Mechanical Properties and Behavior of Traditional Adobe Wall Panels of the Aveiro District

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2015

Authors

Dora Silveira (Author) Other; Humberto Varum (Author) FEUP; Anbal Costa (Author) Other; Jose Carvalho (Author) Other

Journal

Title: Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering

Vol. 27

Final page: 04014253

ISSN: 0899-1561

Publisher: ASCE

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 6 Citations

Scopus - 21 Citations

Scientific classification

CORDIS: Technological sciences > Engineering > Civil engineering > Structural engineering

FOS: Engineering and technology > Civil engineering

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-00G-FX8

DOI: 10.1061/(asce)mt.1943-5533.0001194

Abstract (EN): In the Aveiro district, Portugal, adobe was a construction material extensively used until the middle of the twentieth century. Presently, many adobe constructions are still in use, presenting important cultural, social, and architectural value. Many of these constructions, however, are in a poor state of conservation, displaying severe structural anomalies. This negligence is in part due to a lack of knowledge concerning the mechanical behavior and properties of adobe masonry. The purpose of this paper is to contribute to this knowledge. Ten full-scale adobe wall panels were constructed in the laboratory with adobes collected from an existing construction and with mortar formulated with the composition traditionally used. Five wall panels were tested in simple compression and five wall panels in diagonal compression. From these tests it was possible to determine and evaluate the stress-strain relationships, strength, deformation, stiffness, and damage pattern of the adobe masonry walls. This knowledge can support the adequate rehabilitation and retrofitting of existing buildings, the calibration of numerical models, and even the design of new adobe constructions. (C) 2014 American Society of Civil Engineers.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 14