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Concrete can be cast and cured at freezing temperatures when additive-based freeze protection (ABFP) is included in the concrete mixture. However, the effects of extremely cold temperatures on the mechanical properties of concrete with ABFP have not been studied. In addition, the impact of cold temperatures on shear strength and modulus of rupture of concrete with or without ABFP have not been measured. The present study measures the effects of decreasing temperatures on the compressive strength, modulus of elasticity, shear strength, and modulus of rupture of concrete with and without ABFP. Different types of aggregates and ABFP systems were used to manufacture conventional concrete (without ABFP) and concrete with ABFP. Concrete with ABFP is mixed, cast, and cured at −5°C and conventional concrete, at 20°C. Specimens are conditioned at 20°C, −5°C, −20°C, −40°C, or −60°C for 24 h and then tested. Generally, it was found that the mechanical properties of both types of concretes increased as the test temperature decreased. However, ABFP lowers the pore solution's freezing point and lowers the relative compressive strength increase rate compared with conventional concrete. Concrete with ABFP can have a higher rate of increase in relative elastic modulus than conventional concrete. This is due to the two-phase system of an ABFP pore solution at low temperatures, where ice fills voids, and the unfrozen concentrated pore solution continues to fill capillary voids and wet calcium silicate hydrate. The increase in shear strength from the aggregates and hydration products is greater than the contributions of the pore solution's frozen properties. Finally, the rise in rupture strength is attributed to the increase in the strength of concrete materials because there is no significant change in the tensile strength of ice with decreasing temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) bars are used as reinforcement for structural concrete, especially in cases where corrosion of traditional steel reinforcement is a problem. The tensile strength of these reinforcing bars is the primary characteristic on which the design of concrete members reinforced with GFRP bars relies. Determination of the tensile strength of the bars using a direct tensile test is a time and resource-intensive task and therefore is not routinely conducted for quality control. The tensile strength can also be measured from flexure tests, which are much simpler than direct tensile tests, and use appropriate correlation formulations. In this paper, the applicability of flexure testing for the identification of bars' tensile strength is investigated by conducting and analyzing both 3-point and 4-point flexure testing. The correlation formulations are presented that allow the determination of tensile strength from the modulus of rupture. The Weibull weakest link model and the assumption of the same flaw distribution in tensile and flexure tests is adopted. The results of the 3-point and the 4-point bending are presented and compared. Comparisons are also conducted to select direct tensile test results. The work shows that 3-point and 4-point bending tests provide very similar results, with the difference between the results being 2% to 10%, suggesting both tests can be used for tensile strength determination of GFRP bars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Geopolymer concrete (GPC) is a cutting-edge, environmentally friendly substance which replace cement, resulting in a significant decrease in carbon emissions and encouraging the adoption of more sustainable construction methods. The objective of this study is to evaluate the likelihood of Alkali-Silica Reaction (ASR) occurring in geopolymer concrete by using local aggregates, sourced from various places. The examination was conducted while employing the ASTM C 1260 test method, which entailed measuring the expansion of test bars over a period of 150 days. Additionally, compressive strength testing is performed by casting cubes, and flexural strength tests were performed by casting prisms. In addition, samples of ordinary Portland cement (OPC) were subjected to testing for comparison. The findings demonstrated that the expansion of GPC bars adhered to the limitations set by ASTM C 1260, with an expansion rate of less than 0.025% after 28 days. On the other hand, the OPC samples showed ASR growth that was greater than 0.2% after 28 days, which went over the limitations set by the ASTM standard. Furthermore, the GPC samples exhibited a notable enhancement in both compressive and flexural strength, with compressive strength showing a 15–25% improvement and flexural strength increasing by 5–15% even in harsh environmental conditions. However, OPC samples exhibited a decrease of up to 6% in compressive strength and 5% in flexural strength under same conditions. The findings indicate that geopolymer concrete provides greater resistance to ASR, improved durability, and an extended lifespan in comparison to OPC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Genetic control of wood properties relevant to solid-wood utilisation was evaluated in an 11-yearold progeny trial of Eucalyptus pellita at Pleiku, central Vietnam. Wood samples taken from total of 160 trees from 40 open-pollinated families chosen randomly from five seed sources were evaluated for wood basic density (BD), dimensional shrinkage, modulus of elasticity (MoE) and modulus of rupture (MoR). Differences among the seed sources were not significant for these wood traits. Narrow-sense heritabilities were moderate to high, ranging from 0.33 to 0.54, with coefficients of additive genetic variation ranging from 4.5-11.8%, except for longitudinal shrinkage, for which heritability was non-significant. Genetic correlations between BD and the other wood properties were not significant, excepting a positive relationship between BD and MoR. The genetic correlations between diameter at breast height and wood properties, and between shrinkage traits and MoE/MoR were non-significant. Breeding to improve these wood properties should be feasible and compatible with improving growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The inclusion of polyvinyl alcohol fiber (PVA) into an engineered cementitious composite (ECC) material is essential to impart mechanical and thermal properties, in addition to the enhancement of porosity and microstructural properties. Therefore, this improvement can be achieved by utilizing four different percentages of fiber (0.5, 1, 1.5, 2)%, replaced by volume. Five mixes of (PVA-ECC) of M25 grade strength were produced and tested at three different ages (7, 28, and 90) days. Because of the more porous structure of (PVA-ECC), the results demonstrated that adding 2% by weight of (PVA) fiber to (PVA-ECC) dramatically lowered its thermal conductivity by 36.5% compared to traditional concrete. However, more thermal energy can be captured and concentrated at the cement paste surface with the increasing amount of (PVA) fiber, causing an increment in thermal load and negatively affecting thermal insulating efficiency. Furthermore, compressive strength results revealed an upward trend as the fiber content increased up to 1.5% of (PVA) fiber, demonstrating the maximum improvement in strength. On the other hand, the achievement of 55% of the modulus of rupture by inclusion (2%) (PVA) fiber reveals that the modulus of rupture is mainly influenced by (PVA) fiber inclusion. Finally, there is confidence that the reduced thermal conductivity, hydrophobic surface nature, and improved mechanical characteristics of (PVA-ECC) can meet the demanding standards of environmentally friendly building construction.

