Effect of a damp proof course on the shear strength of masonry
Abstract
Moisture movement in masonry walls is usually prevented by a damp proof course in some mortar joints in the wall. A damp proof course creates a plane of weakness and reduces the shear capacity of a masonry joint. According to the design procedure of the SAA Masonry Code (AS3700) a masonry joint containing a damp proof course is deemed to have zero shear strength unless substantiated by suitable experimental data. This paper describes experimental work carried out to generate data to substantiate the shear strength of masonry containing a damp proof course using material commonly used by the building industry.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Masonry and Concrete Structural Analysis
Hygrothermal properties of building materials
Structural Behavior of Reinforced Concrete
Publication details
- Journal / source
- CRC Press eBooks
- Pages
- 633–637
- Publication date
- 26 February 2026
- Language
- EN
- Document type
- Book chapter