CREEP DEFORMATION OF CLAY MASONRY STRUCTURES - A PARAMETRIC STUDY

When loads are applied to a masonry structure, viscoelastic behaviour is exhibited where the response can be divided into two distinct parts : an instantaneous elastic part and a time-dependent part. With the ch ange in masonry construction during the last century, the latter porti on of the response is becoming more important in the design of masonry structures. The effects of mortar type, stress level, age at loading, moisture condition, and masonry strength on the creep behaviour of cl ay masonry structures are examined. The results of a continuing experi mental programme, begun in 1988, were used to evaluate the variations in specific creep of clay masonry with the different parameters consid ered. The test setup and the effect of moisture content on the creep b ehaviour of clay masonry are also described briefly.