The rising demand for ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC) necessitates innovations in sustainable materials. This study explores the substitution of ordinary Portland cement (OPC) with thermally and mechanically activated nano-kaolin in varying proportions from 0.5 to 0.25%. A uniform quantity of double-hooked end steel fibers was added to all the mixes. Activated nano-kaolin variants showed significant enhancement in UHPC properties. Specifically, UHPC with 0.20% thermally activated kaolin (B3-TAK-20) exhibited a 21.6% increase in compressive strength and a 25.5% increase in modulus of elasticity at 90 days, with the modulus of rupture doubling compared to the reference mix. These improvements are attributed to the amorphous nature of thermally activated nano-kaolin, resulting in a denser concrete matrix and reduced porosity. Beyond the optimal 0.20% kaolin replacement, an increase to 0.25% diminished compressive strength. Durability tests showed enhanced acid resistance, with only a 6.7% mass loss for the thermally activated nano-kaolin mix and a consistent reduction in water absorption by 14.4% as kaolin proportions increased from 0.5 to 0.25%. The study also noted a decrease in water absorption by 22.9 and 12.3% at 56 and 90 days, respectively, indicating the thermally activated nano-kaolin’s enhanced performance. This research underscores the potential of activated kaolin as a viable alternative to OPC, paving the way for more sustainable UHPC production.

Under the turbulence of global change, the production of boards has been influenced by the rising demand and price of wood-based materials. To improve the structural performance of boards, reinforcement materials have been added, such as nanoparticles. The purpose of this review is to explore the application of nanomaterials, including nano-SiO2, nano-Al2O3, nano-ZnO, nano-Fe2O3, nano-cellulose, nano-lignin, and nano-chitosan, to evaluate the physical and mechanical properties of particleboards. These nanoparticles have demonstrated their ability to reduce formaldehyde emissions, enhance the dimensional stability, bending strength, bending stiffness, fire resistance, and resistance to thermal conductivity in board production. For example, the addition of nano-SiO2, known for its hydrophilicity, attracts and holds water molecules and acts as a thermal barrier due to its high melting point and low thermal conductivity. In contrast, nano-Al2O3 is known for its high compressive strength (up to 3 GPa), hardness strength (9 Mohs scale), and high thermal conductivity, which helps to dissipate heat more effectively. This comprehensive evaluation brings together recent advances in producing particleboards and medium density fiberboard reinforced with nanoparticles, which are essential for future research and industry applications. The study emphasizes how innovative nanoparticles can contribute to sustainable urban development and construction practices, reduce deforestation, preserve natural habitats, and provide affordable housing. The research indicates that nanoparticle boards meet (e.g., nanoclay and nanoalumina panels) and in some cases exceed the minimum requirement for general-purpose panels set standards such as the ANSI/A208.1-1999, including water absorption of 8%, thickness swelling of 3% and EN 312 for the bending strength (15–16 MPa) and bending stiffness (2.2–2.4 GPa) for P4 and P6 boards, respectively. These results support the transformative power of nanomaterials in promoting a more sustainable and future solution for boards in the building construction industry.

It is often stated that there is an energy efficiency difference between optimum energy use and actual energy use in the world. In the construction industry, various building materials are produced and used to optimize energy efficiency in buildings. Among these building materials, inorganic bonded fibrous composite boards, whose energy efficiency criteria have begun to be improved, are widely used both in Türkiye and in the world. This article presents an experimental analysis of the utilization of modified expanded perlite and pumice as key constituents in the development of inorganic bonded fibrous composite boards. The study investigates the influence of these modified porous materials on the physical, mechanical, and thermal properties of the composite boards. For this purpose; composite mortars were produced using micronized quartz sand, a hybrid fiber consisting of cellulose and glass fiber, modified expanded perlite (MEP) with stearic acid (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 wt.%) and modified pumice (MPU) with stearic acid (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 wt.%). In order to make a comparison, a control mortar that did not contain modified expanded perlite and modified pumice was produced. Through a series of experiments, it is concluded that the density values of all other mixture designs with MEP and MPU aggregate additives under equivalent conditions are lower than the control sample. The water absorption values of the samples always remained below the control sample, and with the increase in the MPU ratio and decrease in the MEP ratio, the water absorption values of the samples also decreased. The average modulus of rupture (MOR) value of control sample in the analysis made after 14 days of curing under ambient conditions is 3.73 MPa. The highest MOR value of the test samples is 3.51 MPa, which is the mixture using the highest MPU. The thermal conductivity value of the control mixture is 0.352 W/mK. The thermal conductivity value of test mixtures with MEP and MPU aggregates varies between 0.175 W/mK and 0.287 W/mK. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nondestructive methods are a fast and accurate way to obtain information about the mechanical properties of plywood panels. The objective was to determine the modulus of rupture and compare the modulus of elasticity (MOE) in plywood boards made with Pinus spp. and Eucalyptus urograndis using the destructive method of three-point static bending and the nondestructive method of ultrasound in parallel and perpendicular directions, as well as in complete board and test specimens, both with the ultrasound method and the correlation between the variables studied. The plywood boards evaluated were 18, 25 and 30 mm nominal thickness. Five structures were evaluated using pine and pine–eucalyptus veneers. Three boards were collected per structure, and 28 specimens were made from each board (14 in a parallel direction and 14 in a perpendicular direction). The elastic modulus was determined by the ultrasound method in complete plywood boards and in specimens obtained from them using the IML Micro Hammer® equipment and through the conventional bending test, carried out in an Instron® universal mechanical testing machine. The Tukey test of means (p < 0.05) shows that in the nominal thickness of 18 mm, the modulus of elasticity by ultrasound was lower compared to the result obtained by static bending in four of the five structures in the perpendicular direction and lower in all the structures evaluated in the parallel direction; while in the nominal thickness of 25 and 30 mm, it was greater in all structures and in both directions. The results of static bending by ultrasound, in complete boards and specimens, show that the only significant difference (p < 0.05) occurs in the nominal thickness of 30 mm in the treatment made with pine–eucalyptus with urea formaldehyde resin being lower in the parallel direction and in complete boards The correlation between the modulus of elasticity determined on specimens using the nondestructive method and the destructive method was r = 0.75 and Pr < 0.05; while comparing the nondestructive method on test specimens and complete plywood panels, r = 0.73 and Pr < 0.05 were obtained. It is concluded that the mechanical bending property of plywood boards can be characterized by the ultrasound method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The feasibility of using the Semicircular Bending (SCB) test to control the quality of concrete for application in pavements was investigated. Two concrete mixtures incorporating high-strength cement with specified compressive strengths of 30 MPa and 40 MPa were manufactured. The results of the SCB test were correlated with those of the flexural strength of standardized beams and the compressive strength of cylinders. A statistical analysis of the goodness of fit of all the empirical models obtained was conducted to study the degree of association between the variables. Power models were the most appropriate to relate the mechanical properties studied, with Pearson's correlation coefficients higher than 0.93. These equations can feed the database of levels 1 and 2 of the Mechanistic-Empirical (ME) design method for concrete pavements. Models with unique values that allow quick calculations with good precision were also found. The results show that the SCB test is a promising option when estimating the flexural strength of concrete for use in pavement, as well as carrying out its control and quality assurance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tropical hardwoods, often used as outdoor wood products, are frequently exposed to the hot and humid conditions in Malaysia. This has led to many studies attempting to develop suitable coatings and establishing maintenance cycles so that product service life can be extended. The objective of this study was to evaluate the surface quality and mechanical properties of both uncoated and coated three Malaysian hardwood species, namely dark red meranti (Shorea spp.), keruing (Dipterocarpus spp.) and keranji (Dialium spp.) after exposure to outdoor condition at different time spans. Surface quality of uncoated and coated with exterior transparent alkyd finished of the samples was evaluated visually as well as employing a profilometer-type equipment. Bending characteristics of outdoor exposed samples were also tested. The results showed that the surface of all coated samples degraded after 48 months of exposure. In addition, after 48 months of outdoor exposure, the modulus of rupture (MOR) values for dark red meranti, keruing and keranji decreased by more than 15% while the modulus of elasticity (MOE) values decreased by approximately 20% for both uncoated and coated samples. Generally, refinishing and maintenance should be performed within 2 years, and the cost of the maintenance should be calculated to ensure that the condition of the wood remains suitable for use as a building material in Malaysia's climate conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The primary aim of this investigation is to advance the properties of an innovative and sustainable wheat starch-based NaCl-binder (WSB) material. The scope encompasses the material's ecological and structural applications and potential for paving usage. The creation of hydrophobic and environmentally friendly WSB samples under microwave curing conditions was achieved by using a salt mortar with varying sizes of salt grains, water, and wheat starch as a binding agent. This study investigated the effects of curing time, water and starch amounts, and salt particle size on strength, modulus of rupture, and modulus of elasticity. Additionally, XRD, XRF, and SEM analyses were carried out to assess the chemical characteristics of WSB and the bonding between its particles. The mix design with the highest compressive strength, which consisted of 1 wt% starch, 8 min of microwave treatment, and 10 wt% water, attained a strength of 25.27 MPa. Furthermore, coconut oil was employed to effectively make the samples water-resistant. Following different guidelines, WSB could be categorized as structural concrete and utilized for structural and paving bricks. A vital aspect of this study is the exceptional environmental performance of WSB as a structural material, highlighting its originality and importance.

