Mechanical Properties of Various Models of Interlocking Concrete Blocks under In-Plane and Out-of-Plane Loads
Building material innovations in various interlocking concrete block masonry from local materials to withstand lateral earthquake forces is an exciting issue in masonry wall research. The block hook has an advantage in the interlocking system's invention to withstand loads in the in-plane and out-of-plane orientations commonly required by the masonry walls against earthquake forces. Reviews of the investigation of in-plane and out-of-plane masonry walls have rarely been found in previous studies. In this paper, the results of a series of experimental tests with different interlocking models in resisting the simultaneous in-plane shear and out-of-plane bending actions on concrete blocks are presented. This paper presents a research investigation of various interlocking concrete blocks' mechanical properties with different hook thicknesses. Discussion of the trends mentioned above and their implications towards interlocking concrete block mechanical properties is provided.