ABSTRACT
Dry Stackable interlocking hollow concrete blocks significantly reduce dependence on highly skilled masons for the construction of walling systems. This chapter provides information that might support the dry stack concrete masonry from the structural and economic perspectives. It presents compressive and flexural testing of externally rendered dry stack concrete masonry walling and identifies key aspects essential for modelling the composite masonry. The chapter also presents technical and economical benefits of dry stack masonry if adapted as structural walls. Two methods of using dry stack masonry as structural walls are included: surface rendering and grouting and reinforcing to impart lateral load resistance. Making blocks specifically for dry stack comes with a high premium; this is because such blocks must comply with tighter tolerance of height, contact surface evenness as well as precisely formed interlocking lugs to assist plumb and square of the walls during construction.
