Behaviour of concrete block masonry

prisms under axial compression

E.H. Fahmy and T.G.M. Ghoneim

Abstract: A nonlinear three-dimensional finite element model was developed to study the complex
behavior of ungrouted and grouted concrete block masonry prisms under axial compression. The model
detects crack initiation and traces crack propagation in the masonry assemblage. Variable strengths for
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blocks, mortar, and grout were used to study the effect of the mechanical properties of prism
constituents, and their combinations, on the prism strength and modulus of elasticity. The effect of the
number of courses was also investigated. The results of the finite element analysis were used to develop
simplified relationships to predict prism strength and modulus of elasticity. Good agreement was
observed between the available experimental data and the predicted prism strengths.
Key words: compressive strength, concrete blocks, failure modes, finite element, masonry, modulus of
elasticity, prisms.

Resum6 : Un modkle d'ClCments finis tridimensionnels non linCaires a CtC dCveloppC pour Ctudier le
comportement complexe de prismes de ma~onneriede blocs de bCton IiaisonnCe par injection et non
IiaisonnCe, soumis i une compression axiale. Le modkle dCtecte l'amorce de fissures et retrace la
propagation de celles-ci dans l'assemblage de ma~onnerie.Des resistances variables pour les blocs, le
mortier et le coulis ont CtC utilisCes pour Ctudier l'effet des propriCtCs mCcaniques des composantes des
For personal use only.

prismes, et leurs combinaisons, sur la resistance et le module d'ClasticitC des prismes. L'effet du
nombre d'assises a Cgalement CtC analysC. Les rCsultats de l'analyse par la mCthode des ClCments finis
ont CtC utilisCs pour Claborer des relations simples permettant de prCvoir la rtsistance et le module
d'ClasticitC des prismes. Une bonne concordance a Ct observCe entre les donnCes expkrimentales
existantes et les rksistances prkvues.
Mots clis : rrtsistance en compression, blocs de biton, mode d'Cchec, Clement fini, ma~onnerie,module
dlClasticitC, prismes.
[Traduit par la redaction]

Introduction can practically be considered representative for masonry

Compressive strength is the most important characteristic of
masonry. CAN3-S304-M84 and ACI 530-88IASCE 5-88 use
the prism compressive strength as a basis for determining the
allowable stresses for masonry under different loading con-
ditions. Grout provides large cross-sectional area, which
increases the compressive load carrying capacity of masonry.
Hamid and Drysdale (1979) have developed a mathematical
model to predict the prism strength depending on the mechani-
cal properties of prism components. Cheema and Klingner
(1986) have developed an analytical model for masonry
prism considering the constituents as linear elastic materials.
They accounted for material nonlinearity by using the secant
modulus of elasticity. Boult (1979) and Hamid and Chuk-
wunenye (1986) have shown that a three-course prism model
Received July 18, 1994.
Revised manuscript accepted January 31, 1995.
E.H. Fahmy and T.G.M. Ghoneim. Construction
Engineering Unit, The American University in Cairo,
P.O. Box 2511, Cairo, Egypt.
Written discussion of this paper is welcomed and will be
received by the Editor until February 29, 1996 (address
inside front cover).
Can. J. Civ. Eng. 22: 898-915 (1995). Printed in Canada 1 Imprimt au Canada
strength investigation.
This paper presents the results of an investigation to
(i) study the stress distributions and failure modes of ungrouted
and grouted concrete masonry prisms under axial compres-
sion; (ii) determine the effect of the mechanical properties of
the prism constituents and number of courses on the prism
strength and modulus of elasticity; and (iii) develop simpli-
fied relationships to predict the prism strength and modulus
of elasticity.
The finite element method was used in the present study
to obtain a detailed description of stress distributions in the
three orthogonal directions of the prism.
Finite element model
A nonlinear three-dimensional finite element model was
developed using ANSYS finite element package (Swanson
Analysis Systems Inc. 1990). A three-dimensional concrete
element with eight nodes, each having three translation
degrees of freedom, was used in this model. This element
accommodates material nonlinearity, cracking, and crushing
of concrete. To simplify the complexity of the geometry and
interaction of prism constituents, the following assumptions
were made:
(i) For ungrouted prisms, mortar was placed along the full
 Fahmy and Ghoneim
Fig. 1. Stress-strain behavior of an imposed force test, nth iteration.
a'
t
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cross-sectional area of the block units, as recommended by
Harnid and Chukwunenye (1986). Although the Canadian
code (CAN3-S304-M84) neglects the webs in calculating the
ungrouted prism strength, Hamid and Chukwunenye (1986)
have shown that the vertical stress distribution at the face-
shell along the height of faceshell-bedded prisms is highly
nonuniform compared to that of full-bedded prisms. They
have also shown that larger lateral tensile stresses are created
in the webs due to the beam action caused by the gap between
the webs.
(ii) Tapering of faceshells and webs was eliminated with
the minimum thickness of faceshells and webs considered.
This assumption may not affect the results of the ungrouted
prisms, where the contribution of mortar is governed by the
minimum cross-sectional area of faceshells and webs. On the
other hand, for grouted prisms, it leads to neglecting the
effect of tapering on the grout column.
(iii) Perfect bond (no slippage) was assumed at the inter-
faces between blocks and mortar. It has been shown (Hamid
and Chukwunenye 1986) that the shear stresses developed at
the block-mortar interfaces are far below the frictional
resistance due to normal compressive stresses, which justi-
fies the second assumption.
The nonlinear material behavior was modeled by the
Besseling (sublayer) model that allows for a multilinear
stress -strain behavior. The criterion for failure of concrete
under multiaxial state of stress was expressed in the follow-
ing form (Swanson Analysis Systems Inc. 1990):
where F is a function of the principal stress state, and S is
a failure surface expressed in terms of the material compres-
sive strength, f,,and tensile strength, f,. If [1] is not satis-
fied, no cracking or crushing occurs. Otherwise, if any
principal stress is tensile, the material will crack with the
crack plane normal to the direction of that principal stress.
Crushing will occur if [I] is satisfied and the three principal
stresses are compressive.
In the finite element program, cracking was modeled
using the smeared crack modeling technique, in which an
adjustment of material properties was made by introducing a
plane of weakness in a direction normal to the crack face.
Also, a shear transfer coefficient, P,, was introduced to
represent the shear strength reduction factor for the subse-
quent loads which induce sliding (shear) across the crack
face. If the crack closes, all compressive stresses normal to
the crack plane are transmitted across the crack plane and
only a shear reduction factor, PC, for a closed crack is intro-
duced. In the finite element model, P, and PC were taken as
0.10 and 0.80, respectively.
Due to nonlinearity, small load increments were applied
to allow for solution convergence. Convergence is achieved
when the plasticity ratio, ~ E P ' / E ~ '(Fig.
, 1) at all integration
points in the structure is less than a preset value p (Swanson
Analysis Systems Inc. 1990). A large value of p would lead
to less accurate computed (converged) stresses; a very small
value of p would significantly increase the number of itera-
tions required for convergence. For the present finite ele-
ment model, this value was taken as 0.01. The integrity of
the structure due to progressive cracking was checked after
each load increment. Failure was assumed to occur when the
plasticity ratio was higher than the preset value or if non-
converged concrete elements exist.
A model representing one-eighth of a three-course prism
(Fig. 2) was used. The values of x-displacements of plane
OCGD; Y-displacements of plane BCGF, and Z-displace-
ments of plane OABC were set to zero, as they are planes of

