The Strength and Behaviour of Brickwork in Flexure

Abstract

This thesis is the result of a programme of work concerned with the
flexural strength and behaviour of brickwork beams.
The physical properties of the constituent materials are examined in
the light of existing knowledge and specific tests of compressive
strength, tensile strength, adhesion and modulus of elasticity are
carried out for the individual constituent materials (bricks and
mortars) and for the composite material (brickwork) that are used in
subsequent beam tests.

A theoretical solution is presented for shallow brickwork beams using
a theory analogous to that frequently used for beams of laminated
cross-sections based upon considerations that the beam is not of a
homogenerus material, a number of simply supported beams are tested
and analysed by the proposed theory.

Deep beams supported by a vertical shear force st sach end are anni ysed
by a theory developed from the Theory of Flasticiiy using Aivey stress
functions, stress equaticns are achieved that regult in the ideal cone
ditions of stress free ends at the vertical ené faces of the beam, A
method for the determination of the stress functions is gives from the
expansion of a doubly infinite power series.

Tests are carried out to determine the distribution of flexural stress
at mid span of some deep beams, these tests validate the proposed theory
end give some indication of the arching action that takes place in soma
deep beams,

Arching action is considered for beams restrained in the longitudinal
place, A number of direction, assuming that a tension failure has taken
of restrained mortar beams are tested to obtain the load/ deflection
relationships and ultimate strengths for beams of various span/ depth
ratios.

Date of Award	1972
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	Aston University