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.
Keywords:
Masonry buildings; Accidents with masonry buildings; Experimental tests