Fig. 2. Finite element model.
z4 e \7
Grout
(If an,)
D (Hamid and Chukwunenye 1986); and the mortar split-
Web -
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symmetry. The upper face was subjected to uniform vertical
displacement and zero lateral restraint to simulate a friction-
less loading platen in an experimental test.
I Material characteristics
Parabolic curves were adopted to represent the stress - strain
relationship of blocks, mortar, and grout materials. The
adopted curves pass through points a, b, and c (Fig. 3a)
defined as follows: point a is the origin; point b represents
the stress defined by the initial modulus of elasticity, El, at
25 % of the full strain range; and point c is the stress defined
by the secant modulus of elasticity, E0.2, at 0.2% strain.
The initial modulus of elasticity of block units, Eib, was
taken as (ACI 31 8 M-83)
[2] El, = 0 . 0 4 3 ~ ;56
where wb is the unit weight of block a n d h b is the compres-
sive strength of the block unit. Furthermore, for the finite
element model, the parabolic curve was replaced by a multi-
linear five-segment curve (Fig. 3b). Poisson's ratio was con-
sidered as 0.18 (Hamid and Chukwunenye 1986). The block
splitting tensile strength, Ab, was taken as (Cheema and
Klingner 1986)
whereLb is the compressive strength of the material of the
block unit. The stress-strain relationship for mortar was
idealized using the same procedure for blocks (Fig. 4). The
initial modulus of elasticity, Eim, was taken as (Cheema and
Klingner 1986)
Can. J. Civ. Eng. Vol. 22, 1995
where f,, is the mortar compressive strength. The secant
modulus at 0.2% strain, E0.2m,was taken as %Ei,; and the
confined mortar behavior was described by an idealized
stress -strain curve depending on the block strength (Cheema
and Klingner 1986). Poisson's ratio was taken as 0.21
ting tensile strength, Am, was determined as (Cheema and
Klingner 1986)
Hedstrom and Hogan (1990) have shown that a linear
relationship between grout strength, f,,, and its modulus of
elasticity is more appropriate than the ACI 530-88 formula-
tion that relates the grout modulus of elasticity to the square
root of its strength. Hence, in the present model, the grout
initial modulus of elasticity, Ei,, was taken as 950f,,; the
secant modulus of elasticity of grout at 0.2% strain, E0,2g,
was taken as %E%;the ultimate strain was taken as 0.3%;
and Poisson's ratio was taken as 0.21. The grout splitting
tensile strength, A,, was taken as
Analytical model verification
To verify the validity of the finite element idealization for
blocks, five block units (type A) with dimensions 190 x
190 x 390 mm which meet the ASTM C90 requirements
for dimensions, absorption, and strength of normal weight
grade N units were tested under compression, and fitted with
a strain measurement device, to determine the compressive
strength and modulus of elasticity of the units. The measured
dimensions of the block units were used to define the geome-
try of a finite element model for one block unit. Using the
experimentally determined unit weight and compressive
strength of the block units, the idealized stress-strain relation-
ship for the block units material was determined. Figure 5
shows the comparison between the experimentally obtained
stress-strain curve for block units type A, with its 95 % con-
fidence interval, and that obtained from the finite element
analysis. The good agreement between the experimental and
analytical results (Table 1) verifies the validity of the finite
element idealization.
Analytical investigation
Having proved the validity of the finite idealization for block
units, the model was extended by assuming two other types
of block units (B and C). The two types were taken such that
the initial modulus of elasticity was increased over that of
type A by 25 % and 50%, respectively. The three types had
the same geometry, thus the block strength and modulus of
elasticity would be the only parameters affecting the prism
characteristics. Three types of mortar (Nl, N2, and S) con-
forming with ASTM C270, and CSA A224, requirements
and two types of grout (GW and GN) complying to ASTM
C1091 requirements were used in the analysis. Table 2 shows
the properties of blocks, mortar, and grout.
The prism specimens were grouped into four groups to
determine the effect of the properties of the constituent mate-
rials on the prism behavior, and to study the effect of the
number of courses on the prism, for both ungrouted and
 Fahmy and Ghoneim
Fig. 3. Stress-strain relationship of block units.
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Strain (xloP3)
Fig. 4. Stress-strain relationship of mortar.
20
For personal use only.
Strain (x 1O-R)
grouted prisms. Tables 3-5 show the details of the prism
groups and the results of the finite element analysis for
ungrouted and grouted prisms, respectively.
Results and discussion
Stress distribution in the precracking stage
For both ungrouted and grouted prisms, the block units were
under tensile stress in both transverse directions. For
ungrouted prisms, the stresses normal to the thickness were
larger than those in the direction of the thickness. The full
height of the middle block was under tension in both trans-
verse directions, while for the top and bottom blocks, the
stresses decreased to nearly zero at the mid-height of the
blocks (Fig. 6). For grouted prisms, the full height of blocks
i
was under nearly equal lateral tensile stresses, as shown in
Fig. 7. For both ungrouted and grouted prisms, the lateral
tensile stresses along the webs were higher than those for
the faceshells, especially near the interior corners, indicating
that cracks would initiate in the webs. Mortar, in both cases,
and grout were under a state of triaxial compression. For
both ungrouted and grouted prisms, the prism maximum ver-
tical strain, and accordingly the maximum vertical stress,
before cracking increased with the increase of mortar strength.
For grouted prisms, the prism maximum vertical strain before
cracking decreased, while the maximum stress increased,
with increasing grout strength for the same type of blocks
and mortar. Generally, the prism maximum vertical strain
before cracking was less for the grouted prisms than for the
ungrouted prisms for the same type of blocks and mortar

