ABSTRACT
This chapter investigates the thermal properties of the Semi Interlocking Masonry (SIM) and potential use of gap-fillers in the SIM walls. The SIM bricks were designed and developed at the University of Newcastle as a new type of energy dissipation device in buildings for use as wall panels in seismic regions. SIM bricks were introduced as an alternative to energy dissipa-tion devices for use in seismically active zones. The interlocking features of SIM prevent the relative out-of-plane movement of bricks in the panel; however permit limited longitudinal movement along the bed-joint. SIM bricks are of two interlocking types: mechanical and topological. Dry stacked SIM wall could have some gaps in both bedding and perpend joints which reduce thermal insulation efficiency. The extensive use of energy in buildings became a major concern to many countries. Optimising the energy consumption of buildings can de-crease these negative effects.
