Masonry Prisms Research Articles

Effects of Antifreeze Admixtures on Masonry Performance at Subfreezing Temperatures

Concrete brick prisms prepared with Type S masonry mortar that included sodium nitrite and/or nanocellulose as potential antifreeze admixtures were cured for 28 days at -10°C before measuring compressive and flexural bond strengths. Addition of sodium nitrite allowed masonry prisms cured at -10°C to reach 88% and 86% of the compressive and flexural bond strengths, respectively, of control specimens cured at room temperature. Nanocellulose was only effective when used in combination with sodium nitrite, improving the compressive and flexural bond strengths by an additional 3% and 27%, respectively. Results are primarily attributed to the ability of the sodium nitrite to lower the freezing point, allowing hydration to continue in subfreezing conditions, as confirmed by results of companion tests on mortar samples. Both additives also reduced the required w/c ratio and porosity. The findings offer a sustainable alternative to energy-intensive protective heating methods, potentially lengthening the construction season into colder periods.

INFLUENCE OF CONCRETE MASONRY UNIT WEB GEOMETRY ON THE RESISTANCE OF CONCENTRICALLY AND ECCENTRICALLY LOADED HOLLOW MASONRY PRISMS

An experimental investigation of 198 hollow concrete block masonry prisms was conducted to assess the influence of web geometry on their response to either concentric loading using a test setup conforming to CSA S304 requirements or axially eccentric loading. Prisms were five courses tall and one block wide, constructed in running bond, and were either constructed using concrete masonry units with full height webs conforming to the requirements of CSA A165 or ASTM C90, or knock-out units meeting the normalized web area requirements in ASTM C90. The stress versus strain response for prisms constructed with any of the three concrete masonry unit geometries were consistent for each type of loading applied. Prisms constructed with concrete blocks with thicker webs experienced lower strain immediately prior to failure. Results also showed that web geometry influenced resistance to concentric loading but does not affect resistance to eccentric loading.

Investigating the Compressive Strength of Clay Brick Masonry: A Case Study of Nangarhar, Afghanistan

In Afghanistan, masonry structures using burnt clay bricks have long been used for public and private buildings. However, still, there is no standard for masonry structural design based on local material properties. This study investigated the compressive strength of clay brick masonry prisms in Nangarhar, Afghanistan, through experimental testing and finite element modeling (FEM). Three brick classes, with compressive strengths between 8 and 14 MPa, were used to construct prism specimens. The research aimed to propose specific values for masonry compressive strength using local materials and examine the effects of brick strength (fb), mortar strength (fj), joint thickness (tj), and slenderness ratio (h/t) on masonry compressive strength (fm). Test results showed fm values of 17.2 MPa for first-class, 10.0 MPa for second-class, and 7.6 MPa for third-class brick masonry, indicating the influence of the brick’s quality. Key findings showed that an increase in fb causes an equal increase in fm, a 5% increase in fj leads to a 1% increase in fm, a 5 mm increase in tj gives an 8% fm increase, and a 5.5% increase in h/t results in a 1% decrease in fm. The research provides valuable information for evaluating the compressive strength of masonry structures based on the quality of local materials, which can be used to revise Chapter 7 of the Afghanistan Building Code, 2012.

Innovative no-cure mortar for enhanced brick masonry performance: A mechanical properties analysis

The aim of this research study was to develop a novel blend of mortar that requires no curing in masonry construction. For this purpose, locally available materials such as cement, sand, marble waste and Hydroxypropyl Methyl Cellulose (HPMC) were used in the preparation of the novel blend of mortar. The novel blend of mortar was finalized after assessing its properties with variation in the quantities of its constituent materials. Using the finalized blend of mortar, masonry prisms were fabricated and tested at 28 days of age for compression and diagonal tension, while triplet prisms were used for assessing its initial shear parameters. Results of masonry prisms built with the novel blend of mortar were compared with control specimens containing cement-sand mortar cured for different periods. The results indicated that the performance of masonry built with the novel blend is identical to that of conventional masonry cured for 28 days. However, compared to conventional masonry cured for 3 days, the masonry built with novel blend showed a 55%, 12% and 90% enhancement in shear strength, compressive strength and diagonal shear strength, respectively. The novel of blend of mortar can be used in masonry construction without the need of curing.

