Interlocking in Mud Blocks for Improved Flexural Strength and Earth Quake Resistance

Abstract

Interlocking Compressed Earth Blocks (ICEBs) are a form of dry stack masonry units, which can be manufactured by inexperienced labourers using predominantly low cost materials. This paper presents results from a testing program investigating flexure-dominated ICEB walls. Four 1.8-m high ICEB walls were constructed and tested under in-plane cyclic loading.

The specimens were varied to identify the effects of heightto-width aspect ratio, presence of a flange at one end of the wall, and presence of an opening in the wall on performance of the system. Testing results show that flexure-dominated ICEB walls can exhibit stable hysteretic behaviour until a ductile failure occurs. Furthermore, the strength of the wall can be enhanced due to the presence of a flange at one end and will be reduced due to the presence of an opening.

Conclusion

Four large scale flexure-dominated ICEB walls were constructed and subjected to in-plane cyclic loading to experimentally address their seismic performance. Variations in the tested specimens allowed investigation of the effects of the wall height-to-width aspect ratio, presence of a flange at one end of the wall, and presence of an opening at the centre of the wall on seismic performance of the system. Testing results show that flexure-dominated ICEB walls can exhibit ductile behaviour and stable hysteretic energy dissipation capacities under in-plane cyclic loads.