Fig. 5. Comparison between analytical and experimental
stress -strain curves for block units type A.
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because of the cumulative effect of mortar and grout on the
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block units.
For ungrouted prisms, the vertical stress distribution
along the faceshells can practically be considered uniform
and equal to the average vertical compressive stress for all
cases (Fig. 8a). However, the vertical stress in the webs was
slightly above the average near the interfaces with mortar,
while across the mortar joints it was slightly below the aver-
age. The maximum deviation from the average vertical stress
was +_5% (Fig. 8b).
For grouted prisms, the vertical stress distribution is
governed by the interaction of the three prism components.
For compatibility of vertical deformation, the relationship
between the vertical stress in the block units, Szb, and the
grout, S,,, is (Hamid and Drysdale 1979)
where nbg is the block-grout modular ratio. Increasing the
grout strength, and accordingly its modulus of elasticity,
leads to an increase in the vertical stress in the grout, causing
higher induced lateral tensile stresses in the block units and,
hence, cracking of blocks at a lower strain level.
For equilibrium in the vertical direction, the vertical
stress in the shell (block units and mortar joints) and the
grout is related to the prism average vertical stress, Szp, by
the following equations (Hamid and Drysdale 1979):
where v is the ratio of net-to-gross cross-sectional area of
block units. It can be seen from the equations that the vertical
stress in the blocks is higher than the prism average vertical
stress for nb, > 1, and vice versa. Based on the analyti-
cal results, the vertical stress distribution along the block
units can practically be considered uniform with a value
Can. J. Civ. Eng. Vol. 22, 1995
depending on the block-grout modular ratio as explained
earlier. However, the vertical stress along the mortar joints
can be divided into two main categories according to the
block-mortar modular ratio, nbm (EiblEim):
1. Prisms of nb, 5 2.4: The vertical stress along the
mortar joints is slightly below the average stress in the block
units, especially for the internal faces. The maximum devia-
tion of the vertical stress in mortar from the average vertical
stress in the block units was -5% (Fig. 9).
2. Prisms of nbm > 2.4: The deviation of the vertical
stress in mortar from that in the block units reached nearly
- 15% for the internal faces, as shown in Fig. 10. This is
attributed to the effect of the grouted core where, from com-
patibility of strains, the vertical stress in mortar is governed
by the grout-mortar modular ratio, ngm,which leads to an
increase in the grout vertical stress and a decrease in the mor-
tar vertical stress at the bed joint level.
Stress distribution in the postcracking stage
All crack planes were essentially vertical and normal to the
direction of the major principal tensile stress (x-direction for
webs and y-direction for faceshells). The maximum deviation
of crack planes from being vertical was f2". The results
showed that crack patterns depend on the interaction of the
prism constituents (blocks, mortar, and grout). Therefore,
the modular ratios were used to describe the prism behavior
in the postcracking stage. For ungrouted prisms, the prisms
can be categorized into three main categories according to
the block- mortar modular ratio, nbm:
1. Prisms of low modular ratio (nbm 5 1.5): Cracks
initiated at the interior corner of the webs near the interface
with mortar. Considerable crack propagation occurred
before failure covering the full height of the web of the
middle block and about 75 % of the web height for the top and
bottom blocks. The faceshells suffered less crack propaga-
tion before failure. Failure mode was splitting of block units.
2. Prisms of moderate modular ratio (1.5 < nbm < 3.3):
Sudden cracking in both webs and faceshells occurred along
the full length of the block - mortar interfaces. However, the
lateral stress distribution just before cracking indicates that
cracking would occur first at the interior corner of the web
near the interface with mortar. No considerable crack propa-
gation occurred before failure and cracks covered approxi-
mately 25 % of the height of blocks. Failure mode was, also,
splitting of blocks.
3. Prisms of high modular ratio (nbm 1 3.3): Failure
occurred suddenly and was initiated by crushing of mortar.
No cracking occurred before failure. However, due to the
large lateral expansion of mortar, large tensile stresses are
induced in the blocks at the interfaces with mortar causing
successive cracking of block units.
For grouted prisms, a relative modular ratio, n,, repre-
senting the three prism components was used, where
According to the value of n,, prisms can be divided into
two main categories:
1. Prisms of n, < 2.4: Cracks initiated in the blocks at
the interior corner of webs near the interface with mortar.
Considerable crack propagation occurred before failure cover-
 Fahmy and Ghoneim