Predicting compressive strength of hollow concrete prisms using machine learning techniques and explainable artificial intelligence (XAI)

The design of masonry structures requires accurate estimation of compressive strength (CS) of hollow concrete masonry prisms. Generally, the CS of masonry prisms is determined by destructive laboratory testing which results in time and resource wastage. Thus, this study aims to provide machine learning-based predictive models for CS of hollow concrete masonry blocks using different algorithms including Multi Expression Programming (MEP), Random Forest Regression (RFR), and Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGB) etc. A dataset of 159 experimental results was collected from published literature for this purpose. The collected dataset consisted of four input parameters including strength of masonry units (fb), height-to-thickness ratio (h/t), strength of mortar (fm), and ratio of fm/fb and only one output parameter i.e., CS. Out of all the algorithms employed in current study, only MEP and GEP expressed their output in the form of an empirical equation. The accuracy of developed models was assessed using root mean squared error (RMSE), objective function (OF), and R2 etc. Among all algorithms assessed, XGB turned out to be the most accurate having R2 = 0.99 and least OF value of 0.0063 followed by AdaBoost, RFR, and other algorithms. The developed XGB model was also used to conduct different explainable artificial intelligence (XAI) analysis including sensitivity and shapley analysis and the results showed that strength of masonry unit (fb) is the most significant variable in predicting CS. Thus, the ML-based predictive models presented in this study can be utilized practically for determining CS of hollow concrete masonry prisms without requiring expensive and time-consuming laboratory testing.

Behavior of self-sensing masonry structures exposed to high temperatures and rehydration

High temperatures can compromise the structural integrity of structural masonry. Therefore, assessing the post-fire mechanical behavior is crucial for selecting suitable rehabilitation methods. Recent research has proposed the application of self-sensing cementitious composites for monitoring strains, stresses, and damage of structural masonry in room temperature. No previous research has been found on the self-sensing performance of fire-damaged masonry prisms exposed to elevated temperatures, with or without subsequent rehydration. Masonry prisms with integrated self-sensing joints and blocks were produced and exposed to different maximum temperature levels, followed or not by rehydration. Then, experimental tests for determination of compressive strength, modulus of elasticity, gauge factor (GF) and damage-detection performance were carried out. The exposure to 300 ºC caused a 7.4 % decrease in compressive strength and a 44.5 % reduction in elastic modulus. Rehydration methods had negligible effects in this case. After 600 ºC, substantial reductions of 42.2 % in compressive strength and 81.5 % in elastic modulus occurred. In this case, rehydration led to a 15.9 % increase in compressive strength and a 117.4 % increase in elastic modulus. Regardless of the exposure temperature, the predominant rupture mode initiated by vertical cracks originating at the block-mortar interfaces. After 300 ºC, slight GF increases occurred due to the thermal decomposition of hydrates of the cementitious matrix, while exposure to 600 ºC resulted in high GF increases due to partial oxidation of nanomaterials and substantial microcracking propagation. Post-fire curing improved the GF by sealing microcracks with nonconductive rehydration products and enhancing tunneling conduction mechanisms. The self-sensing prisms also demonstrated the ability for real-time damage detection and quantification, providing valuable predictive insights into the propagation of damage.

Influence of The Type of Laying Joint on The Mechanical Behavior of Prisms Made With Ecological Bricks

Objective: This paper proposes the study of the influence of laying joints on the mechanical behavior of masonry prisms made with ecological bricks. Method: To this end, an experimental program was developed including prisms constructed with different types of joints: laying mortar, adhesive mortar and PVA glue (polyvinyl acetate). Results and Discussion: The adhesive mortar and the conventional mortar were characterized in terms of their compressive strength, obtaining a resistance approximately 1.36 times the compressive strength of the brick (6.92±0.51 MPa), while the settlement was close (0.99%). The average compressive strengths of the prisms were very different, demonstrating that the laying joint has a significant influence on cement-based masonry. It was found that the use of adhesive mortar made it possible to increase the resistance capacity of the prisms to compression by 75%, when compared to prisms made with joints that used PVA glue. However, the laying mortar showed a similar result, at 53%. The rupture mode observed in the prisms made with sticky and conventional mortar was due to traction cracking in the brick units. Research Implications: In this study, it can be concluded that when using ecological bricks with different types of joints, the thickness and type of mortar can have a significant influence on the final strength of the materials, however thin joints tend to maximize the effects defects and reduce the resistant capacity of these masonries.

