Com a crescente diminuição de recursos minerais e o alto custo envolvido na construção da estrutura de uma mina, a recuperação máxima possível de uma jazida vem se tornando fundamental. Para isso além da escolha do método de lavra ter a necessidade de ser feito cautelosamente, é possível lançar mão de métodos adicionais de recuperação, como por exemplo, a recuperação de pilares. Essa pesquisa foi baseada na determinação da caracterização do enchimento (backfill cimentado) utilizado nas câmaras vazias que possibilita a posterior recuperação dos pilares. A caracterização do enchimento é composta da determinação da resistência simples do backfill necessária para que o enchimento cumpra com seu objetivo, desenvolvimento da classificação granulométrica ótima para os agregados e dosagem de cimento e água para alcançar a resistência proposta. A metodologia desenvolvida para obter a nova caracterização é composta de várias etapas que incluem pesquisas em campo e trabalhos em laboratório. Primeiramente, foram obtidos através de análise em campo os parâmetros de dosagem de cimento e classificação granulométrica dos agregados já utilizados na planta de fabricação do enchimento, bem como sua resistência correspondente. Em seguida definições teóricas da dosagem de cimento ideal e classificação granulométrica ótima foram realizadas com base na resistência à compressão simples que foi identificada como necessária para cumprir com as solicitações geomecânicas do maciço rochoso, então posteriormente, a nova caracterização definida teoricamente foi posta à prova através da confecção de corpos de prova de backfill, seguido de execuções de ensaios de compressão. Durante a primeira etapa da metodologia, já se pôde identificar que os agregados possuíam um alto índice de partículas tamanho argila que estavam afetando os resultados de resistência obtidos com a caracterização empregada inicialmente. A partir disso se optou por construir a curva granulométrica ótima sem essa fração. A resistência à compressão simples calculada de 2,69 MPa, foi obtida com base no planejamento de longo prazo que prevê a total recuperação dos pilares existentes na mina. Dessa maneira toda a área que será minerada foi considerada como um único bloco. Finalmente, foi identificada a dosagem de cimento sendo de 4% em peso, que juntamente com a granulometria ótima é capaz de alcançar os valores esperados de resistência. Para que o planejamento da produção da mina durante os próximos anos de vida útil seja efetivamente cumprido, o enchimento deverá prover à mina estabilidade geomecânica local a nível de câmaras abertas com paredes verticais de backfill estáveis e também estabilidade global a nível de contato entre níveis e galerias de acesso. Isso somente será alcançado se a nova caracterização for corretamente aplicada. / As a consequence of the ongoing reduction of mineral resources and the high cost involved in the construction of a mine, the maximum recovery of a mineral deposit becomes a fundamental issue. Therefore, besides the need of caution on the choice of the mining method, it is possible to make use of additional recovery methods, such as the recovery of pillars. This research was based on the determination of the characterization of the fill (cemented backfill) used in avoid stopes that allows the subsequent recovery of adjacent pillars. The characterization of the fill consists of determining the uniaxial compressive strength of the backfill required for an efficient filling, developing an optimal particle-size distribution for the aggregates and finding the cement-water ratio necessary to reach the desired resistance. The methodology developed to obtain the new characterization is comprised of several steps which include field work and laboratory tests. First, cement dosing parameters and particle size of the aggregates (already used at the filling manufacturing plant), as well as their corresponding strength, were obtained through analyses in the field work. Then, theoretical definitions of the ideal cement dosing and optimal particle-size analysis were carried out based on the uniaxial compressive strength that has been identified as necessary to comply with the geomechanical requests from the rock mass, and then later, the new theoretical characterization was tested by making backfill samples, followed by execution of compression tests. During the first stage of this methodology, it has been identified a high proportion of clay particle size for the aggregates, that have affected the strength results obtained from the characterization used initially. From this point, we decided to build the optimal particle-size curve without this fraction. Uniaxial compressive strength, calculated as 2.69 MPa, was obtained from the long-term planning that determines the full recovery of the existing pillars in the mine. In this way, the entire area to be mined was considered as a single block. Finally, the cement dosing has been identified as 4% by weight, which together with the optimal particle size, is able to achieve the expected strength values. In order to effectively fulfill the mine production planning over the next years of lifespan, the filling should provide the mine local geomechanical stability at open stopes level, with vertical walls of stable backfill, and also global stability at the contacts between levels and access galleries. This will only be achieved if the new characterization is correctly applied.

