The Strength and Behaviour of Brickwork in Flexure

Abstract

This thesis is the result of a programme of work concerned with the flexural strength and behaviour of brickwork beams. The physical properties of the constituent materials are examined in the light of existing knowledge and specific tests of compressive strength, tensile strength, adhesion and modulus of elasticity are carried out for the individual constituent materials (bricks and mortars) and for the composite material (brickwork) that are used in subsequent beam tests. A theoretical solution is presented for shallow brickwork beams using a theory analogous to that frequently used for beams of laminated cross-sections based upon considerations that the beam is not of a homogenerus material, a number of simply supported beams are tested and analysed by the proposed theory. Deep beams supported by a vertical shear force st sach end are anni ysed by a theory developed from the Theory of Flasticiiy using Aivey stress functions, stress equaticns are achieved that regult in the ideal cone ditions of stress free ends at the vertical ené faces of the beam, A method for the determination of the stress functions is gives from the expansion of a doubly infinite power series. Tests are carried out to determine the distribution of flexural stress at mid span of some deep beams, these tests validate the proposed theory end give some indication of the arching action that takes place in soma deep beams, Arching action is considered for beams restrained in the longitudinal place, A number of direction, assuming that a tension failure has taken of restrained mortar beams are tested to obtain the load/ deflection relationships and ultimate strengths for beams of various span/ depth ratios.