Experimental Evaluation of Compressive Properties of Early-Age Mortar and Concrete Hollow-Block Masonry Prisms within Construction Stages.

Early-age masonry structures require temporary support until they achieve full strength. Nevertheless, there is a limited understanding of the properties of freshly laid masonry and the design of newly constructed, unsupported masonry walls. This situation has led to numerous instances of structural damage and injuries to workers, prompting conservative construction bracing techniques. This paper presents comprehensive experimental studies on early-age mortar cubes and masonry prisms to assess the effects of curing time on the compressive properties of masonry assemblies, which is necessary for the design of temporary bracing. The change in modulus of elasticity and compressive strength of masonry prisms and mortar with curing time has been experimentally assessed. The results indicate that the compressive strength of freshly cast mortar cubes is relatively insignificant until approximately 24 h after construction, when it was observed to increase logarithmically. Regarding the performance perspective, the compressive strength of early-age masonry prisms is inconsiderable, less than 15% of full strength during the first day after construction. By contrast, regarding the life safety perspective, the compressive properties of a mortar joint within a masonry assembly (which is of more practical interest) appear to have no effect on the failure strength of concrete masonry prisms over the range of ages tested. The failure modes of the early-age mortar cubes and early-age masonry prism samples depend on the curing time, and different failure modes occurred before and after the start of the primary hydration phase, which is 20.8 h after construction. It is anticipated that the proposed research will provide valuable material properties leading to efficient design of control devices (e.g., temporary bracing) and improved guidelines for concrete-block masonry construction.

Reliable unit strength correlations to predict the compressive strength of grouted concrete masonry

Compressive strength of grouted concrete masonry is an important parameter to design reinforced/grouted concrete masonry walls. The design standards stipulate two methods to determine the compressive strength of masonry (1) using tabulated unit strength and mortar type, and (2) testing representative masonry prisms. The compressive strength prediction of grouted concrete masonry is influenced by compressive strength values of hollow blocks, mortar and grout, and their geometries. Therefore, a multi-level approach was employed in this study to improve the existing unit strength correlations of the standards for more reliable prediction of compressive strengths of grouted concrete masonry. The existing methods to determine the compressive strength of grouted masonry were critically appraised and a database of compression tests of grouted concrete masonry prisms/wallettes was developed. This database was then used to evaluate the correlations between the compressive strengths of block, mortar, grout and masonry. The applicability of existing unit strength correlations from the design standards and literature were assessed and their relevancy and limitations are highlighted. Subsequently, updated sets of unit strength correlations are proposed in this study, through statistical reliability analyses of the predictions against the experimental results included in the database. The proposed unit strength correlations were classified according to the mortar type/strengths (≤ 10 MPa and > 10 MPa). It has been shown that the new correlations are more structurally reliable than the existing unit strength correlations through comparing the 95th percentile error values.

Fragility functions for masonry infill walls in RC frames with the in-plane and out-of-plane loading

This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of masonry infill walls under both in-plane and out-of-plane loading, offering limit state criteria and fragility functions. Four distinct damage states are defined to capture damage evolution under diverse loading conditions. The research establishes a thorough database documenting in-plane and out-of-plane drift levels corresponding to each damage state, derived from experimental testing on masonry-infilled frame specimens from existing literature. Fragility functions were developed based on in-plane or out-of-plane drifts for four distinct damage states. The study systematically evaluates the influences of masonry prism compressive strength, slenderness ratio, and aspect ratio. Notably, the impact of prior in-plane damage on out-of-plane vulnerabilities is investigated. The study introduces equations designed to predict changes in the central tendency and dispersion parameters of out-of-plane drift thresholds, accounting for variations in prior in-plane drift ratios. It’s crucial to highlight that the empirical fragility functions proposed in this study are exclusively based on experimental tests involving tight-fit single-leaf infill walls without openings or modifications.

