Dynamic properties of clay brick at different strain rates

Abstract

Investigation of the dynamic properties of construction materials is critical for structural engineering. The strain rate effect influences the properties on most constructions materials. This effect on materials such as concrete or steel has been intensively investigated. However, such studies on masonry materials such as clay bricks cannot be found in the open literature easily. Understanding the strain rate effect on masonry materials is important for proper modelling and design of masonry structures under high velocity impacts or blast loads. This work aims to study the behaviour of clay brick in compression at different strain rates. A Drop Weight Impact Machine will be used on clay brick specimens at different heights and weights introducing different levels of strain rate, ranging from 4 s-1 to 199 s-1. The strain rate effect on the ultimate strength, young’s modulus and strain at ultimate strength will be determined from the experimental results. Empirical relations of dynamic increase factors (DIF) for these material properties will be presented.