Long term performance test of low span low cost masonry slab (without reinforcement) under static load, repeated load and impact

Abstract

In residential buildings, low cost is a vital demand. Slab made of brick module with or without beam is found to be practiced locally. Moreover brick masonry slab is easy to construct and durable with respect to fire proofing and corrosion if nominal or zero reinforcement is possible. Therefore a study was under taken in the Department of Civil Engineering, Khulna University of Engineering and Technology (KUET) to investigate the long-term performance of brick masonry slab of dimensions 1.52m × 3.65m, with a slab thickness of 75mm. Tests were performed subjected to static, repeated and impact loading system. Test results revealed that brick masonry slab did not failed and no crack were observed though it was loaded by a uniform pressure of 12kN/m2. Similar phenomena were observed when repeated load up to 12kN/m2 was imposed on the slab. However punching shear failure was observed when an impact load was applied 9 times by a hammer of 23kg of 1m free fall. Combined failure both in joint and brick module was observed.