Modified Failure Load for Brick Masonry Columns Encased With Ferrocement-An Experimental Study

The presents work includes experimental study on enhancement in behavior of conventional brick columns under compressive as well as eccentric load with and without ferrocement encasement. The experimental program includes testing of column specimens having square and rectangular cross sections under axial compressive loadings and eccentric loading. The test samples comprise of six designation series for both rectangular and square shapes to make comparative study between conventionally used brick masonry columns and columns encased with welded steel mesh with spacing (19.05×19.05) mm. The main variables are the gauge of wire mesh, shape of cross section of columns and type of loading (axial/eccentric). The main objective is to evaluate the effectiveness of employing the wire mesh in reinforcing the conventional brick columns. The results of experiments are reported and discussed including strength, cracking and failure patterns. The results proved that encased brick columns can be developed with high strength, resistance to crack propagation and decrease in width of crack as compared to plain specimen. However, premature failure is possible when bond at the interface of brick masonry column and ferrocement is poor.