Table 1. Comparison between experimental and analytical results for block units type A.
- -- -

Experimental
Analytical
Standard Analytical Experimental
Property Results deviation results (%)

Gross compressive strength, fgross (MPa) 7.71 0.619 7.65 0.992

Net compressive strength, f,,,(MPa) 13.22 1.070 13.11 0.992
Initial modulus of elasticity, Eib (GPa) 16.81 0.825 14.83 0.882
Ultimate strain at failure, E, ( X 9.64 0.229 9.11 0.945
Secant modulus of elasticity at failure,
Esb @Pa) 13.70 0.795 14.28 1.050
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Table 2. Properties of prism constituent materials.

Block units Mortar Grout

Property A B C N1 N2 S GW GN

w (kg/m3) 2143 2240 2380 - - -

Ei (GPa) 14.83 18.53 22.24 5.60 8.40 12.40 14.08 19.31
E0.2 (GPa) 9.88 12.36 14.83 2.80 4.20 6.20 7.04 9.66
f, (MPa) 13.11 16.69 20.00 5.60 8.40 12.40 14.77 20.29
ft (MPa) 1.87 2.09 2.29 1.38 1.69 2.05 1.60 1.92
For personal use only.

Table 3. Constituents and analytical results of groups I and 11. of the web near the interface with mortar. Limited crack
propagation occurred before failure and cracks covered
Prism Block Mortar No. of f,, Ei, ESP about 25% of the height of all block units. No cracking
group Code type type courses (MPa) (GPa) occurred in the grout prior to failure.
I A-N1 A N1 3 7.02 14.10 13.24
For all cases, the failure mode was splitting of block units.
A-N2 A N2 3 9.00 14.29 13.83
Mortar did not suffer any damage before the prism failure.
A-S
B-N 1 Effect of constituent materials and number of courses
B-N2 (a) Block units
B-S For both ungrouted and grouted prisms, prism strength, f,,,
C-N1 increased with increasing the block strength.
C-N2 For ungrouted prisms, increasing the block strength by
C-S 50% resulted in an average increase in the prism strength of
I1 AS2 approximately 15%. Block strength has two opposite effects
AS3 on the prism strength: (i) the tensile strength of the block
AS4 increases with the increase of its compressive strength,
AS5 accordingly higher load carrying capacity of the prism would
AS7 be expected; and (ii) the increase in block strength is accom-
AS9 panied by an increase in its modulus of elasticity leading to
ASW higher induced lateral tensile stresses in the blocks due to
mortar confinement and, consequently, reduction of prism
strength is expected. It is clear from Fig. 11 that the rate of
increase in the prism strength decreases with increasing the
ing the full height of the middle-block web and from 75 % to block strength except for very low mortar strength (speci-
nearly the full height of the webs of the top and bottom mens B-N1 and C-N1) where the failure mode changes from
blocks. For faceshells, cracks near the corners propagated up block splitting to mortar crushing. In this case, increasing the
to nearly the full prism height in most cases, while less crack block strength leads to higher lateral confining stresses in
propagation took place away from the corners of the face- mortar and consequently an increase in its triaxial compres-
shells. Also, considerable crack propagation occurred in the sive strength. In spite of such increase in mortar strength, the
grout at the interface with blocks before failure. prism strength is still below what it should be if failure were
2. Prisms of n, L 2.4: Cracks initiated in the webs of the due to block splitting.
blocks along the full length of the block-mortar interfaces. The percentage of increase in the prism strength with
However, the lateral stress distribution just before cracking increasing the block strength was less for the grouted prisms
indicates that cracking would occur first at the interior corner than for the ungrouted prisms. For weak grout (GW), a 50%
 904 Can. J. Civ. Eng. Vol. 22, 1995

Table 4. Constituents and analytical results of Group 111.

