Masonry is highly durable and can withstand a variety of natural elements like winds, earthquakes, and snow. It also provides excellent heat retention and acoustic insulation. Its aesthetics can add value to a building.
The design of masonry structures requires a set of input parameters that, ideally, should be established experimentally. However, performing experimental tests on historical structures is not possible or impractical for economical reasons.
Strength
Masonry buildings are known to be highly resistant against lateral forces and can withstand seismic loads, which make them an excellent choice for earthquake-prone regions. They also don’t burn, which reduces the risk of loss of life and property. While these characteristics are attractive, they can sometimes cause problems when it comes to the strength of masonry structures. In order to design a masonry structure correctly, engineers need an accurate value for the compressive strength of the masonry units. The compressive strength of masonry can be determined through a variety of tests, including the double punch test and the penetrometer test.
In addition to the compressive strength of masonry units, it is also necessary to determine the nominal flexural and shear strengths of a masonry section. The flexural and shear strength of a masonry section can be determined through a number of tests, including the couplet tension test and the bond wrench test. In the case of a concrete-filled masonry section, it is important to take into account the effect of stress raisers, such as mortar joints and cores.
It is also important to consider the fact that masonry structures are primarily designed to resist bending moments caused by out-of-plane loading. For this reason, it is critical to identify the nominal flexural and shear strength of masonry sections, including those that are fully grouted and those that are partially grouted.
Durability
Masonry is one of the most durable materials available, which means that your home will stand the test of time and weather without losing its structural integrity. Masonry is also inherently fire resistant, which helps to protect you and your belongings from damage and reduces the risk of damage to your property during a wildfire.
In the past, it has been common practice to assess building materials in terms of their mechanical properties, such as compressive and flexural strength. However, durability has received less attention and is often overlooked. Masonry can be assessed using non-destructive methods, such as in-situ testing of solid-fired bricks or the resonance method. This allows a more accurate assessment of the quality and durability of masonry elements.
The results of this research confirmed the findings of other studies and showed that in-situ tests are an effective way to evaluate the durability of historic masonry. In addition, the analysis of masonry elements by vibrational frequency spectrum revealed that the quality and durability of the bricks was related to their internal structure and not just to the external surface.
Choosing the right construction material is essential to a long-lasting, low-maintenance home. Masonry offers a number of advantages over other materials, including superior insulation and soundproofing. It can also help to save on energy costs by reducing air conditioning and heating bills. Additionally, masonry can be used to create fire resistance barriers and prevent the spread of fires.
Recyclability
Masonry is one of the oldest and most common construction materials in human history. It has been used extensively in many types of buildings and structures, but in the last decades other building materials such as steel and concrete have become more popular.
The reuse of masonry components is becoming increasingly important as architects, engineers and developers seek to increase the sustainability of their designs. Masonry provides several options for reuse including reusing the concrete blocks themselves, as well as the aggregates and mortar that form the masonry walls.
Concrete masonry walls offer almost limitless possibilities in terms of size, shape, color, strength and texture, making them an ideal choice for sustainable design. The density classification of masonry units, in particular, can have a significant impact on the energy efficiency of a concrete masonry assembly, as it directly influences its thermal mass and R-value (ref. 11).
The replacement of natural aggregate by recycled aggregate (RA) from construction and demolition waste (CDW) reduces the consumption of primary resources. However, it has been shown that the quality of RA is negatively affected by the unwanted impurities contained in the CDW and its utilization as a concrete aggregate results in a decrease in mechanical properties and durability. Selective demolition and a two-phase recycling process has been shown to produce higher-quality RA without the undesirable impurities, thus improving its ability as an aggregate for RM.
Sustainability
Masonry has been used as a building material for centuries, and it’s no surprise why. With its durability and resistance to natural elements, masonry buildings can withstand earthquakes, hurricanes, and snowstorms. Additionally, masonry structures are able to maintain their structural integrity even during fires. This makes them an environmentally responsible choice for construction.
Additionally, masonry construction can use recycled materials and is often manufactured locally. This reduces transportation costs and environmental impact. Additionally, masonry’s thermal mass helps lower energy usage and costs, as it holds a constant temperature inside the structure.
Many architectural firms and contractors value the versatility and aesthetics of masonry, making it an ideal building material. Its ability to be constructed in various shapes, textures, and colors provides endless design options. For example, polished CMU can give a sleek, modern appearance, while matte ground finishes offer a more natural look. Masonry also offers numerous design features, including scores, ribs, and split surfaces.
Moreover, the use of modern technology in masonry construction projects has helped improve efficiency and quality. Robotics, automation, and artificial intelligence allow for better collaboration between human workers and machines, increasing productivity and lowering project cost. These technological advancements can also help architects meet green requirements, achieving LEED designations.