Simple double shooting approach with bisection for FRCM reinforced curved masonry prisms subjected to shear

In this study, curved masonry pillars reinforced with FRCM subjected to standard shear tests are analyzed through a novel mono-dimensional model, where failure is governed by Mode II. Three approaches with different accuracy are proposed: i) the first, where the outer matrix is neglected; ii) the second, where the inner matrix is assumed rigid; and iii) the third which considers both matrix layers. Matrix and fiber are assumed subjected to a monoaxial state of stress and exchange tangential stresses at the interfaces. The load is applied by incrementing the displacement at the free fiber edge. Material properties of matrix, fiber and interfaces are assumed constant on small portions of the bonded length. Non-linearity is considered penalizing the elastic modulus using the results of the previous time step. The substrate is assumed rigid. The substrate curvature influence is manifested through interface normal stresses, incorporated into the bond-slip constitutive behavior via the Mohr-Coulomb law. The normal stresses can be determined by enforcing radial equilibrium. For the first two models, the field problem is constituted by a system of two 2nd order differential equations into two variables, namely the displacement of the inner (or outer) layer of mortar and of the fiber textile. A 1D shooting is employed, after having converted the boundary value problem (BVP) into an initial value one (IVP), being the latter fully explicit. For the third model, the field problem is constituted by a system of three 2nd order differential equations, and an additional displacement variable is introduced, necessitating a 2D shooting. The validation is carried out through comparisons with existing experimental data. Good predictions of the load-slip curves, for different strengthening configurations (extrados and intrados with two curvature radii), are observed. In addition, an insight into local stress distributions and material degradation for matrix layers and interfaces is obtained.

Short Jute Fiber Reinforced Cement Mortar for Out-of-Plane Strengthening of Masonry Prisms

The retrofitting process contributes to the sustainability of the construction sector, since adopting measures to increase the lifespan of buildings reduces the need for new constructions. However, many of the materials used in this process come from nonrenewable sources and require significant water and energy consumption for production. The aim of this study is to assess the viability of using a more environmentally friendly mortar coating reinforced with short jute fibers (SJFRM) to reinforce ceramic brick masonry walls. Both coated and uncoated prisms were subjected to compression and flexural tests under two-point (line) out-of-plane loading. The reinforcement layer comprised mortar without fibers and mortars reinforced with jute fibers at levels of 2% and 4%, with lengths of 20 mm and 40 mm. Physical and mechanical tests were conducted to evaluate the properties of SJFRM in both fresh and hardened states. Results indicate that the compressive and flexural strengths were enhanced with SJFRM reinforcement due to alterations in the failure mode of the prisms. The fibers impede crack propagation in the reinforcement layer, enabling better redistribution of internal stresses in the prisms. This results in an increase of 6 to 9 times in stiffness under direct compression and up to 42 times in toughness under flexion in the prisms reinforced with SJFRM when compared to uncoated prisms.

Stress Strain Behaviour of Solid Block Masonry Prism under Axial Compression

Masonry is possibly the primary construction element currently in widespread use throughout the world. Load-bearing masonry building is prevalent in developing countries for home construction. When properly constructed, masonry is frequently a more cost-effective and energy-efficient alternative to reinforced concrete for wall building. In addition to performing the dual roles of supporting weight and enclosing space, structural masonry boasts a high level of fire resistance, thermal and acoustic insulation, and exposure protection. The remarkable durability and low maintenance costs are further evident benefits. Masonry has a significant role in building construction, particularly in structures, as it is regarded as the primary component of the building. The eco-friendly solid block is prepared by adding the following by-products like coal ash, granite powder, olivine sand etc., all these ingredients used for manufacturing the solid block are waste materials from various industries. Thus, extensive testing is necessary to assess their load carrying capacity and secant modulus accurately. Masonry prisms were developed with five-layer solid blocks and tested for their stress-strain characteristics and secant modulus and the test outcomes were compared with conventional fly ash cement blocks. Eco-friendly solid blocks offer a persuasive substitute for ecologically conscious approaches to building by preserving structural integrity and functionality while promoting sustainability.

Experimental and Numerical Study on the Behavior of Small-Scaled Masonry Prisms and Beams Strengthened with ECC

Experimental and Numerical Study on the Behavior of Small-Scaled Masonry Prisms and Beams Strengthened with ECC

Shear behavior of hollow clay brick masonry wallet coated with short jute fiber reinforced mortar

The objective of this study is to present a new method of reinforcing masonry using layers of mortar reinforced with short jute fibers. Mortars were produced with 0%, 2% and 3% jute fibers with cementitious matrices free of calcium hydroxide. The effectiveness of the reinforced mortar was evaluated through diagonal compression tests of hollow ceramic brick masonry prisms. The prisms were coated on both sides. The experimental results demonstrated that the diagonal resistance of the fiber system increased by 28 to 30% and presented greater resistance to elastic deformation during load application, with deformation coefficients 2 and 3 times greater for 2% and 3% of fibers, respectively. Therefore, jute fibers prove to be a sustainable and efficient alternative for masonry reinforcement applications, with maximum applied loads considerably higher than the unreinforced system, in addition to better crack control.

