Quasi-static and high cycle fatigue strength of brick masonry

Quasi-static and high cycle fatigue tests have been conducted on brick masonry test specimens under laboratory dry, wet and submerged test conditions. The relatively low compressive strengths of the bricks and mortar used to manufacture the test specimens were intended to be representative of the type of bricks and mortar likely to be encountered in relatively old masonry arch bridges. The quasi-static test results indicate that the compressive strength of brick masonry increases with an increase in the compressive strength of the mortar, and decreases with an increase in the degree of saturation. The compressive strength of brick masonry, based on assumed linear no tension stress distributions, increases with an increase in the load eccentricity or stress gradient. Approximately 20% of the apparent increase in compressive strength due to load eccentricity can be attributed to non-linear material behaviour, resulting in non-linear no tension stress distributions in the mortar joints. The high cycle fatigue tests on laboratory dry, wet and submerged test specimens indicate that the fatigue strength of brick masonry depends upon the induced stress range, the mean or maximum induced stress and the quasi-static compressive strength of the brick masonry under similar loading conditions. A lower bound fatigue strength curve for laboratory dry, wet and submerged brick masonry is proposed.     

Durability of masonry systems: A laboratory study

We deal with the textural aspects, porometry and hydric behaviour of combinations of building materials and their durability under attack by salt crystallisation and freezing. We selected 4 types of lime mortar (pure lime mortar, lime mortar + air-entraining agent, lime mortar + pozzolana and lime mortar + air-entraining agent + pozzolana) which were used in combination with either brick or calcarenite stone. Lime mortars were chosen because they are compatible with traditional building materials, including the bricks and calcarenites that were widely used in the historical buildings that make up our architectural heritage. There are more similarities between the pore size ranges in calcarenites and mortars than there are between those in bricks and mortars. In all cases, a fine layer of calcite microcrystals develops at the contact surface between the mortar and the stone or brick. This is produced by the transformation of the portlandite, which concentrates in this area due to capillary moisture migration. This surface may on the one hand represent an obstacle to the flow of water between the different parts of the system formed by these materials, but on the other it may also favour greater adherence between the components, especially in the calcarenite + mortar combination, which proved to be the most resistant to deterioration in the freeze–thaw tests.     

Durability of blast-furnace slag mortars subjected to sodium monofluorophosphate application

The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of sodium monofluorophosphate (Na-MFP) on frost scaling durability and transport properties of carbonated blast-furnace slag cement (BFSC) mortar. The application of Na-MFP solution as curing solution and also surface treatment compound for BFSC mortar was evaluated. Three different Na-MFP solutions with concentrations of 10%, 20% and 30% by weight. in water were used as curing solution and surface treatment compound. The experimental results reveal that both techniques significantly improve the frost salt scaling durability and microstructure of carbonated blast-furnace slag mortar. Moreover, the carbonation rate and capillary water uptake of the treated mortars were substantially decreased compared with the untreated specimen. The mortars cured in Na-MFP solution show higher compressive strength than the untreated control after carbonation exposure. In general, the durability performances were improved when increasing the concentration of the Na-MFP solution applied.     

Behaviour of cementitious mortars containing different kinds of recycled aggregate

This work was aimed at evaluating both mechanical and rheological behavior of cementitious mortars prepared with three different kinds of recycled aggregate: one is made of concrete scraps obtained as rejected material from precast concrete production, one is based on recycled bricks and the last one is from a recycling plant in which demolition waste is suitably treated and, consequently, it is a miscellany of rubble. The experimental results showed that mechanical strength of the mortars prepared by substituting the natural sand with each one of these recycled aggregates is significantly lower than the reference. Nevertheless, the bond strength at the interface between mortar and brick resulted to be higher for mortars prepared with recycled aggregates and, in particular, when the fine aggregate coming from recycling of demolition waste was used.     

Proposed improvements in sand-lime bricks and mortar bonding

The results of a study by Asim Yeginobali and Hikmat Hammdouni provides valuable information for improving the quality of local masonry mortars, the sand-lime bricks and the bonding between them. As a result of this study, improvements have been recommended for both mortar content and sand-lime brick manufacture.     

