Studies on Uniaxial compressive strength of laterite masonry prisms

Abstract

Laterite is a well known conventional building material in Asian countries. In spite of its large popularity in construction, a systematic characterization of this material, as a building block, has not been seriously attempted so far. The strength and elastic properties of laterite masonry are influenced by the individual properties of the laterite blocks and the mortar. In the present study, characterization of the laterite block and the mortar and compressive strength of laterite masonry prisms have been investigated using detailed laboratory experiments and numerical analysis. The experimental results, related to the compressive strength and stress-strain characteristics of laterite and mortar and compressive strength of laterite masonry prisms are presented. Finite element analysis of laterite masonry prism has also been carried out. The studies have shown that the modulus of elasticity of laterite blocks tested is less than that of mortar used in making the laterite masonry. Further, the laterite masonry prisms have been observed to have failed by bond failure and subsequent splitting of laterite blocks. Also, increase in thickness of mortar joint gives rise to a decrease in laterite tensile stresses in mortar joint leading to higher prism strengths, if bond remains intact. © 2011 CAFET-INNOVA technical society. All right reserved.