capping, being carefully
transported to prevent vibrations or shocks. The capping of each face was done with cement
paste. Once capped of the first face, the second face was capped after 24 hours.
After hardening of the second face, at the age of 28 days of preparation, the prisms were
measured and placed in the test machine to determine their strength.

Table 4 shows the results of tests to determine the compressive strength of mortar and prisms,
according to the combination strength/thickness of mortar. The results are the averages of six
specimens of mortar and five prisms. The statistical parameters shown in the table already
exclude outliers detected.
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15 International Brick and Block
Masonry Conference

Florianópolis ± Brazil ± 2012

T able 4 ± Compression tests results.

1th determination Replica
Mortars Prisms Mortars Prisms
Combination Std. Std. Std. Std.
A ver. A ver. T M R* A ver. A ver. T M R*
Dev. Dev. Dev. Dev.
(M Pa) (M Pa) (M Pa) (M Pa)
(M Pa) (M Pa) (M Pa) (M Pa)
50.10 7.5 0.60 6.9 0.67 MB* 7.4 1.01 7.0 0.32 MB*
50.15 7.2 1.13 6.4 0.53 MB* 7.5 1.12 6.9 0.53 MB*
50.20 7.5 1.33 4.8 0.99 M* 7.6 0.84 4.3 0.87 M*
100.10 10.4 1.30 7.6 0.76 B* 10.7 1.32 10.7 1.32 B*
100.15 10.4 1.30 6.8 0.84 MB 10.3 1.95 7.2 0.39 MB*
100.20 9.8 1.86 5.5 0.30 MB* 9.7 1.43 5.1 0.91 MB*
150.10 18.1 1.38 9.3 0.93 B* 19.1 2.42 9.5 1.02 B*
150.15 20.4 2.89 7.9 0.18 B* 19.1 2.41 7.4 1.10 B*
150.20 18.4 2.31 6.9 0.76 MB* 18.3 2.08 7.5 0.46 MB*
* TMR = typical mode of rupture M = mortar B = block MB = mortar/block

For comparison of the results, we performed an analysis of variance (ANOVA), using the
Microsoft Excel 2007 spreadsheet software. For the results of mortar, and for the prisms, in
each combination, The ANOVA results indicate there was no significative statistical
difference between the means, for all combinations.

A N A L YSIS O F R ESU L TS
For the analysis of the results obtained in experiments with prisms, were used the mean
strengths from results of compressive strength of mortars, and the mean of the compressive
strength of prisms. The three typical modes of rupture are showed in Figures 3, 4 and 5. Table
5 summarizes the referred data.

F igure 3 ± Morta r mode of rupture.

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15 International Brick and Block
Masonry Conference

Florianópolis ± Brazil ± 2012

F igure 4 ± Morta r/block mode of rupture.

F igure 5 ± Block mode of rupture.

T able 5: A verage strength and modes of rupture of the prisms tested.

A verage A verage
T hickness of T ypical mode of
Combination strength of strength of
mortar (mm) rupture
mortar (M Pa) prisms (M Pa)
50.10 7.5 10 6.9 Mortar/block
50.15 7.5 15 6.6 Mortar/block
50.20 7.5 20 4.5 Mortar
100.10 10.2 10 7.5 Block
100.15 10.2 15 7.0 Mortar/block
100.20 10.2 20 5.3 Mortar/block
150.10 18.9 10 9.4 Block
150.15 18.9 15 7.7 Block
150.20 18.9 20 7.2 Mortar/block

Analyzing the results presented in the table, is possible to identify the growing strength of the
prisms with increasing the strength of the bedding mortar and decreases with increasing
thickness of the bedding mortar.

Regression analysis is one of the most used techniques for data analysis. Once the appropriate
model has been made, it can be used to make predictions, calculate probabilities, etc. The
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15 International Brick and Block
Masonry Conference

Florianópolis ± Brazil ± 2012

regression models are used in all areas of knowledge. In the area of statistics, most methods of
analysis use the theory of regression.

To determine the function, was used the software Data Fit version 9059. With this software, is
possible to determine the significance of effects, the standard error and correlation
coefficients. Was obtained as the best model, i.e., the model with lowest standard error and
best correlation coefficient, the curve whose function is shown in equation 2. The proposed
model has an estimated standard error of 0.42 MPa, and correlation coefficient of 91.1%.

f p ( f a , ea ) = 4.7 + 2.3 ln( f a ) 0.23ea ± (0.42) (2)

Where f p is the strength of prism, in MPa, f a is the strength of bedding mortar, in MPa and
ea is the thickness of bedding mortar, in mm.

It was decided to also use the response surface methodology, which is a collection of
mathematical and statistical techniques for modeling and analyzing problems in which a
response of interest is influenced by several variables (Montgomery, 2001).

For the generation of response surface and data analysis was also used software Data Fit. The
response surface for the model suggested in equation 2 can be seen in Figure 6. Each color in
the response surface indicates a range of strength values of the prism.

F igure 6: Surface response for the model adopted.

