Abstract
Abstract This paper is motivated by the need for studies relevant to the strength of the construction of Al-Malwiya historic minaret in Samarra. A combination of experimental tests and an empirical formula is used to present the first approach for predicting the compressive strength of the masonry of Al-Malwiya. The experimental tests are conducted by testing samples of the historic clay bricks to evaluate the compressive strength of the masonry units. A number of empirical models are investigated to choose the most compatible model since there was inability to perform tests for the ancient gypsum mortar of the minaret. The empirical formula presented by Australian standard is found to be the most suitable formula for this study because it takes into consideration multiple parameters, in addition to its applicability for the low strength mortars as the ancient gypsum mortar in the minaret. A conservative value of 4.1 MPa is adopted in present study to predict the compressive strength of the masonry of Al-Malwiya.
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