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A Self-Learning Manual - Institution of Engineers Mauritius

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A <strong>Self</strong>-<strong>Learning</strong> <strong>Manual</strong><br />

Mastering Different Fields <strong>of</strong> Civil Engineering Works (VC-Q&A Method) Vincent T. H. CHU<br />

investigation <strong>of</strong> soil pressures is required in order to determine the bending<br />

moment and shear forces <strong>of</strong> the structure.<br />

7. What is the function <strong>of</strong> mortar in brick walls?<br />

A typical brick wall structure normally contains the following components:<br />

(i) a coping on top <strong>of</strong> the brick wall to protect it from weather;<br />

(ii) a firm foundation to support the loads on the brick wall; and<br />

(iii) a damp course near the base <strong>of</strong> the brick wall to avoid the occurrence<br />

<strong>of</strong> rising damp from the ground.<br />

Bricks are bedded on mortar which serves the following purposes [66]:<br />

(i) bond the bricks as a single unit to help resist lateral loads;<br />

(ii) render the brick wall weatherpro<strong>of</strong> and waterpro<strong>of</strong>; and<br />

(iii) provide even beds to enhance uniform distribution <strong>of</strong> loads.<br />

Fig. Brick wall<br />

8. How could counterforts in counterfort retaining wall assist in<br />

resisting earth pressure? (RW7)<br />

Counterforts are used for high walls with height greater than 8 to 12 m.<br />

They are also used in situations where there is high lateral pressure, i.e.<br />

where the backfill soils are heavily surcharged.<br />

The counterforts tie the base slab and wall stem together and they act as<br />

tension bracing which strengthen the connection between wall and base<br />

slab. The counterforts help to reduce bending moment and shear forces<br />

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