混凝土破损结构的补偿收缩修补砂浆

补偿收缩砂浆通常为预拌水泥基材料。在众多粉状组成成分中便含有膨胀剂,以死烧氧化钙(CaO)或硫铝酸钙(CSA)为代表的膨胀剂,在钢筋或粗糙混凝土基层摩擦力的限制作用下,在修补砂浆中产生压应力。由于CaO或CSA膨胀剂只有在有水的情况下才能水化,因此为保证使用效果,砂浆必须仔细养护,如不进行仔细的潮湿养护,修补工作很可能由于没有产生有效的压应力而失败,预压应力由限制膨胀产生。本工作致力于研究含CaO或CSA膨胀剂、减缩剂(SRA)砂浆在有无潮湿养护下的性能。由于有减缩剂SRA与膨胀剂的配合,即使在没有任何潮湿养护措施下,也会产生限制膨胀。但是,当CaO与减缩剂SRA复合使用时,这种效应比CSA膨胀剂更明显。     

Advanced Byzantine cement based composites resisting earthquake stresses: the crushed brick/lime mortars of Justinian''s Hagia Sophia

Structural studies to determine the earthquake worthiness of Hagia Sophia in Istanbul have proved that the monument's static and dynamic behavior depends very strongly on the mechanical, chemical and microstructural properties of the mortars and bricks used for the masonry. Hence, the classification of the crushed brick/lime mortars under the category of advanced cement-based composites is concluded, explaining the fact that the monument still stands, as well as the very large static deformations which it has undergone, since such mortars have a very long curing period. According to the analysis of the dynamic data, the first three natural frequencies of the building were determined. These results show a decrease of approximately 5–10% in the natural frequencies, as the amplitude of the accelerations increases and returns to their initial values, due to the non-linear nature of the masonry. The above-mentioned behavior allows the structure to absorb energy without affecting irreversibly its material properties. The determination of the mortar properties indicated that they are of considerable mechanical strength and longevity. The dated mortar samples examined proved to be resistant to continuous stresses and strains due to the presence of the amorphous hydraulic formations (CSH), investigated by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) at the crushed-brick powder/binder interfaces and at a sufficient content in the binding matrix, as proved by TG-DTA, which allowed for greater energy absorption without initiations of fractures, let alone the transition of the gel to a higher order of formation. Furthermore, the interpretation of the amorphous nature of the hydraulic formations of the crushed brick/lime mortars is attempted by the experimental validation of real chemical interaction between lime and clay and the characterization of the fundamental structural units of the calcium silicate hydrates, produced by mass spectroscopy.     

Effects of curing regimes and cement fineness on the compressive strength of ordinary Portland cement mortars

Curing techniques and curing duration have crucial effects on the strength and other mechanical properties of mortars. Proper curing can protect against moisture loss from fresh mixes. The objective of this experimental work is to examine the compressive strength of ordinary Portland cement mortars (OMs) under various curing regimes and cement fineness. Six different curing methods including water, air, water heated, oven heated, air–water, and water–air were applied to the specimens and also six groups of mortars were used. The results showed that the highest and lowest compressive strengths are attributed to the specimens of OPC mortar water cured using grounded OPC for duration of 6 h (OM–G6–wc) and OPC mortar air cured under room temperature with oven heated after demoulding of the specimens at 60 °C for duration of 20 h (OM–OH–ac), respectively. The maximum levels obtained of compressive strengths at 7, 28, and 90 days are 57.5, 70.3, and 76.0 MPa, respectively.     

混凝土多孔砖砌体墙干燥收缩性能研究

对不同条件下混凝土多孔砖砌体墙进行连续60 d干燥收缩变形试验,分析了砌筑砂浆、龄期、混凝土多孔砖初始含水率、相对湿度和温度对混凝土多孔砖砌体墙收缩的影响,并提出了标准养护及非标准养护条件下混凝土多孔砖砌体墙收缩率估算公式,研究结果可为混凝土多孔砖在我国北方地区应用提供参考依据。     

砂浆与饰面砖粘结强度的试验研究

介绍了粘结强度的测试方法 ,进行了灰砂比、环境湿度及拉力反复作用对砂浆与饰面砖粘结强度影响的试验。分析认为砂浆干缩和外墙室内外温差变化是导致外墙饰面砖粘贴一段时间后出现脱落的重要原因。     

Microstructure and durability of mortars modified with medium active blast furnace slag

Mechanical characteristics and durability properties of blast furnace slag cement composites largely depend on the hydraulic activity of the slag. In this paper, a Granulated Blast Furnace Slag with a low reactivity index is used in modifying mortar composition. Microstructure and durability of mixes containing 0%, 30% and 50% of slag as substitution to OPC are respectively compared and analyzed. Water porosity, Mercury Intrusion Porosity and pore size distribution are studied after 28, 90 and 360 days of wet curing. A qualitative microstructure analysis of mortars is proposed with Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). The durability of mortar is evaluated through capillary water absorption and chloride diffusion tests. The results indicate a finer porosity and lower water absorption for slag mortars at old ages (90 and 360 days). Moreover, lower chloride diffusion for 50% blast furnace slag substitution is observed.     

