ABSTRACT
The flexural bond strength between brick and mortar is a measure of the ability of masonry to resist applied stress and differential movements. This chapter presents the findings of a study of the impact of the addition of short steel fibres to the mortar on the flexural bond and shear strength of masonry construction. The investigation was aimed at assessing if the main source of the strength came from the interlocking effect of the mortar filling the cored sections of the bricks creating significant "interlock" for the whole cross-section. The crack propagation started at the bottom support roller and slowly propagated along the interface gradually becoming wider and longer. The specimen did not fail until the mortar in the cores was sheared off. This suggests that the main source of the strength in bond wrench tests was from the strength of mortar filling the cored sections of the bricks creating the significant interlock for the whole cross-section.
