Calibration of Partial Safety Factors of Sample Masonry Structures

Technological progress in masonry structures has resulted in the creation of competitive solutions, which force the need for an ever deeper recognition of this type of structure. Masonry is a composite with heterogeneous strength properties. Therefore, the most appropriate way to accurately describe the behavior of the masonry structure under the influence of the working load are experimental research and their statistical and probabilistic analysis. This article presents a series of experimental tests carried out on real masonry structures. The results of the experiments were subjected to static evaluation, determining the most important parameter in the probabilistic analysis—the coefficient of variability of strength. The variability obtained in the experimental studies was used to determine the safety of the structure in the probabilistic method. Achieved values of coefficients of variation and safety coefficients proved to be satisfactory and adequate to the emerging technological progress in the production and embedding of masonry components.     

Research and TLS (LiDAR) Construction Diagnostics of Clay Brick Masonry Arched Stairs

The study presents the terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) diagnostic of the clay brick masonry arched staircase in a historic building. Based on the measurements of the existing arched stair flights, 1:1 scale experimental models with and without stair treads were made. Strength tests of the models were carried out for different concentrated force locations in relation to the supporting structure. Force, deflections and reaction in the upper support of the run were measured during the tests. The influence of the masonry steps on the curved vault on the load capacity and stiffness of the run structure was analyzed. The conducted experimental investigations showed that the key element responsible for the actual load-bearing capacity and stiffness of this type of stair flights were the treads above the masonry arch.     

Derivation of Empirical Relationships to Predict Cambodian Masonry Strength

Masonry material characteristics, such as compressive strength, and the relationship between brick, mortar, and masonry compressive strengths are required for the analysis and assessment of masonry structures. This paper aimed to investigate the compressive strength relationship of Cambodian masonry. A total number of 42 prisms were constructed in the laboratory using six different brick/mortar combinations. Two brick types, solid and hollow, and three—1:3, 1:4, and 1:6—cement–sand mortar combinations were used. The effects of brick and mortar strengths were analysed. Using regression analysis, a simple empirical relationship was derived for masonry compressive strength as a function of brick and mortar strength in the Cambodian context.     

Vibration Energy Signal Information for Measure Dynamic Preferences of Ceramic Building Materials Using Experimental Modal Analysis Methodology

Building constructions and their elements must meet requirements related to stability and strength. These are the conditions that determine the safety of the structure during both construction and operation. Safety assessment is based on diagnostic tests, aimed at checking the quality of the erected objects or locating damage to structural elements that arise during operation. This work focuses on experimental SISO modal analysis of ceramic masonry elements. An experiment was carried out on twenty samples of solid brick (good, and intentionally damaged). From this, it was possible to determine the variability of the obtained measurement results of the vibration characteristics of the masonry element, and, thus, to assess the value of the method used in the given research problem. The aim of this study was to test the effectiveness of assessing the degradation of the tested brick elements based on stabilization diagrams. The research confirmed the usefulness of experimental modal analysis in identifying damage to masonry elements, and it has been implemented in selected brickyards in Poland.     

The Effect of Fatigue Test on the Mechanical Properties of the Cellular Polyurethane Mats Used in Tram and Railway Tracks

The use of modern synthetic materials is an important element in the development of railway tracks. Their use is a response to the growing requirements regarding the durability of structures and environmental protection against traffic noise and vibrations. In this paper, the results of the laboratory tests of selected mechanical properties of cellular polyurethane (PUR) mats which are applied in tram and railway tracks are presented in this study. The aim of the research was to determine the effect of fatigue loading on the mechanical performance of polyurethane mats. A series of samples made of two types of materials with different pore structures were tested. Static and fatigue laboratory tests were carried out on a specially prepared test stand. The values of selected mechanical parameters (the vertical static bedding modulus, the vertical dynamic bedding modulus, and the loss factor) were evaluated. The results of laboratory tests and analyses showed a significant influence of high-cycle fatigue loading on the values of mechanical parameters of the tested mats, which were quantified as a result of the study. For both types of materials, the phenomenon of cyclic hardening was observed. Additionally, for one of the materials, an undesired dynamic creep phenomenon was observed. It was also shown that the pore structure of polyurethane influences the mechanical performance of the mats. Therefore, the findings of the research may have practical significance for the quality evaluation of such materials, especially in the context of their durability and mechanical stability under real loading conditions.     

