Cyclic testing of hollow inter-locking block masonry

Abstract

This paper describes Reinforced Hollow Inter- Locking (HIL) Block Masonry which offers several advantages like cheaper and faster construction, efficient interlocking in different directions to withstand shear and bearing forces, self alignment to ensure accurate and simple construction practice and to construct both load bearing and non-load bearing wall structure. The developed system is an alternative to traditional bonded masonry system as the blocks are stacked on one another and virtually rules out use of mortar for binding/seating and the interlocking protrusions provided in the blocks make the wall an integral unit. The walls can be reinforced with vertical and horizontal reinforcement bands as in any hollow block masonry. Presented in this paper are results of tests conducted on reinforced HIL block masonry under constant axial load and cyclic lateral loading. The effects of reinforcement bands on the lateral resistance and ductility of the walls is studied. The experimental results are compared with the calculated capacity of the wall. As a result of the study, it is concluded that this type of masonry has adequate robustness and ductility and so can be used in moderately seismic areas.