In-plane behavior of clay blocks externally reinforced

Abstract

The objective of this research work was to determine the resistance to cutting of clay block walls of size 1.20 m × 1.20 m without and with external reinforcement. Blocks of width equal to 0.10 m were used for four manufacturers, one located in Oca˜na, Colombia, and three more established in San Jos´e de C´ucuta, Colombia. Reinforcement with electrowelded mesh is an alternative to reduce the seismic vulnerability of homes in areas of intermediate and high seismic risk. Oca˜na, Colombia, is located in an intermediate seismic hazard zone and therefore the use of simple masonry in homes is not allowed. This made it necessary to determine the mechanical properties of the clay block pieces, such as compressive strength, compressive strength of the bonding mortar, compressive strength of clay block prisms, diagonal tensile strength, modulus of elasticity and shear modulus of reinforced and unreinforced walls. The tests were carried out on a universal machine with a compression capacity of 100 t, a tensile capacity of 60 t class B with a precision of 0.1% ± 0.05 mm. This research established the physical parameters of the clay block prisms and the physical behavior of shear deformation vs. Shear stress without and with exterior reinforcement, necessary to establish physical models of structural reinforcement of houses vulnerable to seismic movements, and with this avoid human losses.