La presente tesis realizó el estudio de la dosificación del concreto utilizando agregados de la cantera Figueroa en Huánuco con aditivo superplastificante Sika Viscocrete 3330 tercera generación. El objetivo principal fue el de determinar la dosificación del concreto de mediana resistencia para optimizar la calidad del concreto, y así tener un concreto en condiciones óptimas y resistencias a la compresión considerables. Para lo cual se basó en investigaciones pasadas referidas a concretos utilizando superplastificante, también se utilizó como fuente una investigación parecida perteneciente a la misma región del presente estudio. Todo ello aporto a dar opciones de solución en concretos de mediana resistencia utilizando aditivos superplastificantes, ya que el problema para esta región es la poca información en cuanto al uso de aditivos en concretos de mediana resistencia. El tipo de investigación es un análisis mixto, el nivel de investigación es descriptivo correlacional, porque especifica propiedades y características del concreto de mediana resistencia, asocia variables mediante un patrón para una determinada población. Concluida la investigación se obtuvieron resultados favorables del concreto de mediana resistencia, ya que el diseño patrón de menor relación agua/cemento presento una mejor resistencia a la compresión obteniendo un incremento del 21.13% de resistencia a la compresión, los demás diseños también tuvieron un incremento significativo de resistencia a la compresión los cuales se mencionaran en las conclusiones de esta investigación. This thesis conducted the study using dosage of concrete aggregates quarry in Huanuco Figueroa with Sika ViscoCrete superplasticizer additive 3330 third generation. The main objective was to determine the dosage of the particular medium strength to optimize the quality of the concrete, and thus have a particular under optimal conditions and considerable resistance to compression. For which it relies on past investigations into concrete using superplasticizer, also used a similar research as a source belonging to the same region of the study. I bring all this to give possible solutions in medium strength concrete using superplasticizers, because the problem in this region is the lack of information on the use of additives in concrete of medium strength. The research is a joint analysis, the level of research is descriptive correlational, for specific properties and characteristics of the particular medium strength, variables associated with a pattern for a given population. The investigation favorable results of the specific medium strength, since the design pattern of lower water / cement ratio is obtained I present a better compressive strength obtaining an increase of 21.13% of compressive strength, other designs also had an increase significant compressive strength which were mentioned in the conclusions of this investigation.

