Natural itacolumite (flexible micaceous sandstone) is composed of quartz grains and mica flakes; the structure has three-dimensional interlocking cracks between the grains. Namely, it exhibits a puzzle-stone shape. By mimicking the microstructure of itacolumite, some flexible ceramics have been prepared1,2). Yamaguchi, et al proposed steel-reinforced brick based on distributed unbond pre-stress theory to create a built-up beam that is analogous with itacolumite microstructure3'. Further, various types of interlocking mortar-less block masonry system (2D-settings of puzzle stones) have been studied. In this work, a 3D puzzle stone was proposed for a 3D-setting with interlocking cracks.
展开▼
