Influence of construction method on the behaviour of interlocking block masonry

Development of non-conventional methods of masonry construction techniques adopting interlocking blocks is a potential alternative to the labour intensive conventional mortar bedded masonry. A review of available interlocking block systems, which brought out their shortcomings, formed the basis for developing a simple interlocking concrete block masonry system,namely IITM-SILBLOCK.The influence of three construction methods (i) dry-stacked, (ii) thin-jointed, and (iii) mortar-bedded specimens,on the axial,eccentric andflexural performance of the SILBLOCK masonry was studied experimentally using masonry prism/wallette specimen. All the three types of construction with IYTM-SILBLOCK resulted in relatively higher capacity under axial and eccentric compression than conventional masonry. Under flexural loading, thin-jointed masonry exhibited maximum resistance, followed by mortar-bedded masonry.