Masonry buildings in the metropolitan region of Recife

Abstract The paper discusses masonry buildings constructed in the state of Pernambuco, Brazil. Topics such as the main features of this construction technique and the peculiarities that affect its structural behaviour are discussed. Technical information about accidents occurred in recent years are also discussed, along with the historical records of the events, followed by indications of the causes for the collapse. Additionally, this paper presents an extensive characterisation of materials and components used in non-structural masonry constructions in the region, making it one of the most comprehensive research studies on this topic in Brazil. This study conducts an in-depth, numerical and experimental analysis of the behaviour of the compressive strength of blocks, prisms and mini-walls that are part of a non-load bearing system, which is often used in the region to carry loads above its own weight. The results obtained allowed to identify the contribution of several mortar rendering layers to the load capacity of the tested specimens. The factors that influenced the load capacity of the tested specimens are also discussed. Finally, a summary of the main results of all the tests performed is presented in order to provide a detailed explanation for the failures modes observed, which were always sudden and brittle, as was the case in most accidents that occurred with this type of building in the region.

摘要：本论文聚焦巴西伯南布哥州（Pernambuco）境内的砌体建筑，围绕该建造技术的核心特征以及影响其结构受力性能的特殊性展开论述。此外，本文还梳理了近年发生的相关事故技术资料与事件历史记录，并对坍塌事故的成因进行了剖析。
本研究对该区域非承重砌体建筑所用的材料与构件开展了系统性表征工作，使其成为巴西该领域内覆盖最为全面的研究成果之一。研究针对该区域常用于承担超出自身自重荷载的非承重体系中的砌块、棱柱体试件与微型墙体的抗压强度性能，开展了深入的数值与试验分析。所得试验结果明确了多层抹灰砂浆层对受试试件承载能力的贡献作用，同时探讨了影响受试试件承载能力的各类因素。
最后，本研究对所有试验的核心结果进行汇总，以针对观测到的破坏模式展开详细阐释——该类破坏均表现为突发性脆性破坏，与该区域内此类建筑发生的多数事故特征一致。