PSI - Issue 47

9

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

740

Solid One hollow

10000 12000 14000 16000

0 2000 4000 6000 8000

Ultimate load, N

7 days

14 days

28 days

Age of interlocking blocks

Fig. 8. The average ultimate load of the interlocking concrete blocks

When a load is applied to the interlocking concrete block, the block deforms or bends, causing elongation in the material (Fig. 10). Elongation refers to the stretching of the interlocking block when it is subjected to a load. Similar to deflection, strain in a material is influenced by several factors, including material properties, geometry and loading conditions. In this study, the maximum strain is inconsistent with respect to age as shown in Fig. 10. However, the maximum strain in one-hollow interlocking block is lower than in a solid block. This is because the strain in the blocks can be affected by their geometry. In particular, the presence of voids in the hollow blocks can result in lower strain compared to solid blocks for several reasons. Firstly, the voids in the hollow interlocking blocks provide additional space for the block to expand under load, which can result in lower expansion compared to a solid block of the same dimensions. This is because the load is distributed over a larger area, resulting in less elongation. Secondly, the presence of voids can also reduce stress concentrations in the block, which can help prevent localised deformation or cracking that could lead to higher loading. Finally, the one-hollow interlocking blocks have a different material distribution compared to the solid blocks, which can also affect their strain behaviour. Fig. 11 shows the crack pattern of the interlocking block that developed in the middle of the block.

Fig. 9. The average flexural strength of the interlocking concrete blocks