Comparative Study on the Strengthening of Cellular Lightweight Concrete Block (CLC) Masonry

Abstract

Cellular Lightweight Concrete Block Masonry is a new and emerging construction material, spreading at a high rate in developing countries. This material requires proper laboratory testing at a material level before commercialization. This paper elaborates the stress-strain behavior of strengthened and un-strengthened prisms under compressive loading, tested according to requirements of ASTM standard. Six prisms, three of which were strengthened and three un-strengthened, having dimensions of 8ʺ x 24ʺ x 24ʺ were casted. Experimental results show that there is very little improvement happened in the strengthened samples as compared to that of un-strengthened. This is because during the test, due to the low compressive strength, screws were pulled out and hence did not play their role in strengthening.