Abstract

The construction industry is undergoing a significant transition toward sustainable building materials, with compressed stabilized earth blocks (CSEBs) emerging as a promising alternative to conventional fired bricks. This study investigates the fundamental mechanical behavior of CSEB masonry, addressing a critical knowledge gap concerning the influence of block geometry and mortar characteristics on structural performance. A comprehensive experimental program was conducted involving conventional plain CSEBs and two novel modified block geometries. Stack-bonded masonry prisms were constructed using both conventional and reduced mortar thicknesses. The experimental investigation included systematic compression tests, detailed stress–strain measurements, and evaluation of elastic properties to characterize the mechanical response of the masonry assemblies. The experimental results revealed three key trends. First, modifications in block geometry combined with reduced mortar thickness led to a noticeable reduction in masonry compressive strength. Second, masonry constructed with reduced mortar thickness exhibited improved structural performance compared to assemblies with conventional mortar thickness. Third, the specialized block geometries demonstrated lower elastic modulus values, indicating altered load-transfer mechanisms within the masonry system. These findings establish a clear relationship between block geometry, mortar specifications, and the structural performance of deep-frogged CSEB masonry. The outcomes of this study contribute to the optimization of sustainable masonry design while maintaining essential structural requirements and provide valuable insights for researchers and practitioners pursuing environmentally responsible construction practices.

Keywords

Compressed stabilized earth blocks, Sustainable masonry, Block geometry, Mortar thickness, Compressive strength, Structural performance.

Cite this article

Prasad HGV, Nirmala DB, Keshava M. Experimental investigation on the structural behaviour of masonry with enhanced frog design and varying mortar thickness. International Journal of Advanced Technology and Engineering Exploration. 2026;13(134):19-35. DOI : 10.19101/IJATEE.2024.111102269

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