The effect of block geometry on structural behavior of topological interlocking assemblies

Abstract

The principle of Topological Interlocking for masonry construction has gained a growing interest over the last decade due to its special structural properties. This paper presents ongoing research on the correlation between block geometry and structural performance in flat assemblies of convex interlocking blocks. It describes four research stages that analyze different geometries of interlocking blocks through numerical and physical analyses. The results highlight advantageous geometries for simple block types, discuss structural behavior of the blocks under loads, and present novel types of block arrangements that achieve higher load bearing capacity than previously known assembly types while using similar material volume.