La presente tesis es de tipo cuantitativa y descriptiva. El diseño será transversal y comparativo, en la cual compararemos como influyen los tiempos y costos mediante análisis y precios unitarios, para dos sistemas de protección de costas. El primero será enrocado y el otro será Bolsacreto. El Bolsacreto al tener presencia de concreto se realizará una muestra de 54 probetas cilíndricos de 10 cm (4 pulgadas) de diámetro y 20 cm( 8pulgadas) de altura; con hormigones de distintas resistencias: f´c= 245 kg/cm2, f´c= 280 kg/cm2 con aditivos súper plastificantes SP-4, W-73; y para el diseño de alta resistencia y tremie de f´c= 420 kg/cm2, con un aditivo micro sílice Master Life SC-100 y súper plastificante LD GAIA 300, siendo seis diseños establecidos donde cualquiera puede ser usados. En esta comparación se logró una reducción de tiempo de construcción de 278 días y una reducción de costos que esta entre S/.1 131,809 con 00/100 Nuevos Soles y S/.1 803,687 con 00/100 Nuevos Soles con el sistema Bolsacreto demostrando que es más eficiente. Así de esta manera los resultados guardan relación con la obtenida por VEGA CRESPO (2004) cuya reducción de tiempo fue de 90 a 30 días y una reducción de costos de $ 2 300,000 Dólares Americanos con el sistema Bolsacreto, demostrando que este sistema es más eficiente. This thesis is quantitative and descriptive type. The design is transversal and comparative, at which we will compare how they influence time and cost through analysis and unit prices for two coastal protection systems, one will be castled and the other will be Bolsacreto. Bolsacreto having concrete presence in it, will take a sample of 54 cylindrical specimens of 10 cm (4 inches) in diameter and 20 cm (8 inches) tall; concretes with different strengths: fc = 245 kg / cm2, fc = 280 kg / cm2 with super plasticizer additive SP-4, W-73 and for the design of high strength and tremie of fc = 420 kg/cm2 with additive micro silica MasterLife SC100 and plasticizer LD GAIA 300; any of these six established designs is free for anyone to use. The results of this comparison, was a conquest in construction time of 278 days and a cost reduction, standing between S/.1 131,809 with 00/100 Nuevos Soles and S/.1 803,687 with 00/100 Nuevos Soles with the system Bolsacreto demonstrating being the most efficient of both. Our results relate to those obtained by VEGA CRESPO (2004), whose time was reduced from 90 to 30 days and had a cost reduction of $ 2 300,000 US Dollars with Bolsacreto system, showing its efficiency.

Esta pesquisa experimental destina-se à avaliação da resistência à compressão do concreto na estrutura através da análise das resistências de corpos-de-prova padrão moldados fc(M), denominada potencial e de testemunhos extraídos da estrutura fc(E), denominada efetiva objetivando quantificar o coeficiente de correção devido aos efeitos do broqueamento na extração - nesta tese considerado como a relação entre elas R(M/E) = fc(M)/fc(E) - a ser aplicado à resistência dos testemunhos de mesmas dimensões dos corpos-de-prova. Admitindo-se que a resistência dos testemunhos representa a resistência do concreto na estrutura, esta relação R(M/E) corresponde a parcela yc2 do coeficiente normativo de ponderação da resistência do concreto yc. A norma brasileira NBR 6118:2003 - Projeto de Estruturas de Concreto - Procedimento, para o caso de não-conformidade na aceitação do concreto, indica a extração de testemunhos segundo a NBR 7680:1983. Admite, neste caso de extração, dividir o valor de yc por 1,1 nas avaliações estruturais no estado limite último. Em sua versão anterior de 1978 e registrada como NBR 6118:1980 recomendava que os resultados dos testemunhos fossem corrigidos em virtude dos efeitos do broqueamento, sem, no entanto, especificar o coeficiente para a correção referida, sugerindo que os resultados fossem majorados em 10% ou 15%, dependendo da amostragem, por se tratar da resistência do concreto na própria estrutura. A NBR 6118:2003 estabelece para o coeficiente yc o valor de 1,4 sem especificar valor para a parcela yc2. O CEB igualmente recomenda 1,4 para o yc citando o valor de 1,10 para o yc2. Especificamente quanto à correção devida aos danos causados pela extração aos testemunhos, o ACI 214 4R-2003 indica o coeficiente de 1,06 para ser multiplicado pela resistência dos testemunhos nas avaliações estruturais. Trabalhando-se com corpos-de-prova padrão curados úmidos e com testemunhos extraídos de blocos tanto curados úmidos quanto curados ao ar buscou-se avaliar esse coeficiente referente aos danos