Blast Resistance of 240 mm Building Wall Coated with Polyurea Elastomer

Enhancing the blast resistance of building walls is a research hotspot in the field of anti-terrorism and explosion protection. In this study, numerical simulation and experimental verification were combined to analyze the failure phenomenon of brick masonry wall and sprayed polyurea-reinforced brick wall under contact explosion and determine the failure response parameters of the wall. The failure limit, mode, and mechanism of a 240 mm wall without reinforcement and strengthened with polyurea elastomer under different strength loads were investigated. Under contact explosion, the increase in the size of the blasting pit of the 240 mm wall gradually slowed down after the dose was increased to higher than 0.5 kg. Thereafter, the energy of the explosive load was released by splashing wall fragments as well as by deflecting and movement of the wall. The results show that the 240 mm walls sprayed with polyurea elastomer had outstanding anti-explosion performance because it wraps the damaged area and fragments of masonry wall inside the polyurea layer. When the thickness of the polyurea layer increases to 8 mm, the damaged area of the masonry wall decreases by 55.6% compared with that without reinforcement. The numerical simulation results were in good agreement with the experimental results.     

Experimental Evaluation of Shear Behavior of Stone Masonry Wall

The evaluation of the shear behavior of masonry walls is a first fundamental step for the assessment of existing masonry structures in seismic zones. However, due to the complexity of modelling experimental behavior and the wide variety of masonry types characterizing historical structures, the definition of masonry’s mechanical behavior is still a critical issue. Since the possibility to perform in situ tests is very limited and often conflicting with the needs of preservation, the characterization of shear masonry behavior is generally based on reference values of mechanical properties provided in modern structural codes for recurrent masonry categories. In the paper, a combined test procedure for the experimental characterization of masonry mechanical parameters and the assessment of the shear behavior of masonry walls is presented together with the experimental results obtained on three stone masonry walls. The procedure consists of a combination of three different in situ tests to be performed on the investigated wall. First, a single flat jack test is executed to derive the normal compressive stress acting on the wall. Then a double flat jack test is carried out to estimate the elastic modulus. Finally, the proposed shear test is performed to derive the capacity curve and to estimate the shear modulus and the shear strength. The first results obtained in the experimental campaign carried out by the authors confirm the capability of the proposed methodology to assess the masonry mechanical parameters, reducing the uncertainty affecting the definition of capacity curves of walls and consequently the evaluation of seismic vulnerability of the investigated buildings.     

Experimental Behavior of Thin-Tile Masonry under Uniaxial Compression. Multi-Leaf Case Study

In this study, experimental analysis on the compressive strength of multi-leaf thin-tile masonry is presented. A compressive strength test was carried out on thin-tile, mortar and 48 specimens with two- and three-leaf thin-tile masonry. The results obtained were compared with literature on brick masonry loaded parallel to a bed joint. Based on the results of this study, the failure mode presented the first crack in the vertical interface; this crack grew until the leaf was detached. From this point until collapse, lateral buckling of the leaves was generally observed. Therefore, the detachment compressive strength value was considered relevant. Up to this point, both masonries exhibit similar stress–strain behavior. The experimental values of the detachment compressive strength were compared with the values calculated from the equation generally used in the literature to evaluate the compressive strength of brick masonry. From the results obtained, the following conclusion can be drawn: This equation is only suitable for tree-leaf thin-tile masonry but with more relevant influence on the compressive strength of the mortar. This study concluded that only three-leaf specimens behave similarly to brick masonry loaded parallel to a bed joint. Finally, whether the failure mode was due to shear or tensile stresses in the vertical thin-tile-mortar interface cannot be identified.     