Cement clay interlocking (CCI) hollow bricks have been used as a construction material in many developed and developing countries. Many emerging and underdeveloped nations have utilised cement clay interlocking (CCI) hollow bricks as building materials. In India, Andhra Pradesh local makers prepare these cement clay interlocking (CCI) hollow bricks by simply mixing clay, cement, and sand in a traditional method, without following strict design criteria or rules. Previous research has demonstrated that the mechanical characteristics of CCI hollow bricks gathered from various locations in detailed manner respect to hand books on Civil Engineering as per Indian Standards. Bricks from one region had compressive strengths that were significantly lower than the other region Indian Community Standards. Various methods were employed in this investigation to enhance the mechanical characteristics of CCI bricks. New mix patterns were created with the use of sand, cement, and fly ash in this research paper.

Recycling crushed clay bricks (CCB) in concrete is a sustainable and cost-effective process. Huge quantities of crushed clay bricks waste cause many serious environmental problems around the world. To deal with this problem, crushed bricks were recycled in the concrete industry as an alternative to natural resources, and the brick powder was reused as a partial replacement for cement. The objective of this paper is to study the effect of crushed clay bricks on the characteristics of concrete. 7 concrete mixtures containing coarse crushed brick aggregate (CCBA) and fine crushed brick aggregate (FCBA) were prepared as a complete substitute for sand and dolomite, respectively. Clay brick powder (CBP) and silica fume were used as a partial substitute for cement by 5%, 10%, and 15% of its weight. The water-to-cement ratio was 0.35. For comparison, a control mixture was prepared. Various tests were conducted to evaluate the performance of concrete. The results showed that the workability of the different mixtures containing CCB decreased compared to that of the reference mixture. The compressive strength values of mixtures containing CCBA had a clear decrease compared to the reference mix at 7, 28, and 56 days of curing. The modulus of rupture results had the same path as compressive strength results. The thermal conductivity coefficient for mixtures including CCBA decreased compared to the control mix. Scanning Electron Microscope images indicated crystals of calcium silicate hydrate because of the pozzolanic interaction between the brick powder and the fine crushed clay bricks with calcium hydroxide.

