Typology of structural ceramics blocks: influence of the geometry of blocks on the mechanical behavior of masonry

This paper presents the experimental results of a research program with ceramic block masonry under compression. Four different blocks geometries were investigated (A, B, C and D). Two of them had circular hollows (A and B) with different net area. The third one had two rectangular hollows (C) and the last block contained rectangular hollows and double central webs (D). The prisms and walls were built with two mortar types 1: 1: 6 (I) and 1: 0,5: 4 (II) (proportions by volume of cement: lime: sand). Thus, compressive strength analyses of the blocks, prisms and walls, built with these geometries on a small scale in the proportion of 1: 3 of the nominal dimensions were made. It was possible to conclude that the block with double central webs gave better results of compressive strength showing to be more efficient. The walls built with blocks type D had a better ability to absorb vertical efforts due to the coincidence of the cross webs, because of the double central webs. Furthermore, the compressive strength of the mortar didn't influence the compressive strength of the prisms and walls.