Development of predictive model for compressive strength of eco-brick masonry walls using numerical method

The usage of waste plastics in the form of eco-bricks for the construction of buildings is gradually gaining traction. However, the performance of eco-brick masonry walls is not sufficiently known, and the process of setting up experimental rigs for the conduct of compressive strength test of masonry are usually cumbersome and expensive. This study investigated the compressive strength performance of eco-brick masonry walls and developed a predictive model for evaluating the strength of eco-brick masonry walls. Waste polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles were physically recycled and utilised to manufacture four samples of eco-bricks, strength grades 40.5, 21.02, 13.52 and 3.05 N/mm2 using stone dust, sharp sand and laterite at predetermined moisture contents. The eco-bricks were laid with seven grades of mortar to build 54 eco-brick masonry prisms. A quasi-static compressive loading test was carried out on the masonries, and predictive models were developed using multiple non-linear regression. The study found that eco-brick masonry prisms supported large loads and failed due to the propagation of tensile cracks and debonding of the units. The study also found that the compressive strength of eco-brick masonry is a power function of the compressive strength of eco-bricks and the mortar used for the bonding. It was determined that the mean ratio of the expected to experimental prism strength was 1.002. The mathematical model developed in this study for predicting the strength of eco-brick masonries can significantly evaluate the compressive strength of eco-brick masonry.

Axial compressive and cyclic lateral behavior of a structural masonry prism constructed from crushed COVID‐19 face masks concrete bricks

AbstractDiscarded medical face masks endanger the environment worldwide. In this study, experiments were conducted to investigate the effect of a shredded face mask (SFM) at 0% (control mix), 0.5%, 1.0%, and 2.0% by volume of concrete in the form of pieces that were 1 cm wide and 2 cm long on the properties of fresh and hardened concrete. After performing experimental testing on the materials, finite element masonry prisms with dimensions of 400 × 200 × 560 mm3 were modeled on the ANSYS platform. Four prisms with different fabric contents were numerically examined to study the compressive behavior, and 12 prisms with three different mortar joints were analyzed under an incremental horizontal load in the presence of four vertical displacements of 0.5, 1.0, 3.0, and 4.5 mm. The results revealed that increasing the SFM content in concrete led to a decrease in fresh and hardened concrete properties, including density, slump, split‐tensile strength, and compressive strength, by 9.5%, 20%, 24%, and 34%, respectively, compared with the control concrete at 0.5%. Moreover, the addition of 0.5% SFMs to the prism bricks reduced the maximum compressive load, deflection, and strain energy by 24%, 10%, and 39%, respectively. Altering the mortar type and vertical load affected the lateral cyclic behavior of the prisms. Compared with the M3 prism subjected to the same axial displacement, the M2 prism had 21.36%, 11%, 27.2%, and 10.48% higher lateral peak load, lateral peak displacement, equivalent stress, and strain energy, respectively. Furthermore, the lateral stiffness of the prism increases as the axial pressure increases. The lateral peak load of the M3 prism measured at 1.0, 3.0, and 4.5 mm axial displacement was raised by 60%, 142%, and 182%, respectively, as compared with the same prism at 0.5 mm axial displacement. The outcome provides a feasible concept for reusing masks in concrete construction with controllable strength deterioration on the masonry prism at 0.5% recycled SFM, resulting in attractive responses of these composites at the nonstructural scale

THE IMPORTANCE OF BRICKS AND MORTAR IN DETERMINING THE STRENGTH OF MASONRY WALLS

Brick masonry walls are a type of construction that is in great demand, because the material is easy to obtain at a cheap price. Additionally, the process does not require any special skills. The strength of the wall is greatly influenced by the strength of the materials that make it up, namely bricks and mortar as adhesive. The role of bricks and mortar in creating wall strength needs to be investigated for their effectiveness. This research aims to obtain an overview of the effectiveness of the role of bricks or mortar in forming the compressive strength of masonry walls. To get the illustration in question, a compressive strength test of mortar, brick and masonry walls was carried out which was represented by masonry prism test objects referring to ASTM C1314-07. The test results are then compared to get an idea of the relationship between the three. From the research results it can be concluded that the compressive strength of masonry walls is determined more by the compressive strength of the bricks, but is also influenced by the compressive strength of the mortar. The higher the compressive strength of the mortar, the compressive strength of the wall will increase, but it is not significant. Therefore, the use of high strength mortar is less effective in increasing wall strength.