Finite Element Analysis of Rubberized Concrete Interlocking Masonry under Vertical Loading

Fine aggregate and cement have been partially replaced by 10% and 56% crumb rubber and class F-fly ash, respectively, in order to manufacture rubberized concrete interlocking bricks (RCIBs). The newly developed product has been used for masonry construction without the need for mortar (mortarless), and the experimental testing under compression load was investigated by Al-Fakih et al. Therefore, in line with that, this study carried out finite element (FE) analysis for experimental result validation of masonry walls and prisms made of RCIBs. ANSYS software was utilized to implement the FE analysis, and a plasticity detailed micro-modeling approach was adopted. Parametric studies were carried out on masonry prisms to investigate the effect of the slenderness ratio and the elastic modulus of grout on the prism behavior. The results found that the adopted FE model has the ability to predict the structural response, such as compressive strength, stiffness, and failure mechanism, of the interlocking masonry prisms with about a 90% agreement with the experimental results. Based on the parametric studies, the compressive strength for a 6-course prism is approximately 68% less than a 3-course prism and 60% less than a 5-course prism, which means that the slenderness ratio plays a vital role in the behavior of the RCIB masonry prism under the vertical compression load. Moreover, the results showed that the difference between FE and experimental results of the walls was less than 16%, indicating a good match. The findings also reported that masonry walls and prisms experienced higher ductility measured by the post-failure loading under compression. The finite element model can be used for further investigation of masonry systems built with rubberized concrete interlocking bricks.     

Laboratory Characterization of Geosynthetics-Reinforced Asphalt Mixture

In order to improve the mechanical properties of asphalt pavement, geosynthetics can be employed in asphalt mixture. This research designed 12 reinforced schemes based on the types of geosynthetics, bonding layers and reinforced position. For the relative tests carried out, reinforced specimens were prepared according to each individual scheme. Moreover, rutting tests, bending creep tests and split fatigue tests were carried out on reinforced specimens in the laboratory. The results obtained in this investigation showed that the dynamic stability, bending creep rate and fatigue life of geocell-reinforced specimens are better than those of geogrid-reinforced specimens. The bonding layer of Styrene-Butadiene-Styrene (SBS) modified asphalt is better than epoxy modified asphalt. The dynamic stability and fatigue life of middle reinforcement are better than those of the lower reinforcement, while the bending creep rate of the lower reinforcement is better than middle reinforcement. In addition, reinforced scheme (9) has the largest increase in dynamic stability and fatigue life by 103 and 137%, respectively, and reinforced scheme (12) has the largest reduction in bending creep rate by 46%. However, scheme (9) improved dynamic stability and fatigue life by 43 and 29% higher than scheme (12), while the reduction of flexural creep rate of scheme (12) is only 7% higher than that of scheme (9).     

Experimental Characteristics of Dry Stack Masonry under Compression and Shear Loading

The behavior of dry stack masonry (DSM) is influenced by the interaction of the infill with the frame (especially the joints between bricks), which requires further research. This study investigates the compression and shear behaviors of DSM. First, a series of compression tests were carried out on both masonry prism with mortar (MP_m) and DSM prism (MP_ds). The failure mode of each prism was determined. Different from the MP_m, the stress-strain relationship of the MP_ds was characterized by an upward concavity at the initial stage. The compression strength of the MP_ds was slightly reduced by 15%, while the elastic modulus was reduced by over 62%. In addition, 36 shear-compression tests were carried out under cyclic loads to emphasize the influence of various loads on the shear-compression behavior of DSM. The results showed that the Mohr-Coulomb friction law adequately represents the failure of dry joints at moderate stress levels, and the varying friction coefficients under different load amplitudes cannot be neglected. The experimental setup and results are valuable for further research.     

Experimental Study on the Seismic Performance of Recycled Concrete Brick Walls Embedded with Vertical Reinforcement

Recycled concrete brick (RCB) is manufactured by recycled aggregate processed from discarded concrete blocks arising from the demolishing of existing buildings. This paper presents research on the seismic performance of RCB masonry walls to assess the applicability of RCB for use in rural low-rise constructions. The seismic performance of a masonry wall is closely related to the vertical load applied to the wall. Thus, the compressive performance of RCB masonry was investigated firstly by constructing and testing eighteen RCB masonry compressive specimens with different mortar strengths. The load-bearing capacity, deformation and failure characteristic were analyzed, as well. Then, a quasi-static test was carried out to study the seismic behavior of RCB walls by eight RCB masonry walls subjected to an axial compressive load and a reversed cyclic lateral load. Based on the test results, equations for predicting the compressive strength of RCB masonry and the lateral ultimate strength of an RCB masonry wall were proposed. Experimental values were found to be in good agreement with the predicted values. Meanwhile, finite element analysis (FEA) and parametric analysis of the RCB walls were carried out using ABAQUS software. The elastic-plastic deformation characteristics and the lateral load-displacement relations were studied.     

