New concrete masonry solid block with non-conventional geometry: Experimental characterization.

This paper presents and discusses the results of an experimental study aimed at characterizing the mechanical properties of an innovative and patented concrete masonry solid block with non-conventional geometry. The measured response in the new non-conventional block is compared with a conventional solid block. The experimental program was planned to verify whether the new block complies with the minimum values prescribed by the NSR-10 Colombian Code for being used as an unreinforced structural masonry block. The verification includes tests of water absorption and compressive strength of blocks, compressive strength of prisms, and flexural bond strength of standard beams. The similitudes or differences between the two types of blocks and prisms were evaluated using ANOVA tests. The results obtained demonstrated that both types of blocks comply with the requirements prescribed by NSR-10. Moreover, the flexural bond strength of the new block is roughly two times higher than that of the conventional block. The study results confirm that the new innovative block can be used for masonry structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]