Evaluation and estimation of compressive strength of concrete masonry prism using gradient boosting algorithm.

The compressive strength (CS) of the hollow concrete masonry prism is known as an important parameter for designing masonry structures. In general, the CS is determined using laboratory tests, however, laboratory tests are time-consuming and high-cost. Thus, it is necessary to evaluate and estimate the CS using different methods, for example, machine learning techniques. This study employed Gradient Boosting (GB) to evaluate and predict the CS of hollow masonry prism. The database consists of 102 hollow concrete specimens taken from different previous published literature used for modeling. The output is the CS of the hollow masonry prism, while the inputs include the compressive strength of mortar (fm), the compressive strength of blocks (fb), height-to-thickness ratio (h/t), the ratio of fm/fb. To reduce the overfitting problem, this study used K-Fold cross-validation, then particle swarm optimization (PSO) was employed to obtain the optimum hyperparameter. The GB model then was modeled using the optimum hyperparameters. The results showed that the GB model performed very well in evaluating and predicting the CS of the hollow masonry prims with a high prediction accuracy, the values of R2, RMSE, MAE, and MAPE are 0.977, 0.803 MPa, 0.612 MPa, and 0.036%, respectively. The performance of the GB model in this study outperformed in comparison to six different machine learning models (decision tree, linear regression, random forest regression, ridge regression, Artificial Neural network, and Extreme Gradient Boosting) used in previous studies. The results of sensitivity analysis using SHAP and PDP-2D indicate that the CS is strongly dependent on the fb (with a mean SHAP value of 3.2), h/t (with a mean SHAP value of 1.63), while the fm/fb (with a mean SHAP value of 0.57) had a small effect on the CS. Thus, it can be stated that this research provides a good method to evaluate and predict the CS of the hollow masonry prism, which can bring good knowledge for practical application in this field.

Experimental investigation of the compressive and shear behaviours of grouted and hollow masonry constructed with PVA fibre-reinforced mortar and grout

Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) fibres are ultra-high-performance fibres that can be used to reinforce cementitious composites. This study experimentally investigated the compression and shear behaviours of grouted and hollow masonry constructed with fibre-reinforced mortar (FRM) used for the joints and/or PVA fibre-reinforced grout (FRG). In this regard, the effect of increasing the fibre content of 6 mm PVA fibres in the FRM on the behaviour of masonry was investigated. Moreover, the effect of changing the fibre length (8 mm and 13 mm PVA fibres) and the fibre content of 13 mm PVA fibres in the FRG on the behaviour of masonry was investigated. This was accomplished by constructing and testing 31 masonry prisms and 29 masonry assemblages. The behaviour of PVA-reinforced masonry was evaluated based on compressive strength, shear strength, modulus of elasticity, modulus of rigidity, compressive strain at peak compressive stress, shear strain at peak shear stress, compression ductility index and compression toughness. In addition, the compression and shear stress-strain curves, failure modes and crack propagation of PVA-reinforced masonry were compared with unreinforced masonry. It was concluded that using PVA fibres in the grout minimized the masonry face shell spalling, and most of the post-peak deterioration appeared in the form of masonry cracks and less face shell spalling compared with unreinforced masonry. In addition, using PVA-FRM only or PVA-FRM with PVA-FRG could increase the compressive strength of grouted masonry. In contrast, using PVA-FRM did not change the compressive strength of hollow masonry. Furthermore, all grouted assemblages with PVA-FRM and PVA-FRG (except for assemblages with 13 mm PVA-FRG with a fibre content of 0.10% by weight of grout) have similar average shear strength compared with unreinforced assemblages. Finally, As the fibre content of 6 mm PVA fibres in the FRM of hollow assemblages increased, the shear strength and the modulus of rigidity decreased. This study highlights the improvements and drawbacks of using PVA Fibres in mortar and grout on the compressive and shear performances of hollow and grouted masonry.