Synopsis
The results of a large number of flexural strength tests on wallettes (small masonry panels for testing) made with a range of commercially available concrete blocks are reported. The relationships between the performance of the wallettes and several properties of the block were investigated as a possible basis for a table of characteristic flexural strength values in BS 5628: Part 1: 1978, ‘the Code of Practice for Structural use of masonry’. In general, the basis chosen, compressive strength, and the levels set in the Code are satisfactory but the margins of safety may be lower for masonry made with some types of blocks and for thicker walls. Interim results for full-size walls are also given which confirm the trends indicated by the tests on wallettes.
