Behaviour of masonry lateral loaded walls made with sediment-based bricks from the Usumacinta river (Mexico)

A feasibility study on Usumacinta River sediment-based bricks for resilient housing adapted to both climate change and seismic risks is performed laterally loaded reduced-scale walls. Mortar formulations with different volume ratios of lime sand (2/1, 1/2, 1/4, 1/6) are prepared while types thoroughly investigated, manufactured strength characterized. Commercial fired as reference completed the set tested (FRS: Fired Sediment-based brick (at 850 °C); LRS: Lime treated unfired (1.5% addition); NRS: Natural fiber Reinforced river FR: commercial Reference made without sediment). Walls sizes were built these mortars. Tests under lateral in-plane loads walls i.e. pushover tests, conducted. The most significant results follows:(1) addition increases mortar; (2) wall size effect observed (FR) mortar ratio (1/2), where, large (LW), intermediate (IW) small (SW) exhibiting maximum load about 1200 N, 440 N 260 respectively. Rocking failure mode unlike shear sliding which rarer. (3) measured during a test provides satisfactory average 130 exceeds recommended light buildings; rocking bricks. (4) give an interesting ductility (2.6–40). These show promising perspectives possibility using in constructions loading.