Prism Block Mortar Grout No. of EIP ESP
group Code type type type courses (GPa) (GPa)

I11 AWD
AWE
AND
ANE
ASD
ASE
BWD
BWE
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BND
BNE
BSD
BSE
CWD
CWE
CND
CNE
CSD
CSE

Table 5. Constituents and analytical results of Group IV.

For personal use only.

Prism Block Mortar Grout No. of f,, EiP ESP

group Code type type type courses (MPa) (GPa) (GPa)

IV ASD2 A S GW 2 10.63 14.45 13.12

ASD3 A S GW 3 10.62 14.44 13.11
ASD4 A S GW 4 10.60 14.43 13.11
ASD5 A S GW 5 10.59 14.42 13.09
ASD7 A S GW 7 10.53 14.42 13.10
ASD9 A S GW 9 10.47 14.41 13.11
ASDW A S GW 12 10.37 14.41 13.10

increase in the block strength led to an average increase in
that of the prism of approximately 8 % , while for normal
grout (GN), the percentage average increase in the prism
strength was only 6 % . It can be seen from Fig. 12 that the
rate of increase in the prism strength is less for the lower
mortar strength and the higher grout strength. The decrease
in mortar strength is accompanied by a decrease in its modu-
lus of elasticity, leading to higher induced lateral tensile
stresses in the blocks. Also, increasing the grout strength,
and accordingly its modulus of elasticity, leads to a higher
vertical stress in the grout ([8] and [9]) causing higher lateral
tensile stresses in the block units.
The initial modulus of elasticity of the prism, Eip,
increases with increasing that of the blocks. The modulus of
elasticity of the prism is linearly proportional to that of the
block units for the same type of mortar and grout. For
ungrouted prisms, increasing the modulus of elasticity of
blocks by 50% resulted in an average increase in that of the
prism of approximately 45%. For grouted prisms, a 50%
increase in the initial modulus of elasticity of blocks caused
an average increase in that of the prism of approximately
26%. Figures 13 and 14 show the relationship between
blocks initial modulus of elasticity and that of the prism for
ungrouted and grouted prisms, respectively.
(b) Mortar
For both ungrouted and grouted prisms, the prism strength
increased with increasing mortar strength. Figure 15 shows
the relationship between mortar strength and the prism
strength for ungrouted prisms. It can be seen from the figure
that the relation between the prism strength and mortar
strength is nearly bilinear with the point of change in slope
representing the change of failure mode from crushing of
mortar, for lowf,,, to splitting of blocks, for highf,,. To
verify the trend of this relationship, some auxiliary prism
specimens with very low mortar strength were analyzed
(marked with an X in Fig. 15). The increase in the uniaxial
mortar strength results in a corresponding increase in its
modulus of elasticity which, in turn, reduces the confining
stresses. As a result of this, the percentage increase in the tri-
axial strength of mortar is less than that in the uniaxial
strength, which leads to the observed small rate of increase
in the prism strength. In this case, increasing the mortar
strength by 40% led to an average increase in the prism
strength by 12%. In the region where failure is due to split-
ting of blocks, the effect of mortar is more significant.
 Fahmy and Ghoneim

Fig. 6 . Typical lateral stress distribution for ungrouted prisms: (a) along the mid-width
of external web (internal face of section A-A); (b) along the mid-length of faceshell
(internal face of section B-B).

HOLLOW BLOCK PRISM

I
- (A-S)

1
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! JUST BEFORE JUST AFTER

CT~-
ccKtNG'
For personal use only.

Stress (MPa)

Stress (MPa)

Higher mortar strength leads to less induced lateral tensile
stresses in the blocks, which is the main cause of the prism
failure in this case. Increasing the mortar strength by 120%
caused an average increase in that of the prism by 75%
(specimens A-Nl vs. A-S and B-Nl vs. B-S). For grouted
prisms, the relationship between the prism strength and mor-
tar strength varied with the type of grout (Fig. 16).
For weak grout (GW), the relation was nearly bilinear
with the point of change in slope being at a block-mortar
modular ratio of nearly 2.4. As explained earlier, before this
 Can. J. Civ. Eng. Vol. 22, 1995

Fig. 7. Typical lateral stress distribution for grouted prisms: (a) along the mid-width
of external web (internal face of section A-A); (b) along the mid-length of faceshell
(internal face of section B-B).

(a) I GROUTED PRISM

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Stress (MPa)

GROUTED PRISM
69400 4 I , Type (A-S-D

'
B
312.50
0
JUSTAFTER
.+
cn CRACKlNG
247.50

Stress (MPa)

limit the vertical stress in mortar is about 15% less than the auxiliary prism specimens with very low mortar strength
average vertical stress in the blocks and, consequently, the were analyzed (marked with an X in Fig. 16). For low mor-
effect of mortar strength on that of the prism is less pro- tar strength (nb, > 2.4), increasing the mortar strength by
nounced. To verify the trend of this relationship, some 110% led to an average increase in that of the prism by 9%,
 Fahmy and Ghoneim

Fig. 8. Typical vertical stress distribution for ungrouted prisms: (a) along the
mid-length of faceshell (internal face of section B-B); (b) along the mid-width of
external web (internal face of section A-A).
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For personal use only.

