Romilde Almeida de Oliveira

Experimental Analyse of the Influence of Different Mortar Rendering Layers in Masonry Buildings

This work discusses masonry buildings constructed in the state of Pernambuco, Brazil. Topics such as the main features of this construction technique and the peculiarities that affect its structural behaviour are discussed. Technical information about accidents occurred in recent years are also discussed, along with the historical records of the events, followed by indications of the causes for the collapse. Additionally, this work presents an extensive characterisation of materials and components used in non-structural masonry constructions in the region, making it one of the most comprehensive research studies on this topic in Brazil. This study conducts an in-depth, numerical and experimental analysis of the behaviour of the compressive strength of blocks, prisms and mini-walls that are part of a non-load bearing system, which is often used in the region to carry loads above its own weight. The results obtained allowed to identify the contribution of several mortar rendering layers to the load capacity of the tested specimens. The factors that influenced the load capacity of the tested specimens are also discussed. Finally, a summary of the main results of all the tests performed is presented in order to provide a detailed explanation for the failures modes observed, which were always sudden and brittle, as was the case in most accidents that occurred with this type of building in the region.

Analysis of a Concrete Structure that Was Exposed to Fires in the Metropolitan Region of Recife

In large cities, news about fires in buildings are powered by problems such as old wiring and no maintenance. Accidents with chemicals and human error, which when added to the different characteristics of each fire and structures can generate the factors causing these disasters. The gradual rise in temperature causes a different effect in mortar and concrete parts, verifying the change in coloring provided to loss of mechanical strength and surface crumbling, cracking and disintegration of the structure itself. This paper presents a case study in which a building that is located in the metropolitan region of Recife was exposed to a fire situation. The metropolitan region of Recife is composed of several old buildings that by virtue of their age may have delayed construction methods, and may expose the fragility of the concrete used in its construction on a fire situation. The concrete structures are recognized by the good resistance to fire because of the thermal characteristics of the material, however, the temperature rise in the concrete elements in characteristic causes a reduction in strength and modulus of elasticity of the material, the loss in stiffness leading to polyphase degradation of reinforced concrete, structural parts can lead to ruin, but when properly sized and executed, the concrete can serve as a proactive agent to be exposed to high temperatures, as the same may be subjected to high temperatures accidentally or they may be part of their normal work. Language: en