Strength of materials and masonry structures in Malawi

Strength properties of masonry materials commonly used for housing construction in formal and informal settlements in Malawi are investigated by means of laboratory testing, conducted on masonry prisms and panels. The tests are aimed at simulating actual field conditions and construction practices in the country. Based on observations from previous field surveys, specimens were prepared by local artisans using local commercially-produced bricks and various mortar types which were cured in uncontrolled conditions. The results reveal that the behaviour of the masonry in compression is governed by the low compressive strength of the bricks. It was also found that it is the quality of the brick-mortar bonding that governs the in-plane shear and out-ofplane flexural behaviour, which are critical for the resistance to horizontal loading, such as the earthquake action.