Recycling crushed clay bricks (CCB) in concrete is a sustainable and cost-effective process. Huge quantities of crushed clay bricks waste cause many serious environmental problems around the world. To deal with this problem, crushed bricks were recycled in the concrete industry as an alternative to natural resources, and the brick powder was reused as a partial replacement for cement. The objective of this paper is to study the effect of crushed clay bricks on the characteristics of concrete. 7 concrete mixtures containing coarse crushed brick aggregate (CCBA) and fine crushed brick aggregate (FCBA) were prepared as a complete substitute for sand and dolomite, respectively. Clay brick powder (CBP) and silica fume were used as a partial substitute for cement by 5%, 10%, and 15% of its weight. The water-to-cement ratio was 0.35. For comparison, a control mixture was prepared. Various tests were conducted to evaluate the performance of concrete. The results showed that the workability of the different mixtures containing CCB decreased compared to that of the reference mixture. The compressive strength values of mixtures containing CCBA had a clear decrease compared to the reference mix at 7, 28, and 56 days of curing. The modulus of rupture results had the same path as compressive strength results. The thermal conductivity coefficient for mixtures including CCBA decreased compared to the control mix. Scanning Electron Microscope images indicated crystals of calcium silicate hydrate because of the pozzolanic interaction between the brick powder and the fine crushed clay bricks with calcium hydroxide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The behavior of steel fiber reinforced concrete (SFRC) is highly dependent on mix design, where the properties of its components, such as cementitious matrix and fibers, impact the physical and mechanical properties of the composite. Incorporating steel fibers into concrete modifies its physical properties, potentially leading to fiber segregation and resulting in a nonuniform distribution of the fibers within the material. In experimental studies, an increase in fiber volume has been found to change the failure mode of SFRC beams from shear to flexure, and numerical investigations have shown that randomness in fiber distribution can significantly influence the behavior of the composite. Therefore, this study aims to develop a numerical model that considers variations in material properties to simulate the change in the failure mode of SFRC beams due to variations in fiber volume. The failure and yielding parameters were initially established and integrated into the concrete damaged plasticity (CDP). Subsequently, the response of both steel and concrete to tension or compression stresses was ascertained. Finally, the appropriate meshes and finite elements were chosen for the simulation. In the final approach, two methods were employed to introduce randomness into the beam. One divided the beam into different vertical segments: 30, 45, and 90, and the other combined vertical and horizontal segments: 30 vertical with 4 horizontal, 45 vertical with 5 horizontal, and 90 vertical with 10 horizontal. A script was developed in Python to automatically insert the properties. The numerical model successfully captured the change in failure mode from shear to flexure resulting from fiber volume increase. Vertical and horizontal segments increased toughness due to crack deviation, better predicting cracking pattern and loading capacity for the highest fiber contents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In practice, for the manufacture of plywood, the veneer is usually dried to a moisture level suitable for bonding. However, anatomical differences within and between veneer sheets are a significant factor and some of them may contribute to significant differences in moisture content (MC). The novelty of this work was to study the possibility of using wood veneers of different MC in adjacent layers in one structure of plywood panels and how this affects the physical and mechanical properties of the panels. The Norway spruce (Picea abies L. Karst) wood veneers with mean MC approximately of 2%, 5% and 7% and phenol-urea-formaldehyde (PUF) resin were used in the experiments. The five-layers plywood panels were manufactured at the two pressing pressures of 0.8 MPa and 1.2 MPa. There was no significant difference in the bending and bonding properties, but only wood failure as measured on bonding specimens which showed higher average values on specimens manufactured with high pressure during hot pressing. Higher differences in MC of each veneer with constant MC of the veneer stack didn't worse bending and bonding properties of plywood. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the last two decades, the utilization of timber in construction has gained increasing attention among researchers and sustainable building designers. Therefore, studies of climate impact on timber structures have been conducted, many of them focusing on the moisture content caused changes in timber. In the present study, four-point bending tests have been performed on three testing groups, containing 30 samples each. The first group has been tested under its natural conditions, while the second and the third groups were fully saturated with water. The third group was glazed with a protection material. The results show the changes in the modulus of elasticity and the modulus of rupture caused by the moisture content increase. In the same time the material behavior changed from brittle to semi-ductile or ductile for some samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Full-Depth Reclamation (FDR) Pavements with a cement-stabilized layer are considered as semi-rigid structures. Although many state highway agencies across the United States have adopted the Mechanistic-Empirical Pavement Design Guide (MEPDG), the local calibration factors for semi-rigid pavements are not properly developed and validated for this design method. Consequently, state and local highway agencies still reference the AASHTO 72/93 guides when FDR pavements are designed. Both AASHTO 72/93 guides and MEPDG utilize the Unconfined Compressive Strength (UCS) to determine layer coefficients and the elastic modulus of the cement-stabilized layer. Several UCS-based moduli models exist for different chemically stabilized layers, but their reliability has not been sufficiently validated for FDR pavements. This paper aims to verify design inputs for FDR pavements through a forensic study conducted at four pavement sections in Georgia. Falling Weight Deflectometer testing was the primary tool used to determine suitable structural layer coefficients for FDR base layers. To assess the mechanical characteristics of FDR, including UCS, elastic modulus, and flexural strength, field cores, along with pulverized asphalt and base mixes, were collected. Test results were then compared with predictions from existing UCS-based models for elastic modulus and modulus of rupture. To understand how input variables affect the anticipated performance of FDR pavements, a mechanistic sensitivity analysis was carried out. While the structural layer coefficients based on the effective structural numbers were about twice as large as the values derived from the UCS values of the field cores, the layer coefficients derived from the UCS values of the field cores closely matched those typically assigned to chemically stabilized layers by many state highway agencies.

