Load Carrying Capacity of Brick Masonry Dome

Abstract

In this Load Carrying Capacity of Brick Masonry Dome paper the results of an experimental investigation carried out to determine the load carrying capacity of brick masonry dome in mud mortar is reported. Dome has been constructed without using formwork. Dome of span 3m, thickness 0.075m, and central rise 0.6m has been considered in the study.

The entire outer surface of the dome was subjected to uniformly distributed load of upto an intensity of 2.845kN/sq m. Further more, the dome was also subjected to partial uniformly distributed load around the crown upto an angle of α = 6.309 degree measured from the crown

Conclusion

The brick masonry dome in mud mortar when subjected to uniformly distributed load over the entire outer surface of dome did not fail upto a load of magnitude 2.83kN/m2 in dry condition.The brick masonry dome in mud mortar in wet condition failed under a 6.13kN partially uniformly distributed load around the crown upto an angle of 6.309 degree measured from the crown. Single course brick masonry dome in mud mortar of 0.075m thick can be effectively used as alternative roofing upto spans of 3.0m.