Geometric Configuration of Building Interlock Brick Systems in Earthquake Prone Areas
摘要
Being one of the oldest materials for a construction site, masonry still has not able to endure lateral loads from natural disaster such as earthquakes. One of the reasons is because the arrangement of the bricks is lacking reinforcing elements. The types of buildings that are usually being damaged 80–85% by earthquakes are residential housing and public facilities. By using the method of interlocking system on masonry, it can beneficially strengthen the earthquake resistance instead of using conventional bricks. This research was conducted to arrange a seismic behavior-resistant, interlocking brick system and analyze the resistance of buildings that are using hybrid interlock brick system. An earthquake as big as 7 Richter scale was being tested on 8 brick designs that were arranged in 1:3 (1 m) and 1:1 (3 m) scale, so the most ideal hybrid interlock brick design that can resist earthquakes could be decided. Additionally, the research was done to confirm the outcome of an earthquake simulation. 4 bricks design were developed, alongside a hybrid lock with the size of 30 × 30 × 15 cm, which turned out to be the most ideal earthquake resistant. According to the outcome of the research, the development of 4 bricks can resist a maximum 10 Richter earthquake. In conclusion, the arrangement of the bricks shows best results to resist earthquakes. However, to have a better understanding about another supporting aspects in the corner areas of the walls inside, another research is needed to be done, so an improvement about the earthquake resistance could be known. This study can be used as a source for relevant areas of research or stakeholders such as building contractors and architects, as a sign that hybrid interlock can be used for buildings that needs a good earthquake resistance, especially buildings in earthquake-prone site.