The influence of moisture on the deformability of cement–polymer adhesive mortar

Adhesive mortars are widely used to set porcelain stoneware tiles on buildings because their bond strength and flexibility properties increase the cladding serviceability. However, their long-term performance is not well understood, mainly the degradation of the polymeric matrix.The influence of moisture content on the flexibility of six adhesive mortars is investigated, based on standard EN 12002. Four of them have defined formulations and the other two are commercial and are widely used to set porcelain stoneware tiles on building façades in Brazil.The results show that moisture content above 6% is sufficient to reduce 50% of the mortar deformability, but that the drying process allows it to recover to a value similar to that prior to saturation; a logarithmic function best fits the correlation between moisture content and flexibility; water immersion increases matrix rigidity.It is suggested that standards should consider flexibility tests on both dried and wet samples as a requirement for polymer-modified mortars.     

Pozzolanic properties of a variety of European clay bricks

Clay bricks from Britain, Denmark, Lithuania and Poland have been ground up, investigated and analysed for particle size distribution, chemical composition, mineralogical content and strength. The ground brick types have also been used to partially replace cement in mortar. Chemical tests for pozzolanic activity confirm that all the brick types investigated have good pozzolanic activity and this is supported by strength development data of the mortar bars. A significant variation in relative strength between mortars made with the different ground brick types and the reasons for this variation are discussed. The work reported involves potential utilization of waste clay bricks in the production of durable mortar and concrete. Cette etude porte sur proprietes pouzzolaniques de briques d'argile pilees provenant de Grande Bretagne, du Danemark, de Lituanie et de Pologne et plus particulierement leur granulometrie, leur composition chimique, leur teneur en mineraux et leur resistance. On a utilise ces types de briques pilees pour remplacer en partie le ciment de mortier. Les essais chimiques prouvent que tous ces types de briques ont une bonne activite pouzzolanique, comme en attestent les donnees d'etude de solidite de barres de mortier. Les auteurs examinent les differences qui existent entre la solidite de barres de mortier. Les auteurs examinent les differences qui existent entre la solidite relative des mortiers prepares a partir des differents types de briques pilees et expliquent les raisons de ces differences. Ils etudient l'utilisation des dechets de briques en argile dans la fabrication de mortiers et de ciments durables.     

树脂涂层与混凝土基面粘结的研究

环氧砂浆涂层在水利水电工程中的应用已有 40年历史。根据工程需要 ,选用适当的材料和配方是保证成功的关键。为此 ,介绍潮湿、水下环氧砂浆和弹性环氧砂浆的工程应用情况 ,以及环氧涂层与混凝土基面之间相互作用及破坏机理的研究     

Untersuchung der thermisch‐hygrischen Eigenschaften von Ziegeln mit Hohlraumfüllung aus Recyclingmaterial

Investigation on the thermal‐hygral behaniour of bricks with canity filling by recycling meterials. In the investigation project was examined whether bricks with simple cavity structure have a higher heat resistance by use of a heat insulation material filling in the cavities. The insulation material is a recycled product made of polystyrene and wood covered and bonded with cement. The influence of the configuration and thickness of the perforated bricks with vertical perforations and the geometry of the cavities of the brick on the thermal moisture states was evaluated. For investigation of the thermal resistance and the heat transmission coefficients were used the simulation program THERM, that considered the heat transportation through conduction in the brick fragments and the transport mechanisms conduction, convection and radiation in the airfilled cavities. The software package WUFI 2D was employed for the investigation of moisture transfer in the bricks. The investigations showed that the composite brick insulation stone has a thermal resistance twice as high as the initial brick. The moisture states can be partially in the brick more than 80 % humidity. This load is estimated as uncritical because the wooden particles are covered with cement slime.     

PB-g-PS胶乳改性水泥砂浆的性能

利用氧化还原引发体系,采用半连续乳液接枝共聚的方法合成了聚丁二烯接枝聚苯乙烯(PB-g-PS)接枝共聚胶乳,其中聚丁二烯(PB)与聚苯乙烯(PS)的质量比为70/30,50/50和30/70.在固定流动度为(175±5)mm,且在20℃水中养护6 d,然后在20℃,相对湿度为65%的空气中养护21 d的混合养护条件下,考察了聚灰比、聚丁二烯与聚苯乙烯的质量比对PB-g-PS胶乳改性水泥砂浆的水灰比、流动度、保水率、抗压和抗折强度以及吸水量的影响,并与羧基丁苯胶乳改性水泥砂浆进行了性能对比试验.结果表明:在一定掺量范围内,胶乳都具有良好的减水作用,能有效提高砂浆的保水性能,显著降低聚合物改性砂浆的毛细孔吸水率;加入聚合物对砂浆力学性能有重要影响,使其抗压强度总体降低,抗折强度部分提高,因此,PB-g-PS胶乳可以作为水泥改性剂使用.     

Thermal and moisture parameters of a dry coarse-grained fill or drainage layer

The thermal conductivity, water vapour permeability, hygroscopic and capillary equilibrium water contents of dry coarse-grained fill and drainage materials are determined by a series of laboratory tests. Test results show that there is a significant difference between the hygroscopic equilibrium moisture contents of the materials and the volumes of water the same material can transport by capillary action. Yet the relative humidity (RH %) is the same in materials either in hygroscopic region or almost fully saturated by capillary action. Therefore the water content is the best indication variable when determining the moisture behaviour of drainage or fill layers next to the foundation or slab structures. In dry conditions the thermal conductivity of coarse-grained drainage materials is significantly lower than the conductivity of moist or wet subsoil layer. In structures where the slab-on-ground structure is built on top of a relatively thick fill or drainage layer, this difference in thermal conductivities between the subsoil and the drainage materials should be taken into consideration when determining the temperature distribution at the fill–slab interface or the heat loss via the ground slab structures.     

养护条件对MgO膨胀剂膨胀性能的影响

对水养、水养转干养和干湿循环养护条件下不同活性MgO膨胀剂(MEA)膨胀性能及水养条件下不同龄期膨胀净浆微观孔结构进行了研究。结果表明:MEA活性越高,其早期膨胀率增速越大,但后期膨胀率增速越慢;水养转干养条件下,干空膨胀落差与MEA活性成正比;干湿循环养护条件下,高活性MgO的补偿收缩效能高于低活性MgO。掺MEA浆体中大于50 nm孔隙的增加可能是砂浆产生膨胀的原因之一;28~180 d时,MEA主要细化的孔区间为20~200 nm。     

Use of diatomite as partial replacement for Portland cement in cement mortars

The aim of the present study is to investigate the use of diatomite as a partial replacement for cement in the production of cement mortar. Diatomite was used at 0%, 5%, 10% and 15% replacement by weight for cement while sand and water quantities were kept constant. Compressive and flexural strength, freeze–thaw resistance, sulfate resistance, water absorption and dry unit weight of the mortars were determined. The compressive and flexural strength decreased with increasing diatomite content for all curing periods. However the compressive strength of the cement mortar which was produced with 5% diatomite content complied with the minimum specified value of given in the standards. Diatomite replacement generally increased the compressive strength of the cement mortar after 25 freezing and thawing cycles. Water absorption of the mortars decreased with the increase of diatomite content except the mortar containing of 15% diatomite. Dry unit weight of the cement mortar was lower than the control mortar because of high porosity of diatomite. The expansion of the cement mortar bars immersed in 5% sodium sulfate solution decreased with increasing diatomite content and generally the sulfate resistance of the mortars was higher than that of the control mortar.     

混凝土多孔砖干燥收缩性能研究

对混凝土多孔砖试块进行了连续60d干燥收缩变形的试验，通过对其在标准养护和自然养护环境中收缩性能的研究，分析了环境温度、相对湿度及龄期对混凝土多孔砖收缩变形的影响，并提出了考虑这些因素的混凝土多孔砖收缩变形估算公式。研究结果可为我国混凝土多孔砖在工程中的应用提供参考依据。