Abstract
Abstract An experimental program on reinforced concrete masonry beams was conducted aiming to better understand the behavior of reinforced masonry beams. The beams were designed to fail in flexure, assessing cracking patterns, maximum displacement, ultimate bending moment, and maximum flexural and axial compression strain. The experimental program included 12 reinforced masonry beam tested under flexure and built with bond-beam and hollow concrete blocks. Also, two type of prism were built and tested; one type stacked into the block greater dimension allowing testing with compression in the same direction as in the beams; and the second type as standard grouted prisms. Results indicate an average masonry compression strength parallel to bed joint 25% lower than the masonry compression strength in the other direction (perpendicular to bed joints). There was a significant increase on the beam stiffness due to the construction of one more block course. The model used to calculate the ultimate bending moment led to values close to the experimental result (difference of about 15%). Finally, the ultimate average shortening strain of masonry at axial compression was 50% lower than at flexural compression.
Highlights
Beams are horizontal elements used to overcome spans over openings
The beams were designed to fail in flexure, assessing cracking patterns, maximum displacement, ultimate bending moment, and maximum flexural and axial compression strain
The experimental program included 12 reinforced masonry beam tested under flexure and built with bond-beam and hollow concrete blocks
Summary
When made in masonry can be constructed with bricks, blocks or with hollow blocks. They are usually reinforced, to concrete beams, allowing expressive increase in flexural strength [1]. Reinforced structural masonry beams were used in the structure of transition floors, called pilotis. Knowing more about the behavior of reinforced structural masonry beams, they can be safely more frequently used. Some advantages of the use of reinforced masonry beams are: n Reduction of formwork, since the beam blocks allow building beams from blocks; n Cost reduction of the carpenter labor to produce structural masonry beams, and; n Decrease in the final cost of the work if the above items are considered in the costs
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