Bond Tests on Clay Bricks and Natural Stone Masonry Externally Bonded with FRP

Nowadays, the solution of durability problems of existing buildings has a key role in civil engineering, in which there is an ever-increasing need for building restorations. Over the past 50 years, there is a growing interest in a new composite material, fibre-reinforced polymer (FRP), suitable for increasing the resistance and the stability of existing buildings and, consequently, for extending their service life. In this context, the effectiveness of the strengthening system is related to the bond behaviour that is influenced by several parameters such as bond length, the stiffness of the reinforcement, the mechanical properties of the substrate, environmental conditions, etc. This paper aims to analyse the main experimental results from shear tests performed on two kinds of masonry substrates and different types of FRP reinforcements. The purpose is to highlight the role played by many parameters to the bond behaviour of these systems: the mechanical properties of substrates; the stiffness of reinforcements; the type of supports (i.e., unit or masonry unit). The obtained experimental results underlined that the specimens realised with masonry unit show an increase in debonding load and different stress transfer mechanisms along the bonded length with respect to the specimens with a unit substrate. The analysis of the data revealed that the presence of mortar joints cannot be neglected because it influences the interface global performance.     

Increasing the Fatigue Resistance of Strain-Hardening Cement-Based Composites (SHCC) by Experimental-Virtual Multi-Scale Material Design

Strain-hardening cement-based composites are a promising class of materials for a wide variety of applications due to their considerable tensile strength and pronounced ductility caused by the development of multiple fine cracks. Nevertheless, the safe use of such composites requires sound knowledge of their mechanical behaviour under different types of loading, particularly under fatigue loading, while considering distinct influences like initial crack width and fibre orientation. To deepen this knowledge, single-fibre pull-out tests on PVA-fibres from a cementitious matrix were carried out to gain information about the micro-mechanical and degradation processes of the fibre. It could be shown that the fibres tend to rupture instead of being pulled out under quasi-static loading. When changing the loading regime to alternating loading, this failure mechanism shifts to pull-out. By varying the experimental parameters such as initial crack width, inclination angle or compressive-force level a clear influence on the fibre’s crack bridging capacity could be observed associated with effects on the degradation processes. Based on the data obtained, a micro-mechanical numerical model was developed to support the assumptions and observations from single-fibre pull-out tests and to enable predictions of the performance of the material on the microscale under cyclic loading.     

Comparative Analysis of the Thermal Conductivity of Handmade and Mechanical Bricks Used in the Cultural Heritage

During interventions to improve the energy efficiency of cultural heritage, it is common to use methodologies that are used for current buildings with different thermal behaviour. For this reason, research has been carried out on the thermal behaviour of old brick walls by carrying out thermal flow tests in the laboratory on brickwork specimens, in order to compare the behaviour of handmade bricks and mechanical bricks from more than a century ago, and to analyse the relationship between the values of thermal conductivity, humidity, density and porosity, as well as to compare these results with those obtained by applying the procedure of the EN-1745 standard. It was concluded that bricks behave thermally differently, depending on the manufacturing process: handmade or mechanical, in both types of brick it was found that the higher the moisture content and density were, the higher the brick’s thermal conductivity value. It has also been concluded that old bricks have thermal conductivity values different from those indicated in EN-1745 as a function of density, and that the ratio detected in these specimens in the dry state and in the wet state does not conform to the processes indicated in the standard. With regard to porosity, it is important to note that the greater the closed porosity, the lower the conductivity. It has been concluded that in order to intervene in cultural heritage buildings, it is necessary to carry out a specific study of the behaviour of the systems with which they were constructed.     

