BEHAVIOR OF CONCRETE BLOCK MASONRY UNDER AXIAL COMPRESSION.

The results of 146 axial compression tests of concrete block masonry prisms are reported. The results show that the strengths of grouted prisms are not affected much by the mortar joint. It is shown that the larger lateral tensile strains in the grouted prisms correspond to vertical compression strain levels in the grout which are associated with extensive microcracking and greatly increased Poisson's ratios.