Rupesh Surwade¹, Mohammad Arif Kamal^2,

The conventional brick walls, stone walls and even hollow concrete blocks require mortar to hold the individual building units in desired position. A new concept of concrete block construction without mortar has been developed, but due to lack of proper promotion and lack of confidence as to their structural stability, they have not been largely used in India. Many such ideas of different type and shape of blocks for jointing without cement or mortar have been developed and used in many countries. The basic theory behind elimination of mortar is to devise an interlocking system of blocks which are technically sound, structurally safe for vertical and wind loads. Interlocking in wall masonry is very unique and one such Technology is known as Hydraform Interlocking Building system that replaces the conventional brick and mortar by using Hydraform machine made interlocking blocks. Besides the cost of mortar itself the time spent in making and placing mortar can be reduced to lay up the blocks. This paper examines the case of Hydraform interlocking blocks as a building material and discusses the engineering viability and properties of such interlocking blocks in masonry construction. The paper concludes that Hydraform interlocking blocks are a viable alternative to conventional bricks with more intangible benefits attached to them.

Hydraform interlocking blocks, building construction, building materials, masonry, sustainability