Compression parallel to the bed joint occurs due to flexure in masonry beam elements. Currently, it is believed that there is a reduction in the compressive strength of masonry when it is loaded parallel to the bed joint. It is also believed that this reduction is larger when the webs of the blocks are present in the compression zone, causing an interruption in the grout. This study was undertaken to investigate the effect of loading parallel to the bed joint, as well as web interruption, on the concrete masonry compressive strength. A detailed experimental study using 29 prism and 12 beam specimens was completed. It was found that the compressive strength parallel to the bed joint reduces as web interruption increases. However, the compressive strength parallel to the bed joint is higher than the compressive strength normal to the bed joint which contradicts current belief.
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