causados pela extração. Utilizaram-se ainda corpos-de-prova padrão curados ao ar para comparação de resultados. No presente estudo procurou-se também verificar a viabilidade da utilização de testemunhos de diâmetros inferiores aos de 15cm e 10cm normalmente previstos na normalização nacional e internacional, extraindo-se, além daqueles, testemunhos de 7,5cm; 5,0cm e do diminuto diâmetro de 2,5cm; que podem vir a facilitar e agilizar as avaliações de estruturas acabadas. Permitem ainda evitar cortes de armaduras, reduzir custos, possibilitar a obtenção da relação altura/diâmetro igual a 2 e ainda o aumento significativo da amostragem. No programa de ensaios desenvolvido foram estudados concretos produzidos por central dosadora que atende à Região Metropolitana do Recife, em quatro níveis de resistência à compressão aos 28 dias, respectivamente de 20Mpa, 50Mpa e 70MPa e amostragem suplementar de 65MPa, para rupturas também aos 90 dias de idade. Foram realizados também ensaios esclerométricos, ultrassônicos e de massa específica aparente do concreto como subsídios aos ensaios de resistências à compressão. Após análise estatística chegou-se a um valor final promédio para o coeficiente de correção dos efeitos de broqueamento R(M/E) de 1,07; demonstrando-se ainda por correlações ao nível de significância de 1% a viabilidade da utilização dos testemunhos de diâmetros 7,5cm; 5,0cm e do minitestemunho de 2,5cm na avaliação de estruturas acabadas. / The present research aims to evaluate concrete\'s compressive strength in the structure through the analysis of the strength of cast concrete specimens fc(M), hereafter called \"potential\", and that of concrete cores extracted from the structure fc(E), hereafter called \"effective\". The objective was to quantify the coefficient to correct for drilling effects during core extraction - in the present work taken as the ratio R(M/E)=fc(M)/fc(E) - to be applied to the strength of cores with the same dimensions as the specimens. By assuming that the strength of the cores represents the strength of concrete within the structure, R(M/E) corresponds to the term yc2 of the normative coefficient of concrete strength yc. Brazilian Standard NBR 6118:2003 - Procedures for the Design of Concrete Structures - whenever non-conformity in concrete acceptance arises, indicates the extraction of cores in accordance with Standard NBR 7680:1983. It accepts, in this case, that yc be divided by 1.1 in structural evaluations at the ultimate limit state. Former versions of Standard 6118:1980 recommended that core results be corrected due to drilling effects, but made no mention to the correction coefficient itself, merely suggesting that results were increased in 10 to 15 %, depending on the sampling, because it is dealing with the strength of concrete in the structure. NBR 6118:2003 establishes a figure of 1.4 for yc without specifying any value for yc2. The European Concrete Committee (CEB) also recommends a figure of 1.4 for yc, mentioning a figure of 1.1 for yc2. With regard to the corrections due to the damage caused by core extraction, ACI 214 4R-2003 proposes a coefficient of 1.06 to be multiplied by core strength in structural evaluations. By working with wet-cured standard cast specimens and with cores extracted from concrete blocks - either wet-cured or air-cured - an attempt was made to assess this coefficient related to the damage caused by drilling. Standard air-cured cast specimens were used to verify the results. The present study also managed to verify the feasibility of using cores with diameter smaller than those nationally and internationally adopted (15 and 10 cm), namely, 7.5cm, 5.0cm and 2.5cm, which can potentially speed up the evaluation of finished structures. Smaller diameters also decrease the risk of reinforcement damage, lead to lower costs and allow that height: diameter ratios of 2:1 be obtained, thus increasing sampling. During the test programme developed for the present investigation concretes produced by one of the main suppliers in Recife\'s Metropolitan Region were studied, at four compressive strength levels at 28 days: 20, 50 and 70MPa, with a supplementary sampling at 65MPa, for rupture tests at 90 days. Sclerometric, ultrasound and apparent density tests were also performed, as further subsidies to compressive strength tests. The application of statistical analysis led to a final average figure of 1.07 for yc2. The feasibility of using cores with diameters of 7.5, 5.0 and even 2.5 cm was also established at a significance level of 1%.

