The aim of this work is to determine the physical and mechanical behavior of vibro-dry concrete for structural purposes. Tests have been made to determine the net area, water absorption, density, axial compression, elasticity modulus, Poisson ratio, failure mode under compression, tenacity under tensile and compression strain. After a sequence of tests made in the laboratory, it was possible to understand the mechanical properties of vibro-dry concrete block for developing new components for structural purpose. Furthermore, the results of a combined experimental program and numerical modeling to evaluate the linear and non-linear behavior of vibro-dry concrete block were done. For compression and tensile strain, it can be concluded from this work that there was an increasing on the dispersion values due to propagation of the failure. The average coefficient variation of Poisson's ratio was around 60% and for the elasticity modulus was 13%. Characteristic tensile strength of the vibro-compacted concrete was 1.91 MPa, calculated for a confidence level of 95%. The direct tensile strength was 0.58 times the flexural strength. The model proposed for numerical simulations gave a better approach between experimental and numerical results to predict the limit of compressive strength of a block. There was a good approach between numerical models and experimental results of lateral strain until 50% of the limit tensile strength. The numerical model was not being able to reproduce the axial strain on experimental results, due to stiffness measurement on the theoretical models being larger than the experimental ones. The changing of elasticity modulus did not produce difference on compressive strength of numerical model.
Vibro-dry Concrete Block; Structural masonry; Mechanical Characterization
