Dimensional changes of masonry in relation to soundness of bricks and mortars

摘要

Results obtained in this study indicate that the amount of expansion of masonry mortars, when autoclaved, does not provide a useful means of assessing the behavior of mortar under natural conditions of aging. The latter varies with the relative humidity of the air in which the mortar is stored. Factors affecting the amount of autoclave expansion of mortars have been reviewed; and composition of the mortar is important in this regard. Considerable change may take place in the amount of autoclave expansion of mortar bars as they age, but the extent of change depends on the relative humidity of the air in which they are stored. The problem of establishing limits of movements of masonry to ensure freedom from cracking or bulging has been discussed briefly. No simple measurement of the length changes of individual materials can provide a solution, however, because many other factors influence the results. Not only is the amount of movement of the masonry important, but there is a strong possibility that the rate of dimensional change also has its effect. Conditions of service and the design of a structure are undoubtedly important as well.