Predicting the initial crack load in concrete is important to detect early warning of a problem. In this study, a model for predicting the first crack load on a hollow-cored rectangular beam point loaded at mid-span was developed by combining a numerical method and an experimental approach. The modulus of rupture was introduced into the governing moment-curvature relationship. Experimentally, flexural testing with point loads at mid-span was performed on fifteen (15) beams made up of three (3) beam types at 1 kN intervals for a span of 750mm using the Universal Testing machine. The beams were simply supported by roller points. The dimensions of the beams were kept constant and later varied while investigating the following hollow diameters: 0, 30, 60, 75, and 105mm. Numerically, the beams were designed as a beam element point loaded at mid-span with a span of 700mm centers, and the support conditions were defined as pinned support. Governing equations relating failure load with the modulus of rupture, stiffness matrix, shape functions, and moment of inertia were developed. The equation for predicting the first crack load, incorporating the modulus of rupture, was derived. The moment of inertia was calculated by discretizing the hollow-cored beam section using an isoparametric geometric transformation. The experimental results were used to validate the numerical model. 90.55% agreement between experimental and numerical results was observed. The overall average percentage difference between the two methods recorded is 9.45%. This shows that at about 91% confidence level, both approaches are the same and can be applied with confidence in the prediction of the first crack load on hollow-cored reinforced concrete beams. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For decades, researchers have held that wood specific gravity was an indicator or surrogate for both shade tolerance and successional status. However, recent research in dry tropical forests has shown very different associations regarding wood specific gravity. Past analyses of the tolerance and wood properties of tree species have focused on pooled coniferous and angiosperm species in temperate regions; fewer analyses have been conducted separately for conifers and angiosperm species. A database was compiled for the wood properties and/or tolerance scores of 542 temperate Northern Hemisphere conifer and angiosperm trees. Plant strategy was defined by shade tolerance (Tshade), drought tolerance (Tdrought), and polytolerance (Tpoly = Tshade + Tdrought) and fundamental wood properties were represented by basic specific gravity (SGbasic), relative stiffness (MOE/SGbasic), and relative strength (MOR/SGbasic). Simple linear regressions tested the significance (p <.05) of correlations between plant strategy and wood properties. Conifers, unlike angiosperm trees, showed a negative correlation between Tshade and SGbasic and a positive correlation between Tshade and both MOE/SGbasic and MOR/SGbasic. Only angiosperm trees had a significant correlation between Tpoly and both SGbasic and MOE/SGbasic, but both conifers and angiosperm trees had a significant correlation between Tdrought and both SGbasic and MOE/SGbasic. Shade tolerance, as a plant strategy, has functional implications for wood properties in temperate Northern Hemisphere conifers but not in associated angiosperms. The implied functional link between wood properties (SGbasic) and shade tolerance hypothetically extends to other fitness‐enhancing traits impacted by SGbasic, such as growth rates and species maximum height. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The physico-mechanical quality of the seed bed is extremely important not only for the soil air-water dynamics, but also for the germination, seedling emergence, and development of the plants. The crust layer formed after precipitation and irrigation in soils with poor structural properties is among the most important indicators of the lower seedbed quality. While there are different applications to increase the physico-mechanical quality of the seedbed, there are also cement applications that provide rapid aggregate formation and stability. The effects of cement application on the soil mechanical quality and seedling emergence of clay textured soil with poor structural characteristics were investigated in the present study. For this purpose, a total of 36 small plots with a size of 2.4 m2 were created. Cement was applied at 0.25–0.5–1 and 2% doses to 18 plots in the fall period, and to the other 18 plots in the spring period. After the treatment, soil samples were taken for analysis before the planting period and the number of seedling emergence was determined by planting the bean plant during the planting period. According to the results of the study, it was found that cement applied in two periods caused an increase in soil aggregate stability, decreased penetration resistance, modulus of rupture, and dispersion rate, and increased water holding capacity to a limited extent. On the other hand, cement application also had positive impacts on the emergence of the bean plant. The 1% dose of the spring application of cement was more effective on the determined soil structural characteristics and seedling emergence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Given the heterogeneity of the material, the behaviour of a timber beam may differ depending on which of its sides is subjected to tension and which one is subjected to compression. An analysis is undertaken in the present work of the behaviour in non-destructive bending tests on the four sides of 57 samples of Pinus sylvestris (scots pine) of structural size (2000 × 100 × 70 mm3). A study is additionally performed of the influence of the size and position of knots in the cross-section. The modulus of elasticity in flatwise direction was found to be 3 % higher than in edgewise direction. This difference could be attributable to the shear effect. While the introduction of knottiness variables did not improve modulus of elasticity prediction, it did decrease the error in the prediction of the modulus of rupture. The margin knot area ratio corresponding to the outer eighth of the cross-section's width occupied by knots was the knottiness variable with the lowest error in modulus of rupture prediction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The percentage of juvenile wood in fast-growing conifers is a determinant of the basic properties, since its proportion increases as the rotation age decreases. This wood is characterized by having less length and thickness of tracheids and greater microfibrillar angle, which translates into lower density and lower elastoresistant properties. To delimit the transition age of wood (juvenile-mature), we carried out a radial analysis of some of the mentioned characteristics. The importance of establishing transition age lies in the estimation of the volumes of both woods, their quality and potential use. The objective of the work was to determine the transition age and compare its elasto-resistant values in Pinus contorta (lodgepole). Based on nine samples of 35 years-old, we have been working with north and south radius for anatomical studies, while we used juvenile and mature wood for physical-mechanical tests. The transition ages were between 12 and 16,5 years, north and south direction, respectively. The anatomical, physical and mechanical variables differed significantly, being higher in the mature wood. Repeating our analysis framework in other study sites could generate an informative database of this species for the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Softwoods are the basic and traditional raw materials for medium-density fiberboard production. However, sustainable consumption of wood material in the production of wood-based products requires material variety. Therefore, the usability of hardwood species in the production and its effects on the board properties should be of interest. Considering this, the influence of oak utilization percentages (30 %, 50 %, 70 %, and 100 %) on the physical (density, thickness swelling-TS 2 and 24 h) and mechanical (modulus of rupture, modulus of elasticity, internal bonding, screw holding resistance, and Janka hardness) properties of medium density fiberboard was evaluated in this study. Boards were factory-made instead of laboratory-made using Quercus petraea (oak), Fagus orientalis (beech), and Pinus sylvester (Scots pine) fibers. According to the results, the modulus of rupture, modulus of elasticity, and Janka hardness values were increased when medium-density fiberboard was produced using only oak fiber. On the contrary, thickness swelling, screwholding resistance, and internal bonding properties were decreased. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Structural composite lumbers are used extensively in wooden structures. There are many reasons for choosing these materials, including their light weight, easy assemble, and low cost. Various studies have been conducted to increase the load carrying capacities of these materials. Reinforcement with various natural or synthetic fibers is one method that has been studied. In this study, laminated veneer lumber was produced using poplar veneers and glass fiber mesh. One-component polyurethane glue was used in the production of the boards. The modulus of rupture, modulus of elasticity in bending, impact bending strength, and splitting strength values of the control laminated veneer lumber and laminated veneer lumber reinforced with the glass fiber mesh were investigated. In addition, some physical properties such as the densities and moisture contents of the test samples were investigated. Although the reinforcement of laminated veneer lumber using glass fiber mesh had statistically significant effects on impact bending strength, and splitting strength. The effect on the modulus of rupture and the modulus of elasticity in a static bending test was not significant. In addition, the effects of the reinforcement on the densities and moisture contents of the test samples compared the control samples were statistically significant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study analyzed the diversity of physical properties and mechanical properties of white jabon (Neolamarckia cadamba (Roxb.) Bosser) from various locations and ecological conditions in West Java and Banten Indonesia. White jabon wood samples were taken from 8 locations in West Java and the Banten region. Tree ages ranged from 5 to 6 years. This wood was then tested to compare physical characteristics (density or specific gravity) and mechanical characteristics (modulus of rupture (MOR) and modulus of elasticity (MOE)). The results showed that wood density ranged from 0.29 to 0.43 g.cm-3, MOR ranged from 361 to 641 kg.cm-2, and MOE ranged from 31,117 to 58,910 kg.cm-2. The highest density average (0.43 ± 0.004 g.cm-3) was produced from Cianjur, and the lowest density average (0.29 ± 0.010 g.cm-3) was from Tanjungsari Sumedang. Environmental factors (precipitation and altitude) affect the density of wood. Separately, rainfall has a low effect and a negative relationship to jabon wood density, while altitude has a high influence and a negative relationship to jabon wood density. Andosol soil types tend to produce low density wood. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses the non-destructive evaluation of the mechanical properties of green wood. To estimate the dynamic flexural modulus of elasticity (MOED), a non-destructive test (NDT) method—the frequency resonance technique (FRT)—was used. A three-point bending test was carried out to determine the static bending properties as the bending modulus of elasticity (MOE), the modulus of rupture (MOR), and bending toughness (Aw). This article presents the results of a study comparing the correlations between the dynamic and static bending parameters of beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) and oak (Quercus robur L.) wood, which was further divided into heartwood and sapwood. These species were chosen as the most widespread representatives of diffuse-porous and ring-porous hardwoods. This study found statistically significant differences in most mechanical parameters between the two species, except for MOR. Among the investigated parameters, beech had higher values than oak (by 22.1% for MOED, 9.5% for MOE, and 12.1% for Aw). Furthermore, relevant correlations (R > |0.7|) were established between MOED and between some of the static flexural parameters. These correlations were stronger for beech, which due to its more homogeneous structure showed less data variability than the ring-porous oak. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Given the heterogeneity of the material, the behaviour of a timber beam may differ depending on which of its sides is subjected to tension and which one is subjected to compression. An analysis is undertaken in the present work of the behaviour in non-destructive bending tests on the four sides of 57 samples of Pinus sylvestris (scots pine) of structural size (2000 × 100 × 70 mm3). A study is additionally performed of the influence of the size and position of knots in the cross-section. The modulus of elasticity in flatwise direction was found to be 3 % higher than in edgewise direction. This difference could be attributable to the shear effect. While the introduction of knottiness variables did not improve modulus of elasticity prediction, it did decrease the error in the prediction of the modulus of rupture. The margin knot area ratio corresponding to the outer eighth of the cross-section’s width occupied by knots was the knottiness variable with the lowest error in modulus of rupture prediction.

