ASSIGNMENT

1 Comparison of the compressive strength and sizes of masonry units

1.1 Sampling of units
Full-size masonry units were selected from Uganda Clays and Kigo Clays in Lweza, ensuring
that the units were of similar configuration and dimensions. The specimens were taken as a
representative of the whole lot of masonry units obtained from Lweza. The specimens were
marked with chalk for easy identification at any time. The blocks were weighed immediately
after sampling and the weight recorded as the received weight Wr.

1.2 Measurement of dimensions

The dimensions of the masonry units were measured using a steel scale having divisions not
greater than 2.5mm and a Vernier’s caliper having divisions not greater than 0.25mm.

1.3 Storage
On delivery to the laboratory, the masonry units were stored unstacked with a greater than
13mm spacing on either side of the units and at room temperature for not less than 48 hours.
It was ensured that there was no visible moisture on any surface of the unit. The specimens
according to ASTM C 140-08 were not to be subjected to any oven drying.

1.4 Capping
Capping involves providing plane surfaces on the two bearing surfaces of the masonry units.
This was done in accordance with ASTM C1552.

1.5 Compressive Strength (ASTM C 140-08)

1.5.1 Apparatus
Testing machine with an accuracy of +/- 1.0% over anticipated load range.

1.5.2 Procedure
The weight of each unit was measured using a weighing scale.

The nominal dimensions of each masonry unit were checked and measured dimensions were
taken for each unit.

The density of each masonry unit was determined.

Three masonry units of each particular type were tested for compression.

The masonry units were tested with the centroid of their bearing surfaces aligned horizontally
with the center of thrust of the spherically seated steel bearing block of the testing machine,
ensuring that the cores were in the same direction as in service.

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Before testing, it was ensured that the upper platen of the compression testing machine moves
freely within its spherical seat to attain uniform seating during testing.

The net area An of the masonry unit was calculated and input in the compressive testing
machine. This is the net area of the unit in every plane parallel to the bearing surface. The
gross area was also calculated. This is the total area of a section perpendicular to the direction
of the load, including areas within cells and reentrant spaces, unless these spaces are to be
occupied in the masonry by portions of adjacent masonry. The load was then applied

The maximum load obtained was recorded as the maximum compressive load Pmax in kilo
newtons.

The net area compressive strength was then calculated from;

Pmax
Net Area Compressive Strength ( Mpa )= ……Equation 1
An

1.6 Comparison of the Compressive strength and sizes of the masonry units
Block Name Block Size (LxWxH) Compressive Strength
(Mpa)
Hollow Clay Blocks 164x221x109 4.8
Hollow Concrete Blocks 154x368x191 7.1
Cellular Concrete Blocks 152x364x191 7.0
Solid Concrete Blocks 193x395x191 11.9

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2 Group Number of the masonry units.
2.1 Percentage of voids in the masonry units
The percentage of voids in the masonry units was obtained by subtracting the net volume
from the gross volume for each unit. The difference was expressed as a percentage of the
gross volume of the unit to obtain the percentage of voids.
Table 2-1; Percentage of voids in masonry units

Block Name Percentage of voids Shell thickness Web thickness

(%) (mm) (mm)
Hollow Clay Blocks 33 20 32
Hollow Concrete Blocks 46.7 30 25
Cellular Concrete Blocks 41.5 30 25
Solid Concrete Blocks 0 395 0

2.2 Determination of the group number of the blocks.

Table 2-2; Grouping using percentage of voids

Block Name Grouping

Hollow Clay Blocks Group 2
Hollow Concrete Blocks Group 2
Cellular Concrete Blocks Group 2
Solid Concrete Blocks Group 1

Table 2-3; Grouping using web and shell thickness

Block Name Grouping

Hollow Clay Blocks Group 4
Hollow Concrete Blocks Group 4
Cellular Concrete Blocks Group 4
Solid Concrete Blocks Group 1

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3 References
American Standard for Testing and Materials Designation C 140-08 Standard Test Methods
for Sampling and Testing Concrete Masonry Units and Related Units.

American Standard for Testing and Materials Designation C 1552-03a Standard Practice for
Capping Concrete Masonry Units, Related Units and Masonry Prisms for Compression
Testing

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ANNEX

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