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento CientÃfico e TecnolÃgico / This paper presents an experimental study in order to assess the evolution of the compressive strength of structural masonry along the healing ages, through the prisms resistance study consisting of two structural ceramic blocks. There were compressive strength tests and modulus of elasticity of a type of the mortar, a trace of grout and no prisms grauteados and grauteados, in ages of 3, 7, 14 and 28 days. It was evaluated also in ages of 3, 7, 14 and 28 days, the evolution of the mortar resistance, depending on the molding method and the shape of the specimens. The structural ceramic hollow block wall was evaluated with respect to the geometric, physical, and mechanical characteristics. From the analysis of the test results, it was found that such structural ceramic block met the regulatory requirements. As to the compressive strength of mortar industrialized, it was found that the prismatic specimens exhibited compressive strength slightly higher when compared to the strength of cubic specimens. The compressive strength of the prisms, and not grauteados grauteados, showed high resistance to compression at 7 days of age. / Este trabalho apresenta um estudo experimental com o objetivo de avaliar a evoluÃÃo da resistÃncia à compressÃo da alvenaria estrutural, ao longo das idades de cura, atravÃs do estudo da resistÃncia de primas, constituÃdos por dois blocos cerÃmicos estruturais. Realizaram-se ensaios de resistÃncia à compressÃo e mÃdulo de deformaÃÃo de um tipo de argamassa de assentamento, de um traÃo de graute e de prismas nÃo grauteados e grauteados, em idades de 3, 7, 14 e 28 dias. Avaliou-se, tambÃm, nas referidas idades, a evoluÃÃo da resistÃncia da argamassa de assentamento, em funÃÃo do mÃtodo de moldagem e forma dos corpos de prova. O bloco cerÃmico estrutural de parede vazada foi avaliado no que se refere Ãs caracterÃsticas geomÃtricas, fÃsicas e mecÃnicas. A partir da anÃlise dos resultados dos ensaios, constatou-se que o referido bloco cerÃmico estrutural atendeu aos requisitos normativos. Quanto à resistÃncia à compressÃo da argamassa industrializada, verificou-se que os corpos de prova prismÃticos apresentaram resistÃncia à compressÃo um pouco acima quando comparada com a resistÃncia dos corpos de prova cÃbicos. A resistÃncia à compressÃo dos prismas, grauteados e nÃo grauteados, apresentou elevada resistÃncia à compressÃo na idade de 7 dias.

Este trabalho apresenta resultados de uma análise teórico-experimental sobre a resistência à compressão de perfis I soldados de aço, formados por chapas cortadas a maçarico. A construção metálica no Brasil utiliza os perfis I soldados formados por chapas cortadas a maçarico em virtude da pouca disponibilidade no mercado dos perfis laminados. Os perfis soldados brasileiros apresentam dimensões (altura, largura de mesa e espessura) diferentes das encontradas nos perfis laminados e soldados, fabricados em outros países. Apresentam-se os principais parâmetros envolvidos na formulação das curvas de resistência à compressão para perfis soldados de pequenas dimensões, tais como: tensões residuais, imperfeições geométricas iniciais e seus efeitos no cálculo da resistência à compressão dos perfis soldados compostos por chapas cortadas a maçarico. Os perfis ensaiados são das séries PS 200x25, PS 225x29 e CS 150x25, sendo que foram obtidos resultados experimentais da força normal crítica e das imperfeições geométricas iniciais para três modelos de cada série com quatro índices de esbeltez diferente. / This work presents results of theoretical and experimental analysis about the compressive strength of steel welded I-shapes manufactured from flame-cut plates. Steel construction in brazil uses these welded I-shapes because of the limited availabilily of hot-rolled shapes in the market. The brazilian welded shapes have dimensions (height, flange width and thickness) that differ from steel welded shapes manufactured in other countries. It presents the main parameters in the formulation of the compressive strength curves for welded shapes of small dimensions as: residual stresses, geometrical initial crookedness and their effects in the evaluation of the compressive strength of the welded shapes manufactured from flame-cut plates. The tested shapes are of PS 200x25, PS 225x29 and CS 150x25 series. Test results were obtained for the critical axial load and the geometrical initial crookedness to three models with four different slenderness ratio in each serie.

