Help Desk

How does the Interbloc shear key work?

The Interbloc shear key is a cruciform tongue and groove design that interlocks the blocks in both horizontal directions. This provides a strong and secure connection between the blocks, which helps to resist lateral forces.

3.3.5. Resistance force from the shear key at each block layer 

The resistance force provided by the shear key is significantly larger than the lateral pressure for the retaining heights. AASHTO provides an equation to calculate the capacity of concrete joints as shown below. 

Where: 

Vn is the shear force provided by a single shear key at each layer; 

AK: is the area of the root of the shear key;

fc' is the compressive strength of concrete; 

n: is vertical pressure of the wall above the block layer; 

Asm: is the interface area of the shear key.

It is expected that the AASHTO formula will overestimate the capacity of the shear key. Therefore, The Rombach’s formula can also be used to calculate the capacity of the shear key as shown in the below equation. 

Why is the shear key important?

The shear key is an important part of the Interbloc wall system because it provides a number of benefits, including faster installation, increased strength, modular design, and a wide range of applications. If you are looking for a safe, reliable, and versatile building material, Interbloc is a great option.

Here are some additional benefits of Interbloc's shear key:

• Faster installation: The shear key makes it easy to install Interbloc blocks, even by two people. This can save you time and money on your project.
• Increased strength: The shear key helps to increase the strength of the Interbloc wall system, making it more resistant to lateral forces such as wind and earthquakes.
• De-constructable: The shear key allows Interbloc blocks to be easily dismantled and reused, making it a sustainable and environmentally friendly building material.
• Wide range of applications: The Interbloc shear key can be used for a variety of applications, including retaining walls, noise barriers, and other civil engineering projects.
• Reduces the risk of overturning: The shear key helps to reduce the risk of overturning by providing a strong connection between the blocks. This is important for retaining walls and other structures that are subjected to lateral forces.
• Improves seismic performance: The shear key can help to improve the seismic performance of a structure by resisting lateral forces caused by earthquakes.