Skip to main content

Junaid Shah Khan, Azam Khan, and Tatheer Zahra

i PhD Scholar, National University of Sciences & Technology, Islamabad, Pakistan, jkhan.phd19nice@student.nust.edu.pk

ii Professor, National University of Sciences & Technology, Islamabad, Pakistan, azam.khan@nice.nust.edu.pk

iii Senior Lecturer, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia, t.zahra@qut.edu.au

ABSTRACT

This study investigates the seismic performance of traditional mortar-bonded masonry and interlocking compressed earth brick (ICEB) masonry walls under lateral cyclic loading. An experimental program was developed to test full-scale specimens of both masonry types, assessing parameters such as initial stiffness, peak lateral resistance and lateral drift. The traditional mortar-bonded masonry wall constructed with first class bricks and 1:5 cement-sand mortar illustrated high initial stiffness but collapsed in a brittle manner. In contrast, the units of ICEB masonry wall made from a sustainable blend of sand, stone dust, and cement, with cavities grouted with 1:2:4 cement-sand-aggregate mixture demonstrated lower initial stiffness but significantly higher ductility and drift capacity, sustaining larger displacement without catastrophic failure.

KEYWORDS: brick-mortar walls, compressed earth blocks, ductility, lateral drift, seismic performance, structural resilience.

094-Khan.pdf

Get in touch with our team

The Canada Masonry Design Centre helps members of the design community across the country by connecting them to the resources and supports they need. Contact us today and get the conversation started!

Contact Us