Masonry 1 Flashcards
(20 cards)
Describe an early example of structural masonry.
The Ziggurat of Etemenanki in Babylon.
Explain how early masonry structures like ziggurats were built.
They were built without cranes or lifting tackle; stones were dragged and lifted manually.
Define the materials mentioned in Genesis 11:3 related to early masonry.
Bricks were used instead of stone, and slime (bitumen) was used for mortar.
What is a key law from Hammurabi’s Code regarding building safety?
If a builder’s house collapses and kills the owner, the builder is executed.
Identify typical masonry units used in construction.
Clay bricks, concrete blocks, and stones.
What is the purpose of mortar in masonry?
Mortar is a workable paste used to bind building blocks and fill gaps.
List the components of mortar.
Cement, lime, sand, and water.
How does the quality of masonry units get affected?
It is affected by material type, manufacturing method, and firing degree.
What contributes to the overall strength of masonry?
The strength of the units, mortar, and their bond.
Explain the importance of the bond between mortar and brick.
It affects load transfer and structural integrity.
Define the typical compressive strength range of clay bricks.
The typical compressive strength range of clay bricks is from 20 MPa to 100 MPa.
Explain the importance of proper drying for bricks.
Proper drying prevents shrinkage cracks and improves strength.
Describe the implication of a higher A_net/A_gross ratio in unit strength.
A higher A_net/A_gross ratio implies stronger bricks due to less void space.
Explain the purpose of using prisms in masonry testing.
Prisms are used in masonry testing to simulate the composite behavior of wall construction.
How do cores in bricks contribute to their strength?
Cores in bricks improve strength by aiding uniform drying and providing keying action with mortar.
What is the purpose of the unit strength method in masonry?
The unit strength method is used to estimate wall strength based on unit and mortar strength.
Identify some common failure mechanisms in masonry.
Common failure mechanisms in masonry include cracking due to shrinkage, poor bonding, or stress concentrations.
Discuss the role of manpower in early masonry construction.
Massive labor forces were needed in early masonry construction due to the lack of machinery.
Why was mortar significant in historical masonry practices?
Mortar was important historically as it enabled the binding of bricks where stone was unavailable.
Estimate the number of workers involved in building early masonry structures.
Up to 100,000 workers were estimated to be involved in building early masonry structures.