Mineral and chemical admixtures are used today in almost all concrete mixtures to improve concrete fresh and hardened properties, and to enhance concrete durability. In this study, four mineral and four chemical admixtures were investigated: namely, metakaolin (MK), silica fume (SF), Class F fly ash (FA), blast-furnace slag (BFS), two high-range water reducers (SP), water reducer/retarder (WRD), and air-entrainer (AEA). The objective of this study is to assess the effects of commonly used mineral and chemical admixtures on the durability of the cementitious system. Two durability issues were addressed in this study: the potential of the cementitious system to generate heat, and sulfate durability. The properties studied here included heat of hydration (HOH) measurements using isothermal calorimetry, setting properties, compressive strength, and expansion on exposure to a sodium sulfate solution. X-ray diffraction was used to characterize the as-received materials and explain failure trends. The findings of this study indicate that silica fume inclusion sustains superior durability in comparison to the other mineral admixtures considered here. Replacement levels as low as 10% outperformed the other admixtures studied. Fly ash showed improvement in the workability of the mixes, but had the lowest compressive strength results and might pose challenges when the rate of strength gain is critical. However, Class F fly ash mixtures showed better performance than unblended mixtures when exposed to a sulfate source. Metakaolin mixes showed higher heat evolution among all the mixtures studied here. This can potentially lead to durability concerns, especially when temperature rise is a design concern. Blast-furnace slag also improved the workability of the mixes and the later compressive strength, but had mixed performances when examined for sulfate durability.

La resistencia a flexión y la resistencia a la compresión representan parámetros fundamentales en el correcto desarrollo de los pavimentos rígidos, porque definen la calidad del concreto, principal componente de los pavimentos rígidos, después de cumplir satisfactoriamente su ciclo de fraguado y curado. En nuestro enfoque cuantitativo, el problema principal radica en intentar efectuar ensayos de rotura a la flexión en zonas alejadas, como en el centro poblado San Cristóbal de Chupán, reconociendo que sólo es posible realizarlo en pocos laboratorios a nivel nacional. Por esta razón se determinó, en base a ensayos realizados en laboratorio, un factor de correlación que vincula el Módulo de Rotura a la flexión y la Resistencia a la Compresión, siendo el resultado experimental el factor (k) expresado por la ecuación Mr = (k)*√f’c, que identifica rápidamente resultados del Módulo de Rotura a la flexión, aplicable a proyectos de condiciones similares, ante las altas exigencias del control de calidad en los proyectos de construcción. The flexural strength and the compressive strength are fundamental parameters in the correct development of rigid pavements, because they define the quality of concrete, principal component of rigid pavements, after performing successfully their setting and curing cycle. In our quantitative approach, the principal problem has roots in realizing flexural strength tests in remote rural areas such as San Cristobal de Chupán populated, recognizing could only do it in a few laboratories nationwide. Therefore written, it is determined a correlation factor, based on laboratory tests, what can relating Flexural strength and compressive strength. The experimental result express a factor (k), what is on the equation Mr = (k)*√f'c, which quickly identifies results of Flexural Strength, applicable to projects of similar conditions, to the demands of quality control in construction projects.