It can be seen, from the response surface, the trend of the direct influence of increased
compressive strength of mortar and the negative influence of the increased thickness of the
mortar in the compressive strength of the prism.
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15 International Brick and Block
Masonry Conference

Florianópolis ± Brazil ± 2012

C O N C L USI O NS
As a general result of the analysis, it was observed that the increase of the compressive
strength of the bedding mortar, remaining constant the thickness of the bedding mortar,
produces an increase in the compressive strength of the prism, for all thicknesses of bedding
mortar. Analysis of the effect of the variation of the compressive strength of mortar was
considered statistically significant.

On the other hand, increasing the thickness of the bedding mortar caused a decrease in the
compressive strength of the prisms, for all strength tested. The analysis of the effect of
thickness variation in the bedding mortar was also considered statistically significant.

The test results showed that the combined effect of variations of the compressive strength and
thickness of the bedding mortar is negligible (there is no interaction between these variables).

The response surface is restricted to the parameters of Brazilian standards, as the ultimate
strength of the mortar (restricted to a maximum of 70% of the resistance of the block,
calculated on net area). At the other extreme, the restriction to the thickness of the bedding
mortar is at least 10 mm, as specified in Brazilian standards.

The interpretation of the response surface shows the importance of worry about the excessive
variability of the joint, which requires a strict control on workmanship.

A factor analysis with replication was efficient in achieving the objectives of this work, able
to determine the influence of the factors studied on the mechanical performance of the not
grouting prisms of structural clay blocks and the construction of the calculation model.

The model obtained is in accordance with the literature, demonstrating a natural logarithm
relationship of the strength of the prism with the compressive strength of mortar and the linear
relationship of the strength of the prism with the thickness of the bedding mortar (Aryana,
2006).

It was shown also that the increase of the compressive strength of mortar is not as crucial in
the compressive strength of the prism. The increased strength of the mortar of 7.5 MPa to
18.9 MPa (152%) caused a maximum increase of only 60% in the strength of the prism.
However, this study noted that the strength of the mortar affects the failure mode of the prism.
Mortars with compressive strength lesser than the tensile strength of the blocks, in confined
condition, lead to a fragile rupture of the prism (crushing of the mortar). Stronger mortars lead
to a more ductile rupture of the prism (splitting tensile).

R E F E R E N C ES
Aryana, S. A. Statistical analysis of compressive strength of clay brick masonry prisms.
Dissertação de Mestrado. Universidade do Texas, Arlington, 2006.

Associação Brasileira de Normas Técnicas. NBR 8798: Execução e controle de obras em

alvenaria estrutural de blocos vazados de concreto. Rio de Janeiro, 1985.
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__________. NBR 13276: Argamassa de assentamento e revestimento de paredes e tetos ±

Preparo da mistura e determinação do índice de consistência. Rio de Janeiro, 2005.

__________. NBR 13277: Argamassa para assentamento de paredes e revestimento de

paredes tetos ± Determinação da retenção de água ± Método de ensaio. Rio d Janeiro, 1995.

__________. NBR 13279: Argamassa para assentamento e revestimento de paredes e tetos ±

Determinação da resistência à compressão à tração e à compressão. Rio de Janeiro, 2005.

__________. NBR 15270-3: Componentes cerâmicos ± Parte 3: Blocos cerâmicos para

alvenaria estrutural e de vedação ± Métodos e ensaio. Rio de Janeiro, 2005.

__________. NBR 15812-2: Alvenaria estrutural ± Blocos cerâmicos. Parte 2: Execução e

controle de obras. Rio de Janeiro, 2010.

Beall, C. Masonry and Concrete for Residential Constrution. McGraw-Hill, 2004.

Carvalho, J. N.; Desempenho estrutural de prismas de blocos cerâmicos com diferentes

formas e dimensões. Dissertação de Mestrado. Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, 2003

Hendry, A. W.; Sinha, B.P.; Davies, S. R. Design of Masonry Structures. E & FN Spon,
Londres, 2004.

Leão, G. F. B.; Perdigão, R. S. Alvenaria estrutural: Influência da espessura da camada de

assentamento no sistema bloco-prisma. Trabalho de conclusão de curso. Universidade Federal
de Alagoas, 2004.

Ministério das Cidades. Déficit Habitacional 2008. Nota. Brasília, 23 de julho de 2010.
Disponível em: www.cidades.gov.br. Acessado em outubro de 2010.

Montgomery, D. C. Design and Analysis of Experiments. 5th edition. John Wiley & Sons,
New York, 2001.

Prudêncio Jr, L. R. Resistência à compressão da alvenaria e correlação entre a resistência de

unidades, prismas e paredes. Dissertação de Mestrado. Escola de Engenharia da Universidade
Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, 1986.

Sahlin, S. Structural masonry. Pretence-Hall, New Jersey, 1971.

Santos, M. D. F.; Carvalho, M; Bremm, L. C.; Silva, G. M. Desempenho de prismas e paredes

construídas com diferentes geometrias de blocos cerâmicos. In: 51º Congresso Brasileiro de
Cerâmica (Anais). Salvador, 2007.

Sarangapani, G; Venkatarana Reddy, B. V.; Jagadish, K. S. Brick-mortar Bond and masonry

compressive strength. In: Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering. ASCE, 2005.
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Masonry Conference

Florianópolis ± Brazil ± 2012

Steil, R. O. Efeito da geometria do bloco de concreto e do tipo de argamassa no desempenho à

compressão de prismas de alvenaria não grauteados. Dissertação de Mestrado. Universidade
Federal de Santa Catarina, 2003.