Interlocking masonry wall as a structural load-bearing element is still unexplored simply because its basic behaviour and complete response to failure is not known. In addition, there is no design code available to provide necessary guidance for a safe design of interlocking walls. This paper provides an attempt to ascertain the structural response of interlocking masonry walls compared to conventional bonded walls. Individual block units, prisms and full-scale wall specimens were tested under the action of concentric and eccentric compressive loads. The effect of different patterns of reinforced concrete stiffeners has also been investigated. The test results were discussed in terms of wall efficiency, strength capacity, deflection, strain distribution, cracking patterns and failure modes. The results indicate a promising future use of the interlocking masonry system in construction.
Steel reinforced grout is one of the most effective mortar-based composites for the strengthening of masonry structures. Nonetheless, the deterioration of steel cords, especially when embedded in lime-based matrices, may compromise the long-term effectiveness of the strengthening systems. The use of stainless-steel may overcome this drawback, but it has received limited attention so far, since its higher cost makes it less competitive in the market. This work presents a laboratory investigation on the durability of stainless-steel reinforced grout against salt attack, which is the most severe aging condition. Tensile tests were carried out on bare textiles and composite specimens before and after aging in substitute ocean water for up to 5000 hours. Bent textiles, which are required by a number of structural applications, were aged and tested as well. Test outcomes indicate that this technology may be successfully used for the life-span strengthening of the built heritage.
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