Compressive performance of new types of load-bearing horizontal-hole interlocking concrete hollow blocks

Abstract

Two series of load-bearing horizontal-hole interlocking hollow concrete blocks, referred to as H-shaped series and cross-shaped series, were developed, including three geometric types: type BH-290 (H-shaped), type BH-240 (H-shaped), and type BC-240 (cross-shaped). The research presented in this article investigated the compressive behavior of the proposed load-bearing horizontal-hole interlocking hollow concrete blocks and aimed at analyzing the influence of geometric parameters on the block capacity. First, compressive tests of the horizontal-hole interlocking hollow concrete blocks were carried out. The compressive strength, elastic modulus, and compressive failure mechanism were analyzed. Second, the feasibility of the finite element analysis model was verified by experimental results presented in this article, as well as by available test data from other researchers. The influences of vertical ribs, horizontal ribs, and concrete strength on the compressive strength of horizontal-hole interlocking hollow concrete blocks were investigated. Ultimately, based on the numerical modeling results, linear equations were proposed to predict the compressive strength of H-shaped series and cross-shaped series blocks. The results show that the compressive strengths of types BH-240, BH-290, and BC-240 are 15.9, 13.4, and 13.0 MPa, respectively. For the H-shaped series, the core horizontal rib is the key part that can significantly constrain the vertical ribs so that the block can achieve higher compressive bearing capacity. For the cross-shaped series, core horizontal ribs cannot improve the compressive strength of the block because core horizontal ribs and joints near them become damaged early. Improving the concrete strength and the width of the vertical rib can effectively improve the compressive bearing capacity for both H-shaped and cross-shaped series blocks. The accuracy of the proposed equations for predicting the compressive strength of H-shaped and cross-shaped blocks is acceptable, according to the current verification.

Numerical thermal assessment and theoretical analysis of horizontal-hole interlock composite insulation blocks

“…Due to this feature, the interlocking insulation block walls are built quickly and with good flatness. Liu, Zhang [ 3 ] conducted axial compression experiments on interlocking insulating blocks, and the study showed that the average compressive strength of interlocking insulation blocks reaches 13.0 MPa–15.9 MPa and interlocking insulation blocks can be used for load-bearing walls of masonry structures. Shuai, Zhang [ 4 ] proposed a compressive strength prediction formula for interlocking insulation blocks based on axial compression experiments of 54 interlocking insulation block masonry specimens.…”

Mechanical Properties of a New Type Recycled Aggregate Concrete Interlocking Hollow Block Masonry

“…Therefore, the mortar bonding interfaces between the blocks were weakened. Furthermore, the use of hollow blocks needs a relatively high requirement of the construction skills of the workers, which affects the application of concrete hollow blocks to some extent [10,11]. To improve the construction efficiency as well as reduce the cost of construction material, new types of hollow blocks called interlocking blocks were suggested and used [12].…”

Shear properties of a new type recycled aggregate concrete interlocking hollow block masonry with axial load

“…Therefore, the mortar bonding interfaces between the blocks were weakened. Furthermore, using hollow blocks needs a relatively high requirement of the workers’ construction skills, and this requirement limits the application of concrete hollow blocks in building engineering to some extent (Liu et al, 2018; Ma et al, 2020). In order to improve the construction efficiency as well as to reduce the cost of construction material, kinds of new types of hollow blocks called interlocking blocks were suggested and studied (Ali et al, 2012).…”

“…In order to improve the construction efficiency as well as to reduce the cost of construction material, kinds of new types of hollow blocks called interlocking blocks were suggested and studied (Ali et al, 2012). The main feature of the interlocking block system is the ability to connect blocks by interlocking keys (protrusions and grooves) while relatively fewer or no mortar is needed, which makes the interlocking block system easier for self-construction and lowers the skills required of the workers, thereby shortening the construction time and saving the building cost (Liu et al, 2018; Safiee et al, 2018; Thanoon et al, 2004; Yang et al, 2019). Furthermore, compared with the traditional hollow blocks, the connecting keys of the blocks could provide a better connection of the joints while assembling them into a wall, as the keys could work together well with the mortar to improve the ability of resisting the horizontal earthquake action (Ali et al, 2012; Liu et al, 2018; Ma et al, 2020).…”

“…The main feature of the interlocking block system is the ability to connect blocks by interlocking keys (protrusions and grooves) while relatively fewer or no mortar is needed, which makes the interlocking block system easier for self-construction and lowers the skills required of the workers, thereby shortening the construction time and saving the building cost (Liu et al, 2018; Safiee et al, 2018; Thanoon et al, 2004; Yang et al, 2019). Furthermore, compared with the traditional hollow blocks, the connecting keys of the blocks could provide a better connection of the joints while assembling them into a wall, as the keys could work together well with the mortar to improve the ability of resisting the horizontal earthquake action (Ali et al, 2012; Liu et al, 2018; Ma et al, 2020). Yang et al (2019) had studied the shear properties of the masonries built precast concrete anti-shear blocks, and the results showed that the maximum shear strength of the masonry with anti-shear blocks was about 234.48 percent higher than that of the traditionally used control specimens.…”