ABSTRACT
This chapter provides the results of an experimental research program on the material characteristics and structural performance of a new, innovative type of masonry product with the potential to provide safe and economic housing worldwide. A testing program was conducted to investigate the material properties of the block including individual block flexural and compressive strengths, steel reinforcement and connection behavior, and masonry prism flexural strength. A testing program was developed to investigate the out-of-plane capacity of a new, innovative interlocking, mortar-free masonry product. Mortar-less, interlocking masonry block provides the opportunity for quick and easy construction and low cost; traits especially appealing in underdeveloped regions of the world. The testing program consisted of individual block flexural tests, a masonry prism test, and then one large-scale out-of-plane test. Future research to be conducted on the block will include an additional out-of-plane wall test, additional prism tests, and in-plane lateral load tests.
