Innovative interlocked soil–cement block for the construction of masonry to eliminate the settling mortar

The current work developed the morphology of a new component of construction made with an easy acquisition and low cost material: soil–cement, a material and procedure proven, tested, and regulated. The redesign of a new construction component aims to facilitate the rise of the masonry through an innovative construction process, in which the settling mortar can be eliminated with a perfect fitting system. With the fitting block designed, the mould for pressing was developed and prototypes were conformed in three soil–cement mixtures showing production feasibility. Tested according to the related standards, the prototypes were submitted to resistance of compression, water absorption and sizing. The results showed that only the water absorption parameter did not comply with the standards and therefore must be targeted by future research in order to improve the mixture composition.