PSI - Issue 47

Noorsuhada Md Nor et al. / Procedia Structural Integrity 47 (2023) 732–743 Md Nor et al./ Structural Integrity Procedia 00 (2019) 000–000

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Fig. 5. Compressive strength test of the cube

2.4. Flexural strength for interlocking concrete blocks. The flexural strength of solid and one hollow interlocking concrete block was evaluated in accordance with BS EN 13523-7 (2001) by a 100 kN flexural test using a universal testing machine. The specimen was carefully cleaned and adjusted so that the hydraulic pressing device was precisely aligned with the load centre of the block. Once the load cell was in position, a force was applied with the hydraulic arm until the specimen failed. Fig. 6 shows the test configurations used in this study. During flexural test performed, the linear vertical displacement and strain gauge were applied at mid-span of the specimen to determine the deflection and strain at location. a) b)

Fig. 6. (a) Test set-up (b) enlargement of the test set-up with all instrumentation.

2.5. Finite element analysis As intended in this paper, to verify the formulation and implementation of the proposed models, numerical applications using ABAQUS for the static analysis of both solid and hollow concrete blocks were considered in an interlocking manner. Since finite element analysis is a computer-aided method, the behaviour of interlocking concrete blocks under static loading conditions can be determined. In this method, the interlocking concrete blocks were modelled as a three-dimensional model and the structural properties of the materials were assigned to the model. The model was then subjected to a bending load and the response of the block was analysed.