Influences of random imperfection distribution on the compressive properties of interlocking block wall

Abstract

Block imperfections exist inevitably owing to manufacturing and construction quality control. For dry-stacked interlocking block structures, imperfections result in small gaps randomly distributed between blocks, which affect the compressive strength of the wall. In this study, stochastic analysis is conducted to predict the compressive properties of interlocking block walls with spatially varying randomly distributed block imperfections. Monte-Carlo simulation is conducted in the analysis. The number of block imperfections is assumed to follow the Binominal distribution in massive block production process; the imperfection sizes are assumed to follow the truncated normal distribution. Based on these hypotheses, the damage development mechanism and load-path of interlocking block walls with different imperfection distributions are investigated. It is found that the compressive strength of walls containing blocks with mixed imperfection levels is lower; for walls with a higher number of imperfections, a larger coefficient of variation of imperfections leads to a significant decrease in compressive strength, while the seating effect at the initial stage of compression is reduced. The results provide a guidance to the quality control of mortar-less interlocking block structures.