Enhancing the Compression Ductility of Masonry Assemblies Using Self-Reinforced Concrete Blocks

Toopchi-Nezhad, Hamid; Bahrami, Masoomeh; Aghayari, Reza; Tahamoliroodsar, Mehrzad

doi:10.22059/ceij.2026.396108.2320

Enhancing the Compression Ductility of Masonry Assemblies Using Self-Reinforced Concrete Blocks

Articles in Press

Authors

¹ Department of Civil Engineering, Razi University

² Department of Civil Engineering, Islamic Azad University, Kermanshah Branch, Kermanshah, Iran

10.22059/ceij.2026.396108.2320

Abstract

Ductile masonry designs often require complex detailing, leading to higher construction and inspection costs. The primary objective of this study was to examine the performance of an innovative ductile masonry assembly employing self-reinforced (SR) concrete blocks. The SR blocks comprise two hollow circular cells, each reinforced with an internal spiral to provide lateral confinement for both the grouted block cell and enclosed portion of the masonry block. The SR blocks have the same overall dimensions as conventional masonry units and can be laid on a reinforced concrete masonry structure without incurring additional costs. In this study, the stress-strain behavior of half-scale masonry prisms constructed with self-reinforced (SR) blocks was evaluated and compared to that of conventional prisms used as references. The test results revealed that the SR blocks significantly improved the performance of the masonry prisms under compression, retaining approximately 80% of their initial peak capacity up to a compressive strain of 2%. The strain ductility and modulus of toughness were 5.2 and 7.9 times the values obtained for the reference prisms, respectively. Two analytical models for predicting the ultimate strength and strain of confined concrete were examined and found not to be sufficiently accurate for confined masonry using SR-blocks.

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