EXPERIENCES AND ANALYSIS ON MASONRY MATERIALS SUBJECTED TO HIGH-TEMPERATURES

An experimental procedure for tests on specimens made of several materials is performed to detect the mechanical properties depending from temperature. About 200 cylindrical specimens (diameter D=100 mm, height H=200 mm) of several materials (clay, lightweight concrete, aerate autoclaved concrete, mortar) are tested from 20°C to 700°C. The free Thermal strain and the decay of axial strength are determined; proposals for the stress-strain curves and the secant modulus of elasticity in function of temperature are illustrated. The data base from tests are able to calculate the collapse domains (bending moment - axial force - time of exposure to nominal fire) which represent a simple model for the assessment of masonry panel sections subjected to fire action.