Abstract
Abstract This paper aims to evaluate the interaction between structural masonry walls made of high performance concrete blocks, under vertical loads. Two H-shaped flanged wall series, all full scale and using direct bond, have been analyzed experimentally. In one series, three flanged-walls were built with the central wall (web) supported and, in the other one, three specimens were built without any support at the central web. The load was applied on the central wall and vertical displacements were measured by means of displacement transducers located at eighteen points in the wall-assemblages. The results showed that the estimated load values for the flanges were close to those supported by the walls without central support, where 100% of the load transfer to the flanges occur. The average transfer load rate calculated based on the deformation ratio in the upper and lower section of the flanged-walls, with the central web support, were 37.65% and 77.30%, respectively, showing that there is load transfer from the central wall (web) toward the flanges, particularly in the lower part of the flanged walls. Thus, there is indication that the distribution of vertical loads may be considered for projects of buildings for service load, such as in the method of isolated walls group. For estimation of the failure load, the method that considers the walls acting independently showed better results, due to the fact that failure started at the top of the central wall, where there is no effect of load distribution from the adjacent walls.
Highlights
The improvement in concrete performance is evident due to the necessity of constructing increasingly tall buildings as well as meeting durability requisites
Conclusion n The flanged walls with and without central support evaluated in this study had direct bonding and did not have supporting straps
A reduction in the failure load close to 37% was observed for a reduction in supporting area of approximately 45%. n It was observed that the deformations in the lower region of the central wall were low when compared to the upper region
Summary
The improvement in concrete performance is evident due to the necessity of constructing increasingly tall buildings as well as meeting durability requisites. In Brazil, the ABNT NBR 15961-1 [3] norm allows considering interaction between walls as long as the shear strength limits at the wall interface are respected This consideration is a result of some studies, for instance Capuzzo Neto (2000) [4], Andolfato (2006) [5] and Oliveira (2014) [6], who have researched interconnected walls build from ceramic blocks or concrete. The study of interaction between walls built with high strength concrete blocks can contribute to the understanding of the occurrence of stress standardization, whereas previous papers considered hollowed ceramic blocks or regular concrete blocks This aspect affects directly the safety and costs of masonry projects
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 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.