This study analyzed the diversity of physical properties and mechanical properties of white jabon (Neolamarckia cadamba (Roxb.) Bosser) from various locations and ecological conditions in West Java and Banten Indonesia. White jabon wood samples were taken from 8 locations in West Java and the Banten region. Tree ages ranged from 5 to 6 years. This wood was then tested to compare physical characteristics (density or specific gravity) and mechanical characteristics (modulus of rupture (MOR) and modulus of elasticity (MOE)). The results showed that wood density ranged from 0.29 to 0.43 g.cm-3, MOR ranged from 361 to 641 kg.cm-2, and MOE ranged from 31,117 to 58,910 kg.cm-2. The highest density average (0.43 ± 0.004 g.cm-3) was produced from Cianjur, and the lowest density average (0.29 ± 0.010 g.cm-3) was from Tanjungsari Sumedang. Environmental factors (precipitation and altitude) affect the density of wood. Separately, rainfall has a low effect and a negative relationship to jabon wood density, while altitude has a high influence and a negative relationship to jabon wood density. Andosol soil types tend to produce low density wood.

The effect of nanocellulose on mechanical, physical, and morphological properties of composites made of walnut shell and cement was investigated. The mixing ratio of walnut shell as a lignocellulosic material with cement at three levels (10:90, 20:80, and 30:70) and nanocellulose at three levels (0%, 1%, and 3%, based on dry weight of cement) were considered as the variables. Boards were prepared according to the ISO 11925-2 (2020) specifications for the fire resistance properties and according to the DIN EN 634-1 (1995) specifications for the mechanical and physical properties. Morphological properties of composites and nano distribute were evaluated by scanning electron microscopic (SEM) imaging. The results showed that boards containing nanocellulose increased the mechanical properties compared with cement board without nanoreinforcement. The modulus of rupture, modulus of elasticity, and internal bonding of the boards decreased with increased walnut shell amount, and its maximum value was obtained when using 10% walnut shell. Nanocellulose remarkably reduced the fire resistance of the boards. The results from SEM showed that nanocellulose can fill the pores of the composite and create a uniform structure, and thus improved the strength of the boards.

A full factorial experiment was conducted to analyze the main and interaction effects on the physical and mechanical properties of Cupressus funebris Endl. wood subjected to vacuum heat modification. The response variables evaluated were mass loss rate (ML, %), moisture resistance (MR, %), and modulus of rupture in bending (MOR, MPa). The results reveal significant variations in the effects of modification time, holding temperature, and vacuum pressure as independent factors, along with varying degrees of interaction effects among them. Simplifying the analysis model, a regression equation was derived to describe the relationship between the response variable (mass loss rate) and the factors: The model achieved an R-squared value of 96.0% and an R-squared (predicted) value of 73.7%, indicating good overall predictive performance. Optimal process parameters for mid-temperature vacuum heat modification of cypress were determined based on the mass loss rate and modulus of rupture (MOR), resulting in a modification temperature of 120 °C, holding time of 5 h, and a pressure intensity of 0.1. The reliability of the full factorial experiment was further confirmed through orthogonal testing.

