Study of brazilian structural concrete block conformity

Abstract

This paper presents a study of the conformity of structural concrete blocks manufactured and used in masonry construction in Brazil. It is based on compressive strength tests, on dimensional analysis and absorption tests of over six thousand samples from three classes (A, B and C) and two modular sizes (M-15 and M-20). National results show that blocks tend to have an estimated compressive strength higher than specified, except blocks from class A. Regional results show that blocks manufactured in the northeast (NE) are consistently non-conforming, for all block classes. The study also shows that dimensional variations and absorption tests results are within code tolerances.

Analysis of deformability modulus by linear and nonlinear elastic methods in ceramic structural masonry and mortars

“…It is worth noting that in the last years several studies have been carried out regarding the compressive strength of the structural blocks, considered the main parameter for the design of this type of masonry, lacking studies about the deformation properties that these blocks present [3,4]. As an example of studies in structural masonry, we can mention: i) Santiago and Beck [5] performed quality control of several concrete structural block factories in different regions of Brazil, taking as parameters the compressive strength, dimensional analysis, and water absorption; ii) Mata et al [6] verified the flexural and shear behavior in structural masonry panels using the procedures of standards ABNT NBR 15961-1:2011 [7], EN 1996-1-1:2005 [8], and ACI TMS 530:2013 [9], not checking the other properties; iii) Fortes et al [10] studied the compressive strength of structural masonry with high strength concrete blocks; and iv) Santos et al [11] carried out modeling by the finite element method in structural masonry intending to study the compressive strength of ceramic prisms.…”

“…It is worth noting that although there are studies that perform numerical modeling in structural masonry [2][3][4][5], or investigate the mechanical and elastic behavior of the system as a whole or the main components of the system (mortar and block) [12,13,17], papers that evaluated the validity of the nonlinear elastic theories presented above were not found in the literature. This is the main novelty of this study, which evaluated the structural masonry system by different theories beyond the classical Hooke's law.…”