Influence of the relationships between compressive strengths of mixed and industrialized mortars and concrete blocks on the behavior of masonry prisms

Abstract

The performance of masonry structures depends not only on the quality of blocks and mortars but also on their interactions. This study aims to evaluate the influence of unit and mortar characteristics on the compressive strength of masonry. Prisms were produced using concrete blocks with nominal strengths of 8 and 10 MPa, combined with mixed and industrialized mortars with lower, similar, and higher strengths compared to the blocks. Response surfaces and contour plots were generated to visualize the effects of unit and mortar properties on prism strength. Estimations were performed, and the failure mechanisms of prisms for various combinations of blocks and mortars were analyzed. The failure modes of the prisms were characterized by ductile failure (in weaker mortars), cohesive rupture of the assembly (in intermediate-strength mortars), and brittle failure (in stronger mortars), primarily due to lateral tensile forces acting on the blocks. The findings of this research contribute to the existing knowledge database in the field and can assist in the appropriate selection of blocks and mortars for structural masonry applications.