Seismic performance of interlocking compressed-earth block composite walls

This study proposes a novel interlocking compressed-earth block (ICEB) composite wall. The composite walls consist of stabilized interlocking compressed-earth blocks, reinforced concrete core columns, structural columns, and lateral strengthening strips. Nine interlocking compressed-earth block composite walls are designed and prepared at a scale of 1:2 based on the shear wall of traditional residences in Chinese villages. The effects of different structural measures on the seismic performance of composite walls are investigated through low-frequency cyclic loading tests. The failure mode, hysteretic behavior, stiffness degradation, ductility, and en-ergy dissipation ability of the walls under lateral loads are obtained and analyzed. Based on analysis of test curves, the characteristic envelope curves model, calculation method of loading and unloading stiffness, and hysteretic trends are established and a trilinear restoring force model suitable for the wall obtained.

Automated summary

This study proposes a novel interlocking compressed-earth block (ICEB) composite wall, which is composed of stabilized interlocking compressed-earth blocks, reinforced concrete core columns, structural columns, and lateral strengthening strips. Through low-frequency cyclic loading tests, the effects of different structural measures on the seismic performance of composite walls are investigated, and the failure mode, hysteretic behavior, stiffness degradation, ductility, and energy dissipation ability of the walls are obtained and analyzed. Based on the analysis of test curves, characteristic envelope curves model, calculation method of loading and unloading stiffness, and hysteretic trends are established, and a trilinear restoring force model suitable for the wall is obtained.