Prestress loss of high-strength calcium silicate element masonry with thin-layer mortar

At Eindhoven University of Technology, the behaviour of post-tensioned shear walls of high-strength calcium silicate element (CASIEL) masonry with thin-layer mortar (TLM) is investigated. As a part of this research, prestress losses due to creep and shrinkage of such masonry were monitored for 250 days. Experiments were conducted in a climate-controlled environment and all specimens were conditioned to the same moisture content. The specimens measured 175 x 175 x 1100 mm3 and contained one bed joint of TLM. High-strength CASIELs from two manufacturers were used, having similar compressive strength, but different dry density and Young’s modulus. Test setups for creep and prestress loss were developed and shrinkage was measured on unloaded control specimens. It is concluded that time-dependent deformations and prestress loss of high-strength CASIEL-TLM masonry are low compared to other kinds of masonry. Therefore, this type of masonry is very suitable for post-tensioning