Flexural tests of masonry beam with and without reinforced bar

Behaviour of reinforced masonry has been studied experimentally to determine its strength potential. The increase in either compressive or tensile strength of masonry is possible due to the existence of rebar or wire mesh. The research is carried out to determine the effect of steel rebar on flexural strength of reinforced masonry beam using local brick. The square hollow masonry beams of 330x330mm with and without reinforced bar were tested in the laboratory to determine the load and deflection curves and bending strength. The rebar was located at the centre of beam’s cross section and left unbounded. Mechanical properties of masonry’s constitute were also determined. It was found that the flexural strength of beams with rebar of 22 mm diameter was greater 11 times than that of beam without rebar. However, that strength was only 1.6 times due to the weaker end connections of the beam to the rebar. Flexural strength of reinforced masonry beam with 22 mm rebar was greater 2.7 times compared to the beam using a rebar diameter of 16 mm