The Stonebloc 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.
The Stonebloc shear key meets the NZS3101 code Part 1 2006 Section 7.5, which is a safety standard for the shear strength of members - in this case ‘member’ means the Stonebloc block. NZS 3101 section 7.5, the provided shear strength of our shear key is always much larger than the lateral de-stabilizing action. The difference is so great that checking the capacity of the shear key is normally not a concern while designing.
The shear key is an important part of the Stonebloc wall system because it provides a number of benefits, including faster installation, increased strength, modular design, and a wide range of applications. In independent 'push' testing carried out by the School of Engineering at the University of Auckland, the shear key was found to engage as pressure was applied to the wall, as a result the wall acted as a homogenous structure.
