Experimental study on the in-plane seismic performance of fully grouted interlocking block walls

The construction process of conventional masonry structures is complicated, which leads to timeconsuming and skilled labor dependence. Dry-stacked interlocking system (DSIM) represents an innovative approach, with the aim of improving construction efficiency and reducing manpower needs. Interlocking masonry structures reinforced by grouting and reinforcement have great advantages because they can be applied to different intensity areas by using suitable grouting strength and reinforcement ratio. In this paper, the interlocking block was developed and mechanical properties of solid waste regeneration interlocking blocks were studied, including compressive test of a block unit, compressive test of grouted and ungrouted prisms, and shear test of grouted prisms. Subsequently, four grouted interlocking walls were designed by the orthogonal experimental method, considering three influencing parameters (aspect ratio, vertical load, as well as grouting strength and reinforcement layout). The in-plane cyclic loading was performed to evaluate the seismic behavior of grouted interlocking walls. Finally, the behavior of four fully grouted interlocking walls was analyzed in terms of load-displacement response, failure modes, stiffness, displacement ductility, energy dissipation, and rebars strain. The failure observation and deformation analysis indicate that the grouted interlocking walls exhibited flexural failure. The grouted interlocking walls had outstanding integrity and bearing capacity benefiting from the combination resistance of grouting concrete, rebars, and interlocking block.