The current trends in the road transport sector show a growth in axle loads as well as vehicle numbers on all types of roads in highly industrialised countries as well as in developing countries. This increase in axle loads and numbers has forced road agencies to amend their design standards adopting designs that provide roads with higher load bearing capacity. However, the rapid depletion of natural road construction gravel, as well as strict environmental conservation laws have resulted in many agencies in-charge of road construction and maintenance to resort to use of alternative materials that will be economically feasible and environmental friendly. The use of natural pozzolans for stabilising pavement layers fulfils this requirement. This research study was performed with the aim of evaluating the engineering properties of aggregate-lime-natural pozzolan (ALP) mixtures at varying compaction degrees of saturation and to compare them with conventional cement-stabilized aggregates. Two types of pozzolans found in Tanzania were used. The laboratory investigation was carried out in two parts, namely a pilot investigation where the strength behaviour with time, shrinkage and CBR were determined at three degrees of saturation for a washed river sand specimen followed by the main investigation using two different types of sands at four varying degrees of saturation. The study showed that the compaction degree of saturation for ALP mixes plays an important role in their tensile and compressive strengths development regardless of their optimum moisture contents. The ratio between tensile and compressive strengths for ALP mixes was also found to closely obey the relation given by Fulton (2001) for concrete. The ALP mixes were also observed to develop their strength similar to cement mixes with the formation of tobermorite crystals with the additional of water and appropriate activator. Both pozzolan mixes developed significant tensile and compressive strength after 28 days of curing similar to cement mixes. High CBR values for the two ALP mixes were obtained in mixes moulded at degrees of saturation lower than that corresponding to their optimum. Similarly, the shrinkage of the mixes was found to decrease with a decrease in the degrees of saturation. The CBR and shrinkage of the ALP mixes were found to show similar trend to that of the control cement mixes. The ALP mixes showed no significant strength loss with an increase in the fines content in unwashed sand mix in comparison with that of washed sand mixes. No significant strength loss was observed in the ALP mixes as in the control cement mixes at all moulding degrees of saturation. Finally the study concluded that the ALP mixes could be used in stabilization of pavement layers. However, care must be taken in deciding the compaction degrees of saturation as the specifications used in conventional cement stabilization does not necessarily yield desirable strength development in ALP mixes. / Dissertation (MEng (Transportation))--University of Pretoria, 2006. / Civil Engineering / unrestricted

The compressive strength of mortar is typically determined using the American Societyfor Testing and Materials (ASTM) standard method using 2 inch cubes which are compressed tillfailure. There is however a disparity between the compressive strengths of mortar cubes, and insitumortar. This disparity is a result of the differences in thickness, aspect ratio, curingconditions, water content, and confinement between mortar cubes and mortar joints. While thesedifferences lead to mortar joints being stronger than mortar cubes, a relationship between theirstrengths is desired.Two less-common mortar strength tests were used to determine more accurately thecompressive strength of in-situ mortar. The results of both tests were compared to the results ofASTM standard compressive testing with mortars of the same water content. The first was theDouble Punch test which involves the use of two metal punches that compress either side of athin mortar sample till failure. The Double Punch test is more difficult to perform than theASTM standard compression test, but was useful because it simulates the confinement that insitumortar will experience. The Double Punch test was also used with mortar specimens ofvarying thickness to determine a relationship between specimen thickness and compressivestrength. The second test used was the Helix Pullout test. This test is performed by insertingmetal helical screws into a mortar joint, and pulling from the joint while restricting rotation. Themaximum load used to extract the Helix is recorded as the Pullout Load, and is used to find thecompressive strength by use of a calibration curve. This test was used on a masonry wall paneland mortar cubes were also made with the same mortar for compressive testing.The tested mortar exhibited decreased compressive strength with increased water content.The mortar also decreased in strength with increasing specimen thickness. Mortar joints wereshown to be significantly stronger than mortar cubes based on factors of specimen thickness andconfinement by an average factor of at least 2.40. Although results are affected by punchdiameter, the Double Punch test was shown to be a consistent and reliable means of estimatingmortar compressive strength. The Helix Pullout test exhibited wide variation, and wasdetermined to be primarily useful for qualitative comparison as opposed to quantitativedetermination of strength.