Date of Award
12-2025
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department
Civil Engineering
Committee Chair/Advisor
Laura Redmond
Committee Member
Ece Erdogmus
Committee Member
Brandon Ross
Abstract
Currently, the experimental database for Modulus of Rupture (MOR) of masonry beams is limited, and current provisions in TMS 402/602-22 use the MOR values from wallette tests. The primary goal of this research is to experimentally determine the parameters that influence MOR. The secondary goal of this work is to compare the MOR values from beam and bond wrench tests obtained in this study with each other as well as with values published in the literature. The standard ASTM E518 test was used for determining MOR values for beams, and a modified approach to ASTM C1072 that nullifies the eccentricity in loading was used in the bond wrench testing. In total, 30 single-course (22 unreinforced and 8 reinforced masonry beams), 16 three-course reinforced beams, and 22 unreinforced bond wrench prisms were tested with varying grout type, mortar type, masonry units, mortar width and reinforcement depth (when applicable). The results suggest that the current provisions in TMS 402/602-22 give conservative predictions for MOR and for cracking moments. However, the code only considers mortar type and bond pattern for choosing MOR values, whereas our experimental data shows a strong dependence on the grout strength. Relationships for MOR based on grout strength alone developed from the unreinforced beam testing were not sufficient to predict cracking moments of the reinforced masonry beams in the test program. Other parameters, such as unit type and grout continuity, could be considered using discrete element modeling to build a strong case for the relationships between these parameters and MOR that could not be statistically confirmed due to the small sample size of the experimental study.
Recommended Citation
K C, Shreedhar, "Experimental Determination of Modulus of Rupture for Concrete Masonry Beams and Implications for the TMS 402/602 Code" (2025). All Theses. 4659.
https://open.clemson.edu/all_theses/4659