Structural Behavior of Geopolymer Masonry

Background/Objectives: To determine the basic properties of masonry units, masonry efficiency for the different h/t ratios of the masonry prisms and wallets. Methods/Statistical Analysis: The geopolymer bricks were cured at ambient temperature. These bricks were tested for compression, Initial Rate of Absorption [IRA], density, water absorption, dimensionality and modulus of elasticity. They were also tested for alternative drying and wetting. The microstructure of the bricks was also analyzed. Geopolymer prisms were cast and tested using geopolymer mortar / cement mortar for the different thickness of joints. The Masonry wallets were constructed using geopolymer brick and conventional cement mortar. They were tested for axial and eccentric loading. Findings: The compressive strength of geopolymer brick attains more than 5MPa within 24 hours which influences the user to handle without any issues. It was found that the basic properties of geopolymer masonry brick well within the limits prescribed in the relevant codes. Geopolymer mortar can be used as mortar in building masonry structures as it exhibits better compressive strength and other properties than cement mortar. The performance of the axial and eccentrically loaded wallette was found to be superior compared to the conventional cement brick masonry. Application/Improvements: The geopolymer masonry bricks were used as structural masonry units due to better performance.