Abstract For decades, researchers have held that wood specific gravity was an indicator or surrogate for both shade tolerance and successional status. However, recent research in dry tropical forests has shown very different associations regarding wood specific gravity. Past analyses of the tolerance and wood properties of tree species have focused on pooled coniferous and angiosperm species in temperate regions; fewer analyses have been conducted separately for conifers and angiosperm species. A database was compiled for the wood properties and/or tolerance scores of 542 temperate Northern Hemisphere conifer and angiosperm trees. Plant strategy was defined by shade tolerance (Tshade), drought tolerance (Tdrought), and polytolerance (Tpoly = Tshade + Tdrought) and fundamental wood properties were represented by basic specific gravity (SGbasic), relative stiffness (MOE/SGbasic), and relative strength (MOR/SGbasic). Simple linear regressions tested the significance (p

Softwoods are the basic and traditional raw materials for medium-density fiberboard production. However, sustainable consumption of wood material in the production of wood-based products requires material variety. Therefore, the usability of hardwood species in the production and its effects on the board properties should be of interest. Considering this, the influence of oak utilization percentages (30 %, 50 %, 70 %, and 100 %) on the physical (density, thickness swelling-TS 2 and 24 h) and mechanical (modulus of rupture, modulus of elasticity, internal bonding, screw holding resistance, and Janka hardness) properties of medium density fiberboard was evaluated in this study. Boards were factory-made instead of laboratory-made using Quercus petraea (oak), Fagus orientalis (beech), and Pinus sylvester (Scots pine) fibers. According to the results, the modulus of rupture, modulus of elasticity, and Janka hardness values were increased when medium-density fiberboard was produced using only oak fiber. On the contrary, thickness swelling, screw-holding resistance, and internal bonding properties were decreased.

Concrete pavements develop cracks with the accumulation of fatigue damage caused by the combined effect of vehicular and environmental loadings. In Mechanistic-Empirical (ME) design, the ratio of stresses to some measure of strength is used to evaluate incremental damage, which is then related to cracking. Typically, this measure is the Modulus of Rupture (MOR) of a beam made of the same material. The flexural strength is also known to vary with the thickness of the beam. However, the variation of flexural strength due the presence of eigenstresses from temperature or moisture distributions has not received sufficient attention. A non-linear fracture mechanics model demonstrated that the thickness-adjusted flexural strength can also be used for characterising the maximum elastic stress under a linear temperature distribution. However, under a non-linear temperature distribution, the material may sustain a higher or lower maximum elastic stress than the flexural strength. To model this, a practical analytical expression for the apparent flexural strength was derived and showed excellent agreement with numerical simulations as well as with a model based on equivalent elastic deformation energy. The model was used to show that the fatigue capacity under a typical axle load varies with various non-linear temperature distributions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pervious concrete (PC) has gained popularity as an environmentally friendly solution for mitigating the urban heat island effect and promoting sustainable construction. However, its lower compressive strength, attributed to its higher porosity required for permeability, poses challenges for withstanding heavy vehicle loads on pavements. Our study aims to improve the flexural strength of regular PC by adding advanced reinforcing materials like steel wire mesh or glass fiber mesh. This results in reinforced pervious concrete, referred to as RPC, which offers enhanced strength and durability. The primary objective of our research is to investigate the mechanical behavior of RPC, with a specific emphasis on essential design parameters such as PC elastic modulus, modulus of rupture, and stress–strain characteristics under both single and repeated loading conditions. Our findings reveal that the influence of repeated loading on the compressive strength and elastic modulus of PC pavement is negligible, as there are no significant differences observed between the two loading protocols. Notably, our statistical analysis indicates that the PC strength (fc′) averages around 15 MPa. Moreover, empirical formulas for the elastic modulus (Ec = 3072 f c ′ ) and modulus of rupture (fr = 0.86 f c ′ ) are derived from our research. Furthermore, our study establishes that the stress–strain behavior of PC closely aligns with the general concrete model proposed by a previous scholar, providing valuable insights into the material's structural performance. These findings contribute to a better understanding of RPC's mechanical properties and offer potential solutions for improving its suitability for heavier vehicular loads. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a context where there is an increasing need for thermal treatments of wooden products, the current research contributes a description of the torrefaction treatment of two of the composite wood materials available on the international market. The present paper presents the importance of the torrefaction process for poplar plywood and medium-density fiberboard. In this paper, the positive aspects of the torrefaction process (decrease in water absorption, thickness swelling and shrinkage, and color) but also the negative aspects of mechanical resistance to static bending are presented. Poplar plywood (PW) and medium-density fiberboard (MDF) panels, with the initial dimensions of 2000 × 1250 mm, were used. From these, 300 × 300 mm samples were cut and torrefied using two different temperatures (170 and 190 °C) and two different periods (for 1 and 2 h). After the treatment, the samples were cut in different sizes (as necessary for each type of evaluation method) from different zones of the panels and used to evaluate the water absorption and thickness swelling, to determine their modulus of rupture, roughness, and color changes. The obtained results emphasize that the mass loses increase at high temperature as the main disadvantageous characteristics of torrefaction. Also, while the calorific power increases with the increase in the parameters of the torrefaction regime, the hygroscopicity and some mechanical properties of the material simultaneously decrease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of nanocellulose on mechanical, physical, and morphological properties of composites made of walnut shell and cement was investigated. The mixing ratio of walnut shell as a lignocellulosic material with cement at three levels (10:90, 20:80, and 30:70) and nanocellulose at three levels (0%, 1%, and 3%, based on dry weight of cement) were considered as the variables. Boards were prepared according to the ISO 11925-2 (2020) specifications for the fire resistance properties and according to the DIN EN 634-1 (1995) specifications for the mechanical and physical properties. Morphological properties of composites and nano distribute were evaluated by scanning electron microscopic (SEM) imaging. The results showed that boards containing nanocellulose increased the mechanical properties compared with cement board without nanoreinforcement. The modulus of rupture, modulus of elasticity, and internal bonding of the boards decreased with increased walnut shell amount, and its maximum value was obtained when using 10% walnut shell. Nanocellulose remarkably reduced the fire resistance of the boards. The results from SEM showed that nanocellulose can fill the pores of the composite and create a uniform structure, and thus improved the strength of the boards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The air voids in the bituminous mix are filled with a cementitious grout to create cement grouted bituminous (CGB) mix, which is a semi-flexible material. The material has a high resistance to permanent deformation at high temperatures and under heavy loads because of the cementitious grout used in the mixture. Despite their increased brittleness, CGB layers are more prone to cracking when used as thin (40–60 mm) surface or base layers. Increase in binder content in mix decreases air void content and grout content, which leads to reduction in rutting resistance and expected to improve the fatigue cracking resistance. The results of an investigation into the impact of aggregate gradation and binder content on the fatigue performance of CGB mixes are presented in this paper. In a four-point bending test mode at 25 °C, beam specimens of CGB Mixes made with four different aggregate gradations and four different binder contents were tested at four strain levels. The fatigue life measured at higher strain levels of 225 and 250 µε and various mechanical properties like indirect tensile strength and modulus of rupture showed good correlation. By analysing pavements with CGB layers used as the base or surface layer, the fatigue cracking susceptibility of the CGB layer in a typical highway pavement has been determined. It has been found that using the CGB mix as the surface layer is a good choice because the mix also provides a very strong rut as well as an oil and chemical-resistant layer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of laminate configuration on mechanical properties were investigated for model glued-laminated timber (GLT) composed of single and mixed fast-growing tree species (Acacia mangium Willd., Maesopsis eminii Engl., and Melia azedarach L.), which were grown in community forests in Indonesia. The simulation of lamina yield was decreased in graded GLT compared with that in GLT with randomly designed, while the mean values of simulated dynamic Young's modulus (DMOE) in graded GLT were higher than those of GLT with randomly designed in each species. Graded GLT with mixed species should be produced to effectively utilize wood resources from fast-growing tree species. All mechanical properties showed higher values in single-species GLT especially for graded GLT, compared with solid lumber, suggesting that laminate configuration was effective for increasing mechanical properties. However, the factors that increase mechanical properties in single-species GLT differed among species. These factors can be evaluated by load-deflection curves. In GLT composed of single and mixed species produced with the same DMOE, almost all other mechanical properties were similar among laminate configurations. It is concluded that laminate configurations with different species and grades are useful for efficiently producing GLT with higher mechanical properties from multiple fast-growing tree species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The research attempted to investigate the effect of polypropylene fibers (PP fibers) on the mechanical characteristics of concrete. According to ASTM C39/C39M and ASTM C 1609/C1609M, standard testing methods were used to examine the concrete compressive and flexural strength, post-cracking behavior, and toughness. The mechanical properties were evaluated at different ages of concrete curing, namely 1 day, 7 days, and 28 days, and for different quantities of fiber volume portions, specifically 0.0%, 0.5%, and 1.0%. The results demonstrate that a fiber volume of 0.5% is the most effective in obtaining the highest compressive strength. The recorded values at the related testing ages were 31.07 MPa, 41.51 MPa, and 46.68 MPa. Additionally, the utilization of 0.5% and 1.0% volume of PP fiber in concrete resulted in improved flexural strength and post-cracking performance. The toughness values for these mixes were 2.0 and 2.6 times higher than those for the plain concrete. Upon analyzing the fracture surface, there was a homogeneous distribution of fibers, which played a significant role in enhancing the overall functionality of the concrete. The research validated that the inclusion of polypropylene fibers substantially enhanced the mechanical characteristics of concrete, emphasizing the potential of fiber reinforcement in concrete-based implementations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cement mortar is the primary choice for construction due to its widespread usage. However, certain applications demand high-performance cement mortar. In this pioneering study, we explore using agriculture waste products, industrial by-products, and naturally occurring kaolinite clay as potential additives in composite cement. Our research aims to assess these materials' physical and mechanical attributes to ascertain their efficacy in elevating cement performance. To achieve this, we replaced 20% of the cement in the composite with silica-fume and metakaolin, following a precise mix design fraction of 1:1 (binding materials: sand) for the mortar composites. We successfully identified the optimum combination of metakaolin and silica fume through systematic experimentation that maximizes compression strength. Subsequently, we introduced various proportions of coir fibers (ranging from 3% to 15% by weight) into the cement composite to enhance its structural support capabilities. We carefully calibrated the ratio of the water-to-binding material (ranging from 0.35 to 0.6) to maintain the workability of the cement mixtures. Next, we subjected the cement composites to meticulous curing in water for 7 days, 14 days, and 28 days, respectively, to observe their performance over time. Our comprehensive study encompassed the investigation of critical parameters, including moisture content, density, and water absorption, as well as essential mechanical properties such as compressive strength and modulus of rupture. A total of 270 specimens underwent rigorous testing, yielding compelling results. The composite featuring a combination of 10% silica fume, 10% metakaolin, and 6% coconut fibers showcased superior mechanical and physical properties. SEM and EDX studies also showed dense and packed microstructure of mortar samples. These findings showcase the remarkable potential of this specific composite composition as an environmentally conscious and sustainable alternative to enhance cement performance in construction applications. This research advances eco-friendly construction practices by harnessing the strength of waste-derived materials and naturally occurring resources, supporting a more sustainable and resilient approach to infrastructure development.