Stress (MPa)

HOLLOW BLOCK PRISM

Stress (MPa)
while for high mortar strength (nbm I2.4), increasing the
mortar strength by 77 % led to an average increase in the
prism strength by 23 % . For normal grout (GN), the relation-
ship between mortar strength and the prism strength was
linear with the rate of increase in the prism strength being
less than that for the weak grout. This is attributed to the high
grout -mortar modular ratio, ngm, which leads to less verti-
cal stress in mortar and hence reduces its contribution to
 Can. J. Civ. Eng. Vol. 22, 1995

Fig. 9. Typical vertical stress distribution for grouted prisms of n,, I2.4: (a) along
the mid-width of external web (internal face of section A-A); (b) along the
mid-length of faceshell (internal face of section B-B).
Can. J. Civ. Eng. Downloaded from www.nrcresearchpress.com by 70.53.64.150 on 06/04/14
For personal use only.

Stress (MPa)

(b)
GROUTED PRISM
690.00 . Type (A-S-D)
642.50 .
495.00 -

447.50 .

- *a0.40
590.40
--
-g ,a,:
295.00 - JUSTBEFORE JUSTAFTER
s - CRACKING
.-
CRACKING
$ 247.60 .

200.00
frn.40
;
1a50.

96.00 .
47.50 -

%-
,. a
; : g j z z
m
0 0 a

Stress (MPa)
prism strength. For this case, increasing the mortar strength
by 120% led to an average increase in that of the prism
by 22%.
The initial modulus of elasticity of mortar, Ei,, has no
significant effect on that of the prism, especially for mortar
strength higher than 6 MPa which is the practical range for
mortar strength. For ungrouted prisms, increasing the initial
modulus of elasticity of mortar by 120% caused an average
 Fahrny and Ghoneirn

Fig. 10. Typical vertical stress distribution for grouted prisms of n,, > 2.4: (a) along
the mid-width of external web (internal face of section A-A); (b) along the

60400
,
mid-length of faceshell (internal face of section B-B).

(a)
.
GROUTED PRISM

64Z50.

4500 .
447.50 .

-aa g z -
Can. J. Civ. Eng. Downloaded from www.nrcresearchpress.com by 70.53.64.150 on 06/04/14

S4Z50.
0
$ m.W JUST BEFORE
m
i--' CRACKING
.A
p, U7.M .
IW.00 -
180.W -
14ZM.

9600.

47.60 .

BSOBPBSO
For personal use only.

dee665==

Stress (MPa)

Stress (MPa)

increase in that of the prism by 5 % (Fig. 17). For grouted (c) Grout
prisms, increasing the mortar initial modulus of elasticity by Figure 19 shows the effect of grout strength on the prism
120% led to an average increase in that of the prism by only strength. It can be seen that for weak mortar (N1 and N2),
2 % (Fig. 18). the prism strength is linearly proportional to grout strength.

Fig. 11. Relationship between block strength and ungrouted
prism strength.
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- Mortar Type N1
--- Mortar Tppe N2
-.- Mortar Type S
3,
10 12 14 16 18 20
fcb ( D a )
Fig. 12. Relationship between block strength and grouted prism
strength.
For personal use only.
On the other hand, for strong mortar (S), the relationship
between the prism strength and grout strength is nonlinear
with the rate of increase in the prism strength decreasing with
the increase in grout strength. Grout contributes to the prism
strength in three ways: (i) increasing the grout strength leads
to an increase in the load carrying capacity of the prisms;
(ii) increasing the grout strength, and accordingly its modu-
lus of elasticity, decreases the block-grout modular ratio,
nbg,and hence higher vertical stress is induced in the grout
causing higher induced lateral tensile stresses in the block
units due to grout confinement; and (iii) the increase in grout
strength leads to an increase in the grout-mortar modular
ratio, n,,, which reduces the vertical stress in mortar and
accordingly decreases the lateral stresses induced in the
blocks due to mortar confinement.
For weak mortar, the third effect is more pronounced and
a balance between the second and the third effects is
achieved, thus leading to the observed linear relationship
between the prism strength and grout strength. On the other
Can. J. Civ. Eng. Vol. 22, 1995
Fig. 13. Relationship between blocks initial modulus of
elasticity and the initial modulus of elasticity of ungrouted
prisms.
Fig. 14. Relationship between blocks initial modulus of elasticity
and the initial modulus of elasticity of grouted prisms.
hand, for strong mortar the third effect is less pronounced
and the prism strength is governed by the counter balance
between the first and the second effects causing the reduction
of the rate of increase in prism strength as shown in Fig. 19.
For weak mortar, increasing the grout strength by 37%
caused an average increase in the prism strength by 13%,
while for strong mortar the percentage of increase in the
prism strength ranged from 3 % for the strongest blocks
(type C) to 7 % for the weakest blocks (type A).
The prism initial modulus of elasticity is linearly propor-
tional to that of grout (Fig. 20). Increasing the grout modulus
of elasticity by 37 % led to an average increase in that of the
prism by 13 %.
(d) Number of courses
The finite element results show that the prism strength and
 Fahrny and Ghoneirn 91 1

Fig. 15. Relationship between mortar strength and ungrouted Fig. 18. Relationship between mortar initial modulus of
prism strength. elasticity and the initial modulus of elasticity of grouted prisms.

