ABSTRACT
Dry contacting plsurfaces between the blocks ay a major role on the performance of dry stack masonry. The concept of dry stack masonry laid with unmor- tared joints has long generated interest within the masonry industry for several reasons. They are, potential for construction of structural walls by unskilled labour with minimal input from skilled masons; greater construction productivity; cleaner and less hazardous construction site; compressive strength of masonry close to that of the units and absence of mortar induced shrinkage cracking at interfaces. A Matrix Based Tactile Surface Sensor system was used to determine the contact area and contact pressure distribution between the dry contacting surfaces of the concrete blocks. The joint surface contact properties in terms of contact pressure and contact area with the applied compressive load and loading time were studied and plotted using carbon paper imprints and tactile sensor system effectively.
