Design Procedure for Semi Interlocking Masonry

SIM (semi interlocking masonry) is a kind of innovative building system for mortar-less walls. It utilizes a special method of interlocking SIM bricks that allows relative sliding of brick courses in-plane of a wall and prevents out-of-plane relative movement of bricks. It has increased capacity to dissipate earthquake energy through friction between bricks compared with traditional masonry. It can be used in earthquake resistant frame structures as infill panels, which also act as EDD (energy dissipation devices). However, as a mortar-less system, it is not covered by masonry design standards. The purpose of this paper is to introduce SIM and also to develop an analytical design procedure for this innovative masonry system.