Effect of grout confinement on the compressive strength of masonry

The toe of shear walls and the walls under concentrated loading are normally subjected to high concentration of compressive stresses. Poor tensile strength and/or lack of sufficient compressive strength has the potential to cause localised bearing failure. Masonry has both limited compressive strength and very low tensile strength. A few techniques of improving the compressive strength of masonry (both clay and concrete) have been developed and presented in this paper. The techniques considered include the use of lateral reinforcement, fine wire mesh or welded wire mesh cages within the hollow cores of masonry prior to grouting and steel fibre reinforced grouting. The effect of the types of aggregates used in the grout was also examined.