BIBLIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW ON COMPRESSION TESTS ON MASONRY PRISMS

Abstract

Masonry structures have been used for the construction of buildings since ancient times. In Cuba, the use of this constructive typology is widespread, reaching the construction of buildings of up to six levels. The compressive strength of the masonry wall is the fundamental characteristic to be evaluated for the design of the structural masonry. To estimate this property, prism tests are usually carried out. These tests constitute the basis of the empirical expressions reflected in most regulations. However, there is no national documentation that regulates the performance of such tests. For this reason, this paper presents a review of the literature related to the simple compression tests of masonry prisms, particularly those of concrete block units, as it is the most widely used masonry unit.