Structural composite lumbers are used extensively in wooden structures. There are many reasons for choosing these materials, including their light weight, easy assemble, and low cost. Various studies have been conducted to increase the load carrying capacities of these materials. Reinforcement with various natural or synthetic fibers is one method that has been studied. In this study, laminated veneer lumber was produced using poplar veneers and glass fiber mesh. One-component polyurethane glue was used in the production of the boards. The modulus of rupture, modulus of elasticity in bending, impact bending strength, and splitting strength values of the control laminated veneer lumber and laminated veneer lumber reinforced with the glass fiber mesh were investigated. In addition, some physical properties such as the densities and moisture contents of the test samples were investigated. Although the reinforcement of laminated veneer lumber using glass fiber mesh had statistically significant effects on impact bending strength, and splitting strength. The effect on the modulus of rupture and the modulus of elasticity in a static bending test was not significant. In addition, the effects of the reinforcement on the densities and moisture contents of the test samples compared the control samples were statistically significant.

This paper presents the details of experimental testing of soil, adobe masonry units, and assemblages for the first time in Pakistan. Adobe units were tested both in compression and bending. The compressive strength of adobe masonry was determined by experimentally testing masonry prisms and wallettes, whereas diagonal compression wallettes were tested for determining shear strength. Five and three specimens were used, respectively, for compression and shear strength testing, and an average of these was used as a representative of a particular mechanical property. A soil sample was tested for classification and particle size distribution, which showed that it contained 96% silt and clay contents, which were higher as compared to the soil used for adobe structures in other parts of the world. Both adobe units and soil mortar presented shrinkage cracks upon drying. The compressive strength of adobe units complied with the requirements of international codes despite very high silt and clay contents in the employed soil. The compressive strength of the prism was higher compared to the wallette. The elastic moduli of the adobe masonry prism and wallette were found to be 113 and 114 MPa, respectively. Although the adobe masonry shear strength was comparable to the shear strength reported in the existing literature, its modulus of rigidity was considerably small. The presented data in this paper are essential for improving the built environment in Pakistan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]