Development of a True-Biaxial Split Hopkinson Pressure Bar Device and Its Application

Although highly desirable, the experimental technology of the dynamic mechanical properties of materials under multiaxial impact loading is rarely explored. In this study, a true-biaxial split Hopkinson pressure bar device is developed to achieve the biaxial synchronous impact loading of a specimen. A symmetrical wedge-shaped, dual-wave bar is designed to decompose a single stress wave into two independent and symmetric stress waves that eventually form an orthogonal system and load the specimen synchronously. Furthermore, a combination of ground gaskets and lubricant is employed to eliminate the shear stress wave and separate the coupling of the shear and axial stress waves propagating in bars. Some confirmatory and applied tests are carried out, and the results show not only the feasibility of this modified device but also the dynamic mechanical characteristics of specimens under biaxial impact loading. This novel technique is readily implementable and also has good application potential in material mechanics testing.     

In-Plane Seismic Strengthening of Brick Masonry Using Steel and Plastic Meshes

Unreinforced masonry structures are vulnerable to seismic loading due to their brittle behavior, and must therefore be strengthened. This paper presents the seismic performance of brick masonry strengthened with steel and plastic meshes. For this purpose, twenty masonry wallets of (600 × 600 × 113 mm) were constructed, keeping the same materials and workmanship. Fifteen of them were reinforced using steel and plastic meshes. These specimens were tested for in-plane static cyclic diagonal tension (shear) behavior. The critical parameters, such as shear stress, strain, failure modes, ductility, energy dissipation, and stiffness degradation were investigated. Compared to reference and plastic-reinforced specimens, the steel-reinforced samples were found to be highly effective. Furthermore, the recommended category of steel increased the shear capacity, energy dissipation, and ductility ratio by 1.3, 14, and 6.3 times, respectively.     

Lightweight Concretes with Improved Water and Water Vapor Transport for Remediation of Damp Induced Buildings

Most of the historical and old building stock in Europe are constructed from masonry, when brick, stones, or their combination are bound with traditional mortars. Rising damp, due to accompanying effects, is the main factor influencing the quality of indoor climate as well as having an important impact on the durability of masonry structures. In this study, new types of lightweight concrete with waste aggregate content as a suitable material for remediation of damp damaged masonries were designed and tested. Alternative aggregate served as silica sand substitution in the range of 0–100 vol.%. Basic structural properties, mechanical resistance, water, and water vapor transport properties were measured after 28 days of water curing and were compared with dense reference concrete and with traditional masonry materials as well. Moreover, the porous structure of produced concretes and changes caused by usage of alternative aggregate usage were evaluated with the mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP) technique. Obtained experimental data showed the suitability of modified concretes with 25–50 vol.% of waste aggregate content to ensure acceptable strength and hydric properties, and these properties were found to be comparable with masonry structures and materials used in the past.     

Influence of Geocomposite Properties on the Crack Propagation and Interlayer Bonding of Asphalt Pavements

The application of geocomposites as reinforcement in asphalt pavements is a promising solution for the maintenance/rehabilitation of existing pavements and for the construction of new pavements, whose effectiveness strongly depends on the physical and mechanical properties of the geocomposite. This study aims at assessing the influence of four different geocomposites, obtained by combining a reinforcing geosynthetic with a bituminous membrane, on the crack propagation and interlayer bonding of asphalt pavements. First, a laboratory investigation was carried out on double-layered asphalt specimens. The crack propagation resistance under static and dynamic loads was investigated through three-point bending tests (carried out on specimens with and without notch) and reflective cracking tests respectively, whereas the interlayer shear strength was evaluated through Leutner tests. Then, a trial section was constructed along an Italian motorway and a Falling Weight Deflectometer (FWD) testing campaign was carried out. The laboratory investigation highlighted that—as compared to the unreinforced system—the geocomposites increased the crack propagation energy in the layer above the reinforcement from five to ten times, indicating that they can significantly extend the service life of the pavement by delaying bottom-up and reflective cracking. However, they also worsened the interlayer bonding between the asphalt layers (de-bonding effect). The field investigation indicated that all geocomposites decreased the stiffness of the asphalt layers with respect to the unreinforced pavement as a consequence of the de-bonding effect, thus corroborating the laboratory results. Based on the results obtained, it is desirable that the geocomposite possess a high energy dissipation capability and an upper coating ensuring good adhesion between the asphalt layers. The monitoring of the existing trial section in the future will provide useful data on the long-term field performance of reinforced pavements subjected to actual motorway traffic.