Experimental study on compressive performance of load-bearing horizontal-hole interlock concrete blocks masonry

A total of 54 compressive specimens in nine groups were designed to study the compressive properties of load-bearing horizontal-hole interlock concrete block (LBHHIB) masonry. The specimens were made of BC240, BH240 and BH290 blocks and masonry mortar of high, medium and low strength. The thickness of the specimens is 240mm, 240mm and 290mm, respectively, the height is 1030mm, and the ratio of height to thickness is 4.3, 4.3 and 3.6, respectively. The specimen was subjected to axial compression test. The crack regularity and failure characteristics of the specimens were studied, and the key factors affecting the compressive performance of the LBHHIB masonry were analyzed. Research has shown that the main cause of masonry failure is the transverse tensile stress caused by masonry compression and the additional transverse tensile stress caused by mortar deformation. In addition to the mortar strength and block strength, vertical rib ratio and block structure also affect the compressive strength of LBHHIB masonry. With similar block compressive strength and mortar strength, the compressive strength of LBHHIB masonry is lower than that of traditional vertical hole block masonry. The formulas for calculating compressive strength presented in this paper can accurately calculate the compressive strength of LBHHIB masonry.