Study of the block/grout interface in concrete and clay block masonry structures

ABSTRACT This work aims to study the behavior of the block/grout interface for concrete and clay block masonry. This was achieved by push-out and pull-out experimental tests including reinforcement bar in the latter one. The experimental result showed that there is a good bond between the concrete blocks internal faces and the grout, enough to prevent infill-slippage, and that the whole tensile strength of the usual reinforcement bars is achieved provided they are properly anchored. Nevertheless, for clay blocks there is a low bond between the clay blocks internal faces and the grout, allowing the infill-slippage before the reinforcement bars reach their yield stress.