.2.

-
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Block Type A
--- Block Type B
Block Type C

0 3 6 9 12 15 12j I
f c m (MPa) 4 6 8 i0 12 14
E (GPa)
Fig. 16. Relationship between mortar strength and grouted prism
strength.
Fig. 19. Relationship between grout strength and prism strength.
For personal use only.

0 5 10 15 2'0 25
fc, (MPa)

Fig. 17. Relationship between mortar initial modulus of Fig. 20. Relationship between grout initial modulus of elasticity
elasticity and the initial modulus of elasticity of ungrouted and prism initial modulus of elasticity.
prisms.
22
I

- Block Type A
--- Block Type B
-.- Block Type C
 91 2
Fig. 21. Effect of number of courses on ungrouted prisms:
(a) prism strength; (b) prism initial modulus of elasticity.
Can. J. Civ. Eng. Downloaded from www.nrcresearchpress.com by 70.53.64.150 on 06/04/14
0 3 6 9
Number of courses
For personal use only.
Number of courses
initial modulus of elasticity decrease with increasing the
number of courses for both ungrouted and grouted prisms
(Figs. 2 1 and 22, respectively). However, for ungrouted
prisms, insignificant effect was observed for number of
courses more than 5. The prism strength for a 12-course
prism is 98% of that for a 5-course prism and 92% of that
for a 3-course prism. For grouted prisms, the continuity pro-
vided by the grouted cores reduces the effect of number of
courses. The prism strength for a 12-course prism is 98% of
that for the 3-course prism.
For both ungrouted and grouted prisms, the initial modu-
lus of elasticity of a 12-course prism is approximately 99.7 %
of that for the 3-course prism.
Prediction of prism strength and modulus
of elasticity
Based on the above discussion, it can be seen that both prism
strength and initial modulus of elasticity depend on the
modular ratios of the prism constituent materials. Since the
compressive strength of all prism components is proportional
to their modulus of elasticity, it would be more practical to
Can. J. Civ. Eng. Vol. 22, 1995
Fig. 22. Effect of number of courses on grouted prisms:
(a) prism strength; (b) prism initial modulus of elasticity.
1;
Number of courses
0 3 6 9 12
Number of courses
use the relative strength ratios to predict prism strength and
initial modulus of elasticity.
For ungrouted prisms, a block-mortar strength ratio,
fbm, was used, which is given by
[I1] fbm = f c b / f c m
Figure 23 shows the best-fit curve, using the least squares
method, for the relationship between fbm and the relative
prism strength, fpb, given by
[I2] fpb = f c p / f c b
The figure also shows the best-fit curve for fpb related to
EiP/&,. It can be seen from Fig. 23 that for fbm > 3.0
(which is equivalent to a nbmvalue of 3.3), the decrease in
the relative prism strength is insignificant as the failure mode
changes from splitting of blocks to crushing of mortar. This
curve can be used as a tool to predict the prism strength and
initial modulus of elasticity for a given strength of blocks and
mortar, as shown in the example in Fig. 23.
For grouted prisms, a strength ratio, f,, was used, which
is given by
 Fahmy and Ghoneim

Fig. 23. Relationship between fpb and f,,

(ungrouted prisms). Fig. 24. Relationship between Pr and f, (grouted prisms)
-, L P l f , b ; - --, E i p K p .
E ip /fcp (x1000)
3.0 2.5 2.0 1.5 1.O
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Fig. 25. Relationship between Er and f, (grouted prisms).

For personal use only.

fbrn = f c b / f c r n

Also, relative prism strength and modular ratios, PI and

E,, respectively, were used, which are given by

Figure 24 shows the best-fit relationship between f, and

P,, while Fig. 25 shows the relationship betweenf, and E,.
The upper limit of both curves is atf, = 1.26, which repre-
sents the weakest blocks and grout with the strongest mortar
(prism ASD); the lower limit is atf, = 12.19, which repre-
sents the strongest blocks and grout with the weakest mortar
(prism CWE). These limits (plotted in the figures) represent
the practical combinations of grouted prisms. Results of pub-
lished experimental work were compared with the predicted
prism strengths using Fig. 24. Table 6 shows a comparison
between the predicted prism strength and the available
experimental data in literature (Cheema and Klingner 1986;
Drysdale and Hamid 1983; Hamid et al. 1978; Hegemier
et al. 1978) for both ungrouted and grouted prisms. It may
be concluded from the agreement between the experimental
and predicted results that the assumptions made in the finite
element model led to the less pronounced effect of neglecting
the tapering of faceshells and webs on the grouted prisms.
Conclusions
A three-dimensional finite element model was developed to
study the behavior of ungrouted and grouted concrete masonry
prisms under axial compression. Simple curves were devel-
oped to predict the compressive strength and initial modulus
of elasticity for both ungrouted and grouted prisms.
Based on the analysis presented in this paper, the follow-
ing conclusions may be drawn:
1. The developed model can be used to describe the
behavior of the prisms under axial compression in the pre-
cracking and postcracking stages.
2. Both prism strength and initial modulus of elasticity
decrease with the increase in the number of courses. How-
ever, an insignificant effect was encountered for both
ungrouted and grouted prisms of more than three courses.
3. Analysis has shown that crack pattern, failure mode,
compressive strength, and initial modulus of elasticity of
concrete masonry prisms depend on the relative rather than
the individual strength and modulus of elasticity of the prism
constituent materials.
 91 4 Can. J. Civ. Eng. Vol. 22, 1995

Table 6. Comparison between experimental and predicted prism strengths.

