Variations in Strength of Concrete and Masonary Units

Abstract

Variations In Strength Of Concrete And Masonary Units Solid concrete masonry blocks manufactured using multi-block making machines are used in masonry laid either on edge or on face. The muIti-block making machine produces a bale of blocks at each laying operation. Tests on blocks of complete bales indicate a significant systematic strength variation between the blocks in a bale.

The measured strengths of the blocks is considerably higher for the on face direction than for the on edge direction. The difference in measured strengths is generally attributed to platen restraint or to aspect ratio effect, however experiments indicate that the material in the blocks has significant directional strength variations.

Conclusion

Mobile multi-block making machines are capable of economically producing a variety of concrete masonry units, the most commonly used ofwhich is the standard normal density solid block, measuring 440mm by 215mm by 100mm. The results of compressive strength tests carried out on complete bales of standard solid blocks manufactured by a multi-block laying machine