EXPERIMENTAL INVESTIGATION OF THE COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH OF GROUTED BLOCKWORK MASONRY

This paper presents results of experimental investigations of the compressive strength of grouted concrete blockwork masonry. It was found that the compressive strength is governed by tensile failure of the bond between the face shell and the grout, and that the constituents of blockwork all fail in axial compression at about the same ultimate strain as ordinary concrete. It was also found that internal voids and cracks attributable to inadequate compaction and the consequential plastic settlement reduce significantly the compressive strength of storey-height walls. This calls into question the current practice of compacting grout by rodding in single-lift storey-height walls.