Compressive strength of masonry

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Masonry constructions can be loaded by compression, tension and shear. In particular in case of compression load, as a composite material of masonry unit and mortar, masonry shows its capability. The prediction of the masonry compressive strength is usually carried out empirically or by means of appropriate mechanical models. Because of the widely varying relevant parameters of masonry units (geometry, hole content, material), mortar properties (density, Poisson's ratio, strength) and the influence of the water absorbing characteristics of the units, a precise prediction is only possible in individual cases. In consequence of the large number of main influencing parameters, a parameter space is spanned, which can not be systematically covered only by experimental studies. Within the scope of this research project, however, a sufficient number of experiments is to be conducted in order to develop and to vaildate a model to predict the compressive strength of masonry. In order to be able to capture other unit-mortar combinations economically, the experimental investigations are supported by FE-modeling. With this work, an engineering model shall be developed, which, until the initial crack formation, is based on the fracture model of Hilsdorf and shall be expanded to include a proportion of non-linearity up to the compressive strength. In the end, the research project shall result in a new concept to calculate the masonry compressive strength, which allows a much more realistic and also more economic assessment of the bearing capacity under compressive load.