Accelerated masonry construction review and future prospects

The limitations of conventional masonry cited quite often with respect to constructional, structural and functional performances are summarized, along with attempts to overcome these limitations through different methods of accelerating masonry construction (increasing size of masonry units, elimination of bedding mortar through adoption of: (i) conventional blocks using surface bonding or partial grouting; and (ii) interlocking blocks using dry‐stacking, or surface bonding) developed and proof‐tested or adopted in practice. The accelerated mortarless masonry constructions developed or being used in different countries and by various researchers vary in material, geometry and interlocking mechanism. A classification of interlocking block masonry systems is made, along with a review on the behaviour of some of these systems. The issues to be addressed by researchers in order to achieve a ‘High‐performance masonry’ are highlighted.