The impact behaviour of plate-like assemblies made of new interlocking bricks: An experimental study. (15th November 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Rezaee Javan, A.; Seifi, H.; Xu, S.; Ruan, D.; Xie, Y.M.
• Is Part Of: Materials & design. Volume 134(2017)
• Page Start: 361
• Page End: 373
• Publication Date: 2017-11-15
• Subjects: Interlocking brick -- Impact behaviour -- Drop weight -- Impact test; Materials -- Periodicals; Engineering design -- Periodicals; Matériaux -- Périodiques; Conception technique -- Périodiques; Electronic journals; 620.11
• DOI: 10.1016/j.matdes.2017.08.056
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0264-1275

Abstract

Abstract: In this paper we study a new type of interlocking brick recently proposed by the authors. The brick has a symmetrical geometry with four concavo-convex side surfaces for the interlocking purpose. Drop weight tests have been conducted to investigate the mechanical response of interlocking assembly plates by applying different levels of impact force and lateral confining load. The results show that, compared with monolithic plates, the new interlocking assembly plates have significantly improved flexural performance in terms of impact energy absorption capacity. The fracture of individual bricks during the impact always occurs along a load transmission path that is determined by the geometrical constraints of the interlocking bricks. Most importantly, the interlocking design of the plate-like assembly can effectively prevent the propagation and spread of the cracks, so that the damage to a single brick will not lead to a catastrophic failure of the entire structure. Graphical abstract: Highlights: A new type of interlocking brick with four curved side surfaces was experimentally studied. The new design could effectively prevent the propagation of cracks under impact loading. The new design had increased energy absorption capacity and flexibility under impact loads as compared to monolithic one.