Lb Am f,, f,,(observed)
Test (MPa) (MPa) (MPa) Observed Predicted f,,(predicted)
Cheema 25.86
25.86
Drysdale 27.90
25.10
25.10
25.10
20.20
Hamid 19.66
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19.66
19.66
19.66
19.66
19.66
19.66
19.66
19.66
Hegemier 35.18
51.04
25.60
25.60
For personal use only.

References Hegemier, G.A., Krishnamorthy, G., Nunn, R.O., and Moorthy,

T.V. 1978. Prism tests for the compressive strength of concrete
American Concrete Institute. 1983. Building code requirements for masonry. Proceedings, North American Masonry Conference,
reinforced concrete structures. Detroit, Mich., ACI 318 M-83. University of Colorado, Boulder, Colo., Vol. 18, pp. 1 -7.
American Concrete Institute. 1988. Building code requirements for Swanson Analysis Systems Inc. 1990. Theoretical manual. ANSYS
masonry structures. Detroit, Mich., ACI 530-88lASCE 5-88. engineering analysis system, Version 4.4-a. Huntington Beach,
American Society for Testing and Materials. 1991. ASTM stan- Calif.
dards in building codes. 28th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.
Boult, B.F. 1979. Concrete masonry prisms testing. Journal of the
American Concrete Institute, 76: 5 13-535. List of symbols
Canadian Standards Association. 1970. Masonry code of practice.
Rexdale, Ont., CSA A224-1970. P C shear strength reduction factor for closed crack
Canadian Standards Association. 1984. Masonry design for build- Pt shear strength reduction factor for open crack
ings. Rexdale, Ont., CAN3-S304-M84. ~EP' plastic strain increment
Cheema, T.S., and Klingner, R.E. 1986. Compressive strength of Eel elastic strain
concrete masonry prisms. Journal of the American Concrete Eu ultimate strain at failure
Institute, 83: 88 -97. E0.2 secant modulus of elasticity at 0.2% strain
Drysdale, R.G., and Hamid, A.A. 1983. Capacity of concrete E0.2b secant modulus of elasticity of block units at 0.2%
block masonry prisms under eccentric compressive loading. strain
Journal of the American Concrete Institute, 80: 102- 108. secant modulus of elasticity of grout at 0.2% strain
Ghoneim, T.G.M. 1993. Behavior of concrete masonry prisms E0.2,
under axial compression. M.Sc. thesis, The American Univer- E0.2m secant modulus of elasticity of mortar at 0.2% strain
sity in Cairo, Cairo, Egypt. Ei component initial modulus of elasticity
Hamid, A.A., and Chukwunenye, A.O. 1986. Compression Eib initial modulus of elasticity of block units
behavior of concrete masonry prisms. ASCE Journal of Struc- Eig initial modulus of elasticity of grout
tural Engineering, 112: 605 -613. Eim initial modulus of elasticity of mortar
Hamid, A.A., Drysdale, R.G., and Heidebrecht, A.C. 1978. Effect EiP initial modulus of elasticity of prism
of grouting on the strength characteristics of concrete block Er relative prism modular ratio
masonry. Proceedings, North American Masonry Conference, secant modulus of elasticity of block units at failure
University of Colorado, Boulder, Colo., Vol. 11, pp. 1-17.
Harnid, A.A., and Drysdale, R.G. 1979. Suggested failure criteria
for grouted concrete masonry under axial compression. Journal
3
Esb
secant modulus of elasticity of prism at failure
function of the principal stress state
of the American Concrete Institute, 76: 1047- 1061. fbm block-mortar strength ratio
Hedstrorn, E.G., and Hogan, M.B. 1990. The properties of fc component compressive strength
masonry grout in concrete masonry. Masonry components to fcb compressive strength of block units
assemblages. American Society for Testing and Materials, fc, compressive strength of grout
Philadelphia, Pa., ASTM STP 1063. fcm compressive strength of mortar
 Fahmy and Ghoneim

f,, compressive strength of prism block -grout modular ratio

fgroSsblock compressive strength based on the gross cross- block -mortar modular ratio
sectional area grout -mortar modular ratio
f,,, block compressive strength based on the net cross- relative modular ratio
sectional area grouted prism relative strength
f ungrouted prism relative strength tolerance of plasticity ratio at convergence
fjb relative strength ratio failure surface
f, material tensile strength vertical stress along the block units
ftb tensile strength of block unit material vertical stress along the grout
f,, tensile strength of grout vertical stress along the prism
f, tensile strength of mortar unit weight of block unit
Lb ultimate compressive strength of block unit material
v net-to-gross cross-sectional area of block units (based
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on the minimum cross-sectional area of block unit)

For personal use only.