Bending Behaviour of Post-tensioned Interlocking Block Masonry Wall

Abstract

Interlocking soil blocks are on of modern techniques of house construction due to its durability. The use of these blocks fits suitably within the production cost and environmental quality as an alternative to fired bricks. This paper reports the result investigation done on walls made using interlocking soil blocks. Three types of walls with different combination of reinforcements were tested. The performance is assessed in terms of cracking patterns, failure modes and load-deflection characteristic. Results show that the ductility of all walls are good and wall with post-tensioned bars performed the best. The post tensioned walls are able to deflect up to 42% without any failure compare to non pre stressed wall. The walls with combination of reinforcement and post –tensioned systems are more ductile compare to walls with reinforcement only. It is concluded, post-tensioned wall developed using interlocking soil blocks can be used in reinforced and post-tensioned masonry application instead of conventional brick masonry.