Behavior of post-tensioned dry-stack interlocking masonry walls under out of plane loading

The objective of the current research is to investigate the behavior of PT dry-stacked interlocking masonry (DSIM) walls constructed using locally available masonry units and PT bars under out-of-plane loading. Some of the expected factors that could affect the performance of these systems are construction system, grouting effect, PT technique and restraining effect of PT bars. The test results demonstrated that PT-DSIM systems considered in the current study, under out-of-plane loading, behaved similar to the conventionally reinforced masonry walls. In addition, the proposed PT technique proved its efficiency for grouted walls. It can achieve a remarkable increase in the cracking load triple that of the ordinary reinforced walls and in addition to improving the durability and enhancing the appearance. Furthermore, ungrouted PT walls proved to be the most effective construction detail. Since, their specific strength (capacity/weight) ranges between 1.3 and 1.6 times that of grouted PT walls, in addition to taking the advantage of minimizing construction cost, time, and weight of the structure.