Abstract
The paper discusses the mechanical characterisation tests conducted on the masonry composed of fired solid bricks and earthen mortar. Earth materials are considered favourable from the viewpoint of sustainability. Nonetheless, limited experimental investigations have been made on the mechanical characterisation of earth materials. In the present study, the bricks were taken from existing historical structures in Nepal. The earthen mortar was made from locally available loam. Uniaxial compression, diagonal compression and bending tests were performed. The specimens strengthened with timber and steel members were also tested. The tests showed that the masonry specimens had fair strength in compression, shear and tension. The strengthening with timber and steel members successfully increased the strength and stiffness of the specimens. The paper aims to deepen the understanding of the mechanical behaviour of the masonry composed of fired solid bricks and earthen mortar and to provide suggestions for the strengthening of such masonry.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
