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Sorptivity: a reliable measurement for surface absorption of masonry brick units

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Abstract

An inherent weakness of masonry structures is low bond and bond strength. Although masonry bond is a result of many interrelated factors (e.g. surface texture, surface absorption and mortar composition, etc.), surface absorption of masonry units has a significant effect on masonry bond. Following a critical review of the current measurements of the surface absorption of masonry units, the theoretical bases of sorptivity as a measurement of surface absorption are presented. The limitations of sorptivity measurement are discussed through a review of the application of the concept of sorptivity to different porous building materials. An experimental programme to examine the surface absorption of masonry units is described. Analysis of the results showed sorptivity to be a simple and reliable measurement of surface absorption for masonry units that could be used in building standards.

Résumé

L'une des faiblesses inhérentes des ouvrages en maçonnerie réside dans le manque de lien et le manque de solidité du lien. Malgré le fait que le lien de maçonnerie soit le résultat de plusieurs éléments mis en corrélation (par exemple, l'état de la surface, le degré d'absorption de la surface, la composition du mortier, etc.), le degré d'absorption de la surface des unités de maçonnerie a un effet important sur ce lien. À la suite d'un examen critique des méthodes actuelles de mesure du degré d'absorption de la surface des unités de maçonnerie, les bases théoriques de la sorptivité comme méthode de mesure du degré d'absorption de la surface sont présentées. Les limites de la mesure de la sorptivité sont discutées en réexaminant l'application du concept de sorptivité à divers matériaux de construction poreux. Un programme expérimental ayant pour but d'examiner le degré d'absorption de la surface des unités de maçonnerie est décrit. L'analyse des résultats a démontré que la sorptivité est une méthode simple et fiable de mesure du degré d'absorption de la surface pour les unités de maçonnerie, et devrait être introduite dans les nouveaux codes de construction des bâtiments.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Stantec Consulting Ltd, T2R 1M1, Calgary, Canada

    M. M. Rada Taha

  2. Structural Engineering Department, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt

    A. S. El-Dieb

  3. Department of Civil Engineering, The University of Calgary, T2N 1N4, Calgary, Canada

    N. G. Shrive

Authors
  1. M. M. Rada Taha
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  2. A. S. El-Dieb
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  3. N. G. Shrive
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Additional information

Editorial Note Dr. Mahmoud M. Reda Taha is a RILEM Affiliate Member.

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Taha, M.M.R., El-Dieb, A.S. & Shrive, N.G. Sorptivity: a reliable measurement for surface absorption of masonry brick units. Mat. Struct